2008 Kia Sorento

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 217 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the Kia Sorento years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Kia Sorento years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
57,200 milesMedian miles at failure

178 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Kia Sorento problems

65 of the 217 complaints (30%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags47
10013
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control33
010
Electrical System19
040
Engine16
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration15
201
Service Brakes · brakes13
211
Power Train · transmission13
100
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags12
001
Unknown or Other9
020
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module · airbags6
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System20V088000
Filed Feb 14, 2020228,829 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Risk. An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V114000
Filed Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive11V473000
Filed Sep 7, 201110,631 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Risk. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy. KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 29, 2026TX

Their brake lights are NOT working even when stopped during stopped traffic there is no indication of them braking

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2026AZ

I took my car to a mechanic. Said ABS Control Module failed. This is a safety issue and should be replaced. Brakes are not stopping as well as they should should and don't vibration while going down a steep incline. Had to push really hard for the brakes to stop. Just put me and my family at risk. No warning lights. During testing by the mechanic he noticed the car shifts to the side when putting on the brakes.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 22, 2026GA

My 2008 Kia Sorento parked inside a garage for 2 days, not running, not idling, without the key in the ignition, all of a sudden cut fire by itself, consuming the entire engine compartment and part of the front seat, and also caused substantial damage to the the garage. Filed a claim with Kia which denied responsibilities. The incident occurred in December 26, 2025, and was waiting for Kia decision before further action

Engine
Filed Feb 19, 2026TX

My ABS sent codes saying there's moisture in the ABS Module,Brake Light Switch may malfunction are cause Accidents due to malfunction of Brake Lights...

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2024201,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorrento. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred with the driver's side air bag. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V473000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2024WA

The ABS brakes in slippery/snowy/icy when pressed hard will make a noise and feel in the brake pedal that will be like a warning that they are going to lock up and you will go sliding. One time I went sliding into an intersection because this happened with the ABS brakes. The ABS light did not come on nor the ECS light because I was in 4x4. It started happening a year ago in winter time. Currently it has not been inspected or fixed.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 10, 2023FL

I have to push the brake pedal almost to the floor to stop the car. This vehicle has been like this for quite some time now .It's not master cylinder as that has been looked at serval times.I just don't know if the car brakes just won't work one day.I find this to be a huge safety issue.There was a class action suit for a defect with ABS control module is this the problem with the brakes?

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 19, 2022129,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated upon reversing out of his garage, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted an abnormal sound. The ABS and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) was completed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure persisted, and he needed to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to correct the safety failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2022SC

I bought my sorento used and the airbag light is lit on the front dash in both where the guages are and under the stereo. It doesnt matter if someone is in the seat or not. I found that there was a recall years ago so when i called Kia they told me that my vehicle had been repaired and I told them it must not have been or the repair didnt work. They then told me the date of repair. Crazy thing is they were saying it had been repaired a year before the recall was announced. I said really. Knowing Kia aint gonna pay for a repair that hadnt been part of a recall yet. Now with the newest recall its saying the brakelights might not come on when applied. But with my Sorento the brakelights wont turn off. No matter what you do even when you take the key out and lock the doors, the brakelights remain on. Right when this started the ESC OFF light on the dash came on. The brakelights stayed on so much it apparently fried my battery. I got another battery and replaced the brakelight switch and started it up and it immediately wont idle correctly. It had idle fine before the brakelight issue.

Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2022NC

Run away throttle, then part throttle, then stalls. Very unsafe. NHTSA action# dp21003 Problem comes and goes regularly

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2022136,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she contacted an independent mechanic who advised her that she needed a new OCS seat mat. The contact stated that she then contacted the dealer who advised her that there was a recall for the failure she was experiencing, however the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V473000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 2021AR

Even after having the ESC and relay box replaced the vehicle has become much worse. It's shuts down my accelerator pedal and won't move I have to shut it off completely for it to reset its extremely unsafe and is now affecting my job. And the ability to take car of my son. And Kia wants to charge me $200 plus for a diagnosis when it clearly keeps shutting down the vehicle and the esc off light is on. I even replaced the accelerator pedal assembly $180 and it did not fix the problem please help. Also this has been an on going issue since August 2020 and even after running diagnostic on it. I keep getting the run around from everyone stating a different issue each time.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Nov 9, 2021181,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a burning odor and smoke were present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Also, the engine had stalled while driving and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while driving on inclined roads. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the failures began after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20v088000 (Electrical System, service brakes) which involved a fire hazard. The local dealer was informed of the failures. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 181,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2021130,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that the dealer-installed a fuse box assembly to prevent the ABS from overheating while performing the recall repair. Two days later while the contact was traveling the vehicle went into limp mode causing the vehicle to drive only in 2nd gear. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer; Jones Kia (2001 Belair Rd Fallston, MD 21047, (410) 879-6400) who inspected the vehicle and determined that the ABS module was damaged and need to be replaced. The local dealer replaced ABS module and the vehicle was finally repaired on 07/14/21. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 9, 2021FL

Driver airbag light has been on a year I keep checking for recalls but none are shown. What is my next step afraid bag will not work if needed.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2021FL

My 2008 kia Sorento has a faulty passenger air bag, or air bag sensor. The ‘passenger air bag off’ light has been on since I purchased this car from a dealership in January of 2019. This jeopardizes the safety of my passengers because if the sensor or software is faulty, the airbags won’t deploy when needed. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but I plan to take it to a dealership as well, it is available to be inspected upon request. I have called kia consumer affairs twice because there was a recall for this same passenger airbag issue in Kia Sorentos manufactured from 2007-2009 (SC067), but the first time they told me there was nothing I could do because the VIN wasn’t listed as affected. The second time I called to get more information, they put me on hold and then hung up on me so I do not know how to progress when kia is refusing to address my concern. I have to drive on the highway frequently and I am very worried about having a faulty airbag system. Thank you for your time!

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 12, 2021NY

I pulled into my driveway and the car shut off and I heard a pop, never had an issue before this. Upon getting out I noticed smoke and asked my neighbor to help me open the hood. Upon opening the hood we noticed a fire in the passenger side of the engine and called 911. The entire car was engulfed in flames within minutes of me getting out of the vehicle, luckily I made it out but what if I had not? I am mentally traumatized along with my family especially my young child. The car is sitting in my driveway still and it is a daily reminder of what happened. There is a recall SC186 on Kia Sorento year 2007-2009 that I was never informed about. Something needs to be done or I will be making sure this is a case that is handled in the court system.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 202197,000 milesVT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAYTONA KIA (510 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386)252-7000) WHERE THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 2, 2021FL

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON. COMPUTER CODE INDICATES THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR. AIR BAGS WILL NOT BE ENGAGED DUE TO THE SENSOR MALFUNCTION.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2020TN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED GOSSETT KIA SOUTH (2680 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115;(901) 328-8173) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2020153,100 milesMN

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON, PASSENGER SIDE SEEMS OPERATIONAL. IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, DURING THE SAME TRIP INTERIOR LIGHTS, EXCEPT MANUAL PUSH LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD, DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
Filed Sep 22, 2020FL

I WAS READIND DOWN BEARESS AVE IN TAMPA FLA IAS I WAS RIDING MY TRUCK WENT INTO FLAMES AS SOON AS I LEFT MY HOME AT THE TIME NOT EVEN A HALF MILES THE HILSS COUNTY SHERIFF DID LET THE HOOD UP ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MY INSURANCE DID COVER CAUSE I IHAD PIP THE TOW TRUCK CAME AND PUT. THEFIRE OUT THE CAUSE WAS ELACTRIC BATTERY BURNED UP CABLES ETC

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 202065,000 milesFL

WHENEVER WEATHER IS MOIST OR RAINY THE ENGINE HAS BOGGED DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND HAS NO POWER EVEN WITH GAS PEDDLE PRESSED TO FLOOR. THIS HAS LEFT US STRANDED TWICE NOW BUT WHEN TAKEN TO BE CHECKED THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ALSO TPMS IS ALWAYS ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR OVER 1 1/2 YEARS NOW WITH NO EXPLANATION.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 11, 2020155,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON FOR BOTH THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SEATS. THE DEALER FIRST TEAM KIA (4834A BRIDGE RD, SUFFOLK, VA 23435, (757) 320-1088) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2020ID

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POCATELLO NISSAN KIA (1900 FLANDRO DR, POCATELLO, ID 83202 (208)232-1062) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 4, 2020145,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 54 MPH. UPON REALIZING WHAT HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED OFF THE ROAD, INTO A GRASSY DITCH, TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES. AS THE DRIVER TRIED TO RE-ENTER THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A COUPLE OF TIMES FROM EAST TO WEST ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROAD AND DAMAGED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SKIN LOSS FROM LACERATIONS ON HIS LEG AND NECK. THE NECK INJURY WAS CAUSED BY THE SEAT BELT'S SHOULDER STRAP. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED BY THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE TEAM AT THE ROADSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 4, 2020140,000 milesTX

WHEN IT'S HUMID OUTSIDE OR THERE IS ANY KIND OF MOISTURE IN THE AIR MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE ESC LIGHT. THE CAR SEEMS BOGGED DOWN AND WONT GO ABOVE 2000 RPM. IT TAKES 15 MINUTES JUST TO GET THE CAR UP TO 50 MPH AND THATS WITH THE GAS PEDDLE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IT DOES IT MAINLY WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS SCARY. IT LOOSES MOST OF ITS ACCELERATION POWER

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 4, 2020163,500 milesTX

MY VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ISSUES CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR RECALL REPAIR TODAY AND ALL TROUBLE CODES AND ISSUES RESOLVED THEMSELVES. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ALSO CAUSED FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IMMEDIATELY BURNED UP. THESE ISSUES HAVE COST $500+ TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR AND I BELIEVE KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. KIA DENIES THE ISSUE IS RELATED, HOWEVER, RESOLUTION OF MANY ISSUES UPON RECALL REPAIR TELL ME THEY ARE WRONG.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 202096,981 milesTX

IN JAN 18 2016 NOT KNOWING OF ANY RECALL AS WE MOVE FROM OUR HOME ADDRESS AT THE TIME TO NEW ADDRESS, WE TOOK THE KIA TO DEALER BECAUS THE PASS AIR BAG SHOWS: OFF. DEALER JUST TOLD US THIS WILL COST $1800 TO FIX AND NEVER EVEN BOTHER TO CHECK ON RECALLS. NOW WHEN WE CHECK NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE WE FOUND THE RECALL CAMPAIGN # 11V473000 . WR CALL KIA MOTORS AND THEY REFUSE TO HONOR THE CAMPAIGN RECALL ON PASS AIR BAG ON OUR TRUCK CLAIMING THE PART AFFECTED THAT MAKES HAS NOTHIN TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG !! PASSENGER AIR BAG CONTINUES TO BE OFF SO WHEN WE RIDE IN THE SUV I HAVE NO PROTECTION. WE CALLED KIA TODAY 7/23/20 AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR IT OR INSTRUCT DEALER TO REPARIR IT . IF THE PART AFFECTED HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, THEN WHY IS THE AIR BAG NOT WORKING IF THIS WAS CORRECT? PLEASE HELP US BECAUSE OF UR MOVING FROM ONE ADDRESS TO ANOTHER WE WERE NEVER TOLD AND IN THE BLOGS AND YOUR WEBSITE ALL KIAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 11, 2020TX

THIS VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR FOR THE PUBLISHED RECALL AND NOW THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO EXTORT MONEY TO FIX THE VEHICLE BY SAYING SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STARTER AFTER THEY COULD NOT START THE CAR. THE CAR WORKED FINE BEFORE IT WAS BROUGHT IN AND NOW ELDERLY OWNERS ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 25, 202013,000 milesMI

I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT 8/18/17 TOSSED BACK AND FORTH LIKE A RAG DOLL MY AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY ON IMPACT UNTIL THE 4TH TIME AND I WAS KNOCK OUT UNCONSCIOUS. DON'T RECALL MY SEAT BELT WORKED I RECALL BEING TOSSED BACK AND FORTH BACK AND FORTH AND TOOK MY LAST BREATH. THIS IS MY 3 TIME DOING THIS. IT WAS MOVING I WAS HIT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2020CA

MY LEFT TAIL LIGHT IS OUT. I HAVE GONE TO THE MECHANIC, CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB BUT NO FIX. I WAS ADVISED THERE WAS SOME SORT OF SHORT HAPPENING FROM KIA THROUGH A RECALL LETTER. SINCE I'VE RECEIVED THE LETTER NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AND TO PARK IT AWAY FROM OTHER CARS IN CASE OF IT CATCHING FIRE. I LIVE IN THE BAY AREA AND DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF PARKING IT AWAY FROM OTHER CARS, THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. I NEED TO KNOW WHEN THEY'RE GOING TO FIX THIS? I CAN'T MOVE AROUND WITHOUT MY CAR AND I ALSO FEAR FOR MY NEIGHBORS ASSETS IF THIS CAR WOULD TO IGNITE AS THE RECALL STATES. PLEASE HELP AND ADVISE ON WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE PROMPTLY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 2020174,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON'S NORTHLAKE KIA (3626 NORTHLAKE BLVD, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33403, (561) 285-2325) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 202066,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 26, 2020CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. KIA OF CARSON (22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed May 14, 2020FL

RECEIVED INTERIM NOTICE FROM KIA DATED 4/8/2020 THAT THE HECU ASSEMBLY CONTROLLING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE, AND THAT IT CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT FIRE IF "MOISTURE" ENTERS THE HECU, EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. MY LOCAL KIA DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED THE REQUIRED PARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS NERVE WRECKING WHILE I'M DRIVING, PARKING OUTSIDE AND NOT KNOWING WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE!!! I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND ALL THEY EXPLAIN IS THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE REMEDY BUT THAT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE UPDATE AS TO WHEN KIA WILL BE RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU!!! *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2020TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. DENNIS EAKIN KIA (5200 E. CENTRAL TEXAS EXPY, KILLEEN, TX 76543, (254)699-2909) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 202065,000 milesGA

THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING A REMEDY ON HECU REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THEY ARE ASKING US TO PARK OUR CAR AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALLED CAR MAY GET IN FIRE. HOW THE OTHER PEOPLE MAY KNOW TO PARK AWAY FROM MY DEFECTIVE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE AND I HAVE TO USE IT EVERY DAY. IF KIA IS NOT ABLE TO FIX THE RECALL ,THEY MUST PROVIDE ME WITH A SUBSTITUTE CAR UNTIL THEY CAN REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Mar 20, 2020WV

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER STEP-SON WHOM WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER STEP- SON PASSED AWAY AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PER THE POLICE REPORT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN HE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CROSSING INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC, COLLIDING HEAD ON INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONTAL DRIVER SIDE AR BAG DEPLOYED HOWEVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION HOWEVER, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED BY THE CONTACT'S FAMILY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN*JB

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 29, 2019203,000 milesMA

HIT A GUARD RAIL ON THE FRONT; SIDE AND REAR (DID A 360 AND 180) AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. I WAS ON INTERSTATE 90 GOING ABOUT 65-70

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2019MA

MY CHECK ENGINE GOES ON AND OFF WHENEVER. PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GROUT IT TO AUTOZONE FOR CHECK AND IT STATED SENSORS. MY SHOP SAYS THEY FIX IT AND IT CONTINUES I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Feb 25, 2019200,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WITH BOB MOORE KIA NORTHWEST (7340 NORTHWEST EXPY, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73132, (405) 720-3800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Feb 7, 201986,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED A SIDE IMPACT BY A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES AS WELL AS INTERNAL BLEEDING FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGERS ALSO SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 24, 2019190,000 milesFL

ON 01/24/2019 AT APPROXIMATELY AROUND 6:00 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U TURN ON E. BEARESS AVE IN FRONT OF MORT ELEM SCHOOL IN TAMPA FLA WHEN MY 2008 KIA SORENTO CUT OFF THEN COULD NT GET IT TO COME AS I WAS TURNING THE KEY SO I HAD AND OFFICER BEHIND HELP ME PUSH IT OUT THE ROAD AS GOT IT LET THE HOOD UP WE NOTICE IT WAS ON FIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS DISPATCHED THEY CAME OUT ASSESS THE DAMAGE TOOK PICTURES AND RULED OUT FJRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THEY UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TO PREVENT FURTHER FIRE VIN# IS. (XXXX) CAN PROVIDE FIRE REPORT BUR NOT AT THE MOMENT PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 2019NC

THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SAYS ITS TURNED OFF WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 30, 2018100,143 milesFL

ALL DOOR HANDLES HAVE FALLEN OFF IT'S GOING TO BE $250.00 TO HAVE ONE FIXED. I AM NOT ABLE AT THIS TIME TO HAVE A MALFUNCTION FIXED! IT IS NOT VANDALISM OF ANY KIND! IT'S A DEFECTIVE PART! THE AUTO REPAIR PLACE SAID TO LOOK INTO RECALLS! I NEED THIS PROBLEM FIXED! NO CAR I HAVE OWNED HAS EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT THIS ONE!

Air Bags
Filed Sep 12, 2018128,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG, AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL SENSOR, REAR SENSOR BEARING, AND REAR LINE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 10, 201887,550 milesFL

SUNDAY SEPT 9TH AT AROUND 9 - 9:30 AM I SMELLED SMOKE AND WALKED AROUND THE HOUSE AND SMELLED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE GARAGE. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR I SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND SMOKE AND FIRE ON TOP OF THE HOOD. I CALLED THE PALM BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY GOT THERE THEY PUT THE HOSE ON THE CAR UNTIL THE FIRE WAS OUT THEY HAD TO CUT THE HOOD IN ORDER TO FINISH PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. THEY FIRE MARSHALL CAME AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY GAVE ME A CLAIM NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE KIA DO FOR YOU . THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT SAID THEY WILL GIVE THE CLAIM TO THE RIGHT DEPARTMENT AND THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME IN 3 TO 5 BUSINESS DAYS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND IT HADN'T BEEN TURNED ON SINCE FRIDAY . THIS VEHICLE WAS A 2008 SORENTO WITH LESS THAN 90,000 MILES IT WAS IN GREAT CONDITION ALSO.

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 201892,000 milesWA

MY 2008 KIA SORRENTO, WITH ONLY 92K MILES ON IT... I HAD IT IN THE SERVICE SHOP AT THE KIA DEALER, FOR A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE.. THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS THE MAIN BARRING GOING OUT.. AND THEY QUOTED ME 12K TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AS A FIX... OF COURSE I SAID NO, THAT WAS 3 YEARS AGO, MY SORRENTO IS STILL SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY UN-DRIVEN, WHICH IS COMPLETELY PAID OFF.. INSTEAD I PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR FROM KIA... RECENTLY I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS ON NEWER VERSIONS OF THE SORRENTO'S... I WROTE KIA CORPORATE, ABOUT THIS, AND OF COURSE NO RESPONSE BACK FROM THEM AT ALL. I AM A LOYAL KIA DRIVER, HOWEVER I WISH KIA WOULD STEP UP AND CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS MAIN BARRING DEFECT.. A LOUSY $20 DOLLAR PART FAILED ON A 30K PURCHASED SORRENTO, AND THEY WILL NOT ANSWER ME BACK.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 20184,000 milesCA

INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS. THE LIGHT ON CEILING OF CAR IS SWITCHED TO OFF BECAUSE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT GO OUT WHEN YOU SHUT ALL OF THE DOORS

Complaints 1-50 of 217, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266200Routine
202577300Routine
202444210Routine
2023126320Routine
2022194610Routine
2021255410Above average
20201401121Fatalities reported
20194352190Above average
20182553111Fatalities reported
20178084320High concern
20161,2628500High concern
20157553140Above average
20149886461Fatalities reported
20139835440High concern
20128805770High concern
20111,5208630High concern
20103200Routine
200955310Routine
2008 — this page217393Fatalities reported
2007154450Routine
2006242180Above average
2005307051Fatalities reported
20042200121Fatalities reported
2003305131Fatalities reported

Compare every Sorento year →

Reading this record

3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 14, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.