repaired · 2022 Q1
Electrical system
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.
2008 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 217 owner complaints about the 2008 Kia Sorento, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-088 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Kia Sorento has problems
217 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
66Air bags12 crash/fire/injury
44Electronic stability control (ESC)2 crash/fire/injury
35Engine3 crash/fire/injury
32Electrical system6 crash/fire/injury
28Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
23Power train1 crash/fire/injury
19Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
13Exterior lighting
8Engine and engine cooling
3813 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 66 | 12 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 44 | 2 |
| Engine | 35 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 32 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 28 | 3 |
| Power train | 23 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 19 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 38 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
39kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 53 air bags complaints. 70% were reported before 100,000 miles.
24under 30k miles37under 100k miles16100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sorento year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Kia Sorento safety ratings
2008 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Kia Sorento, and the recalls they led to.
- Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesNo recall
- Air Bag Occupant Classification SystemLed to recall 11V-473
- AIR BAG OCSNo recall
In owners' words
What Sorento owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2008 Sorento?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.