2008 KIA SORENTO

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    53 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    54
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,500–113,000 mi

    Median 33,500 mi, based on 56 reports (23% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED. AS OF NOVEMBER 7, 2007, THE DEALER HAD…"~600 mi, complaint #645188
    • "PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AND SAYS THAT AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. WIFE WEIGHTS 160 AND IS A FULL SIZE ADULT. KIA SAYS SHE IS NOT SITTING IN THE SEAT RIGHT, I HAVE HAD IT IN TO THE DEAL TWICE NOW FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. THEY KNOW…"~16,549 mi, complaint #742299
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO INDICATE THAT A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT…"~62,000 mi, complaint #769397
    • "THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WITH THE TROUBLE CODES OF B1511, B1513, AND B1448 ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS GOES WRONG AT THE SAME TIME."~110,000 mi, complaint #1227941
    • "HIT A GUARD RAIL ON THE FRONT; SIDE AND REAR (DID A 360 AND 180) AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. I WAS ON INTERSTATE 90 GOING ABOUT 65-70"~203,000 mi, complaint #1570401
  2. #2

    stability and traction control

    26 unsafe

    26
    incidents
    Typical range: 34,000–86,000 mi

    Median 55,000 mi, based on 41 reports (11% had no usable mileage)

    • "WE HAVE A 2008 SORENTO, PURCHASED IN MARCH 2009 (NEW). APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, ONLY APPROX 15,000MILES, WE HAD OUR FIRST INCIDENT THAT THE ESC OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AT THE SAME TIME, POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DECR…"~15,000 mi, complaint #871798
    • "THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYS ON. ALSO, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCES A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, HOWEVER WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT ALL BECAUSE OF THE REPORTS OF POWER AND CONTROL FAILUR…"~36,693 mi, complaint #885708
    • "STARTED CAR TO WARM UP FOR TRIP TO WORK. ESC LIGHT STAYED/CAME ON. ENGINE WOULDN'T ALLOW SPEED OVER 55 WITH THE GAS PEDAL FLOORED. TOOK TO KIA DEALER MADE APPOINTMENT. *TR "~50,500 mi, complaint #991512
    • "FOR THE 3RD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT COME ON AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING THE CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. SOMETIMES IT WILL RESET IF YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. HAVE REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. SEE THIS IS A COMMON THEME W…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1102408
    • "I ALMOST KILLED EVERYONE IN MY CAR, ALONG WITH OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY. I PULLED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND HAD NO POWER TO MY VEHICLE. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. I NOTICED MY ESC OFF LIGHT…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1010701
  3. #3

    throttle and pedal

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 51,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY 2008 KIA SORENTO'S THROTTLE ACCELERATOR SENSOR HAS GONE OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A YEAR. I LOOKED THIS ISSUE UP ONLINE, SINCE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME, AND FOUND EXTENSIVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IT GOES OUT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTR…"~10,480 mi, complaint #856052
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ESC LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 40MPH. SPEED DECREASED BELOW 40MPH ON HILLS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER RESTARTING. A CHECK OF THE ODB-II CODES GAVE…"~27,534 mi, complaint #935592
    • "EXITING A STRIP CENTER TO CROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND MAKE A LEFT TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, I ACCELERATED IN A SAFE GAP ONLY TO FIND MY VEHICLE HAD ALMOST NO ACCELERATION. I WAS NEARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION IF NOT FOR THE EXCELLENT AWARENESS AND REACTION O…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1395771
    • "2008 KIA SORENTO START-UP STALLING TEMPERAMENTALLY FOR THREE WEEKS. ON 9/11/2012 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC OFF LIGHT APPEARED, FOLLOWED WITH A "PUTTING" ENGINE AND LIMP MODE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN FOOT APPLIED TO GAS PEDAL. KIA DEALERSHIP CONF…"~60,300 mi, complaint #941103
    • "AFTER STOPPING AND LOOKING FOR ONCOMING CARS AND STARTING AGAIN, THE CAR JETTISONED CAUSING ME TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP FOR ABOUT A HALF BLOCK."~122,000 mi, complaint #1232983
  4. #4

