2008 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Kia Sorento: 3 recalls, 217 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #11V473000 · 2011 · 10,631 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V114000 · 2013 · 980,377 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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…
The 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.
Electrical, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V088000 · 2020 · 228,829 vehicles
What's wrong: Moisture May enter the anti-lock brake (ABS) module and result in an electrical short.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (66): the most common themes are warning light on (27), fails to deploy (12).
- Stability control (44): the most common themes are warning light on (25), stalls / loses power (11), electrical failure (8).
- Engine (35): the most common themes are warning light on (18), stalls / loses power (9), electrical failure (6).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (18), fire / smoke (8), warning light on (7).
The 2008 Kia Sorento has 217 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (well below the 425 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 57,026 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (154 complaints, 4 recalls), 2009 (55 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Kia Sorento.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (66), stability control (44), engine (35).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Kia Sorento repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.