2009 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Kia Sorento: 2 recalls, 55 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #11E041000 · 2011 · 2,398 vehicles
What's wrong: The units are not water-tight and moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the module's internal circuit protection.
Why it matters: Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Curt manufacturing will notify owners and replace the tow package wiring harness. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 17, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (21): the most common themes are warning light on (9), fails to deploy (3).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), warning light on (9), door / lock issues (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (7), warning light on (4).
- Stability control (8): the most common themes are warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (4).
The 2009 Kia Sorento has 55 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (well below the 425 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 43,225 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (217 complaints, 3 recalls), 2010 (3 complaints, 1 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 2009 Kia Sorento.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Kia Sorento, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 2009 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (21), electrical (14), transmission & drivetrain (9).
What gas mileage does the 2009 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 2009 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.