Owners have filed 319 complaints
about the 2008 KIA Sorento with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 25
Against the median year of the KIA Sorento. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
1343.3%
Sensor/Control Module
620.0%
Automatic Transmission
413.3%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
26.7%
Body
26.7%
Switch
13.3%
Exhaust System
13.3%
Engine
13.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
124.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
187.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
259.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5220.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5421.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3413.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3614.1%
150,000+ miles
259.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2008 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
19.1% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2007peak 16Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 KIA Sorento
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP21003Opened 12 Nov 2021Closed 20 Jun 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can b...
EA09017Opened 19 Nov 2009Closed 26 Sep 2011AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Occupant Classification System
The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated 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.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to add...
PE09034Opened 17 Jul 2009Closed 30 Nov 2009AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAG OCS
KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WI...
Recalls on the 2008 KIA Sorento
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202006415,238 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, moisture can enter the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. This can happen even if the vehicle is parked. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a relay to power off the HECU when the vehicle is turned off. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors, and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 2013098106,098 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.
Recall 2011332750 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the Occupant Classification System (in the right front seat) may misinterpret an incorrectly seated adult as a small stature adult or a child, thereby deactivating the passenger frontal airbag. Failure of the passenger frontal airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will update the Occupant Classification System software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jonesboro, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesKingwood, WVFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11439851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahopac, NYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11420671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11360542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dallas, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Their brake lights are NOT working even when stopped during stopped traffic there is no indication of them braking
NHTSA complaint #11753449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11719687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleburne, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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...
NHTSA complaint #11718985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleburne, TX
ENGINE
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...
NHTSA complaint #11718985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleburne, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
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...
NHTSA complaint #11718985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,000 milesGoldendale, WA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11606170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goldendale, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11606190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastian, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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?
NHTSA complaint #11511177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesOrlando, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11489999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesOrlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11489999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray Court, SC
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11473833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray Court, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11473833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray Court, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11473833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, NC
ENGINE
Run away throttle, then part throttle, then stalls. Very unsafe. NHTSA action# dp21003 Problem comes and goes regularly
NHTSA complaint #11469382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesHurst, TX
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11458020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, AR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11443506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11443506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, AR
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11443506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesKingwood, WVFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11439851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCalhan, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11426651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Wales, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11424133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Park, FL
AIR BAGS
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!
NHTSA complaint #11423082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