    engine internal

    2 stranded, 6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 53,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I BOUGHT MY 2008 KIA SORENTO 11/11/2008. IN MARCH 2009, I STARTED TO NOTICE A COMPRESSION TYPE NOISE AND IT OCCURS EVERY 3-5 SECONDS. THE KIA DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. THIS IS AN ONGOING AND STILL CURRENT IS…"~4,500 mi, complaint #719104
    • "BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, CHECK ENGINE & ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON, WOULDN'T ACCELERATE OVER 20MPH. BROUGHT BACK HOME AND PARKED. FEW HOURS LATER TOOK GRANDDAUGHTER TO DENTIST AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DIDN'T GO OFF UNTIL TOOK TO AUTO ZONE ON ASHEV…"~53,460 mi, complaint #997833
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE T…"~63,000 mi, complaint #971071
    • "MY 2008 KIA SORRENTO, WITH ONLY 92K MILES ON IT... I HAD IT IN THE SERVICE SHOP AT THE KIA DEALER, FOR A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE.. THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS THE MAIN BARRING GOING OUT.. AND THEY QUOTED ME 12K TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AS A FIX... OF COURSE I SAI…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1491421
    • "WE WERE DRIVING ON A BUSY FREEWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED GETTING STIFF SO WE SLOWED DOWN AND MOVED OVER TO THE FAR RIGHT. THE CAR DIED BUT WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC THOUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR WAS STILL NOT OUT ALL THE W…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1160519
  5. #5

    engine stall or no start

    3 stranded, 6 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 65,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY 22 YR SON. WAS DRIVING A KIA SORENTO, AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON 11/27/08 ON I-10 W IN HOUSTON, TX, JUST EAST OF LOOP 610. THE VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR AND HAD CA. 4000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. MY SON REPORTS HEARING A LOUD BOOM FROM THE ENG…"~4,000 mi, complaint #699586
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SHAWNEE MISSION KIA (7591 SHAWNEE MISSION, KS 66202), BU…"~31,970 mi, complaint #1432284
    • "WHENEVER WEATHER IS MOIST OR RAINY THE ENGINE HAS BOGGED DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND HAS NO POWER EVEN WITH GAS PEDDLE PRESSED TO FLOOR. THIS HAS LEFT US STRANDED TWICE NOW BUT WHEN TAKEN TO BE CHECKED THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ALSO TPMS IS ALWAYS ON EVEN…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1693371
    • "VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 30MPH SINCE THEN IT WILL START NOW BUT SHUTS OFF AFTER A BLOCK'S DRIVE. LIMPED IT HOME AND HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. WE'VE HAD IT IN FOR RECALL (FRONT SEATBELT LIGHT) AND THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMIN…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1183361
    • "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 drivi…"~181,000 mi, complaint #1777728
  6. #6

    brake hydraulics

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 31,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKES SQUEAK WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE SQUEAKING SOUND IS GRADUALLY BECOMING LOUDER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES, BUT THEY CANNOT…"~1,620 mi, complaint #689414
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL REPAIRED. THE APPROXI…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1034077
    • "I WAS LEAVING LA GOING OVER THE GRAPEVINE ON THE FREEWAY,AFTER REACHING THE TOP I STARTED ON THE DOWN SIDE OF THE GRADE WHEN THE BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY.TRAFFICK EVERYWHERE BARELY MADE IT TO SAFETY,WITHOUT HITTING TWO AUTOS IN FRONT OF ME! I WAS SCARED TO D…"~31,072 mi, complaint #1011321
    • "I HAVE NO REAR BRAKE LIGHT. THE ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DASH. I CAN TURN ON THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT I CAN'T SET A SPEED FOR CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE A REMOTE STARTER THAT HAS A SAFETY SWITCH WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED TURNS THE REMOTE STARTER OFF THAT ISN'T…"~59,200 mi, complaint #895173
    • "WAS DRIVING AT A 35 MPH SPEED WHEN I TRIED TO BREAK AND INSTEAD THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE I FRONT OF ME. IT WAS AT THE SHOP FOR REPAIR FOR A WEEK THE BREAKS WHERE CHECKED. 2 HOURS AFTER THE CAR WAS OUT THE SHOP I WAS TURNING WHEN IN…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1159300
  7. #7

    abs module

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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 de…"~129,000 mi, complaint #1848557
    • "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-i…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1759839
  8. #8

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 50,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I HAVE A 2008 KIA SORENTO I HAVE HAD 6 SERVICE ISSUES WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC COMING ON. KIA DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED GAS PEDAL X2, THROTTLE SENSORY ASSY, TIGHTENED CONNECTIONS, CLEARