2008 Kia Sorento
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 217
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 217 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
31% · 67 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of a second vehicle. The crash caused severe damage to the front end of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07
My 18 year old son was driving my Kia Sorento along with his 16 year old brother in the passenger seat when the vehicle hydroplaned on a wet road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-15
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia sorrento. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH in snowy weather, he attempted to avoid crashing into another vehicle and swerved off the roadway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-26
Electronic stability control (esc)
20% · 44 reportsEngine
16% · 35 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-22
Also filed under Electrical system and structure
I drove my 08 Kia Sorento home at about 730 am. I work night shift and went to sleep and was woken up at 945 by ems to my car up in flames. It was showing no signs of any problems, not running hot, nothing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
15% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Vehicle speed control
13% · 28 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the vehicle surged forward and crashed into a tree. There was one reported injury. The vehicle was towed away from the location.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-09
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2009-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-30 Air bag ocs
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2009-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-26 Air Bag Occupant Classification System
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2011-09-30Air bags11V473000 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…
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…
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2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…
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.…
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2020-06-05Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic20V088000 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.
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.
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 67 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 44 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 35 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V473000 · Air bags
- Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 20V088000 · Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Sorento have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.