2008 Kia Sorento recalls and problems
The 2008 Kia Sorento has 3 safety recalls and 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kia Sorento vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Kia Sorento recalls
Recall 20V-088: Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 13V-114: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-473: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2008 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 67 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 44 | |
| Engine | 35 | |
| Electrical System | 32 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 | |
| Power Train | 23 | |
| Service Brakes | 19 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 | |
| Unknown or Other | 12 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | |
| Suspension | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 13
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,200 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Kia Sorento complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Kia Sorento: 20V-088 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic), 13V-114 (exterior lighting), 11V-473 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Sorento?
Owners report air bags problems most often (67 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (44). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,200 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.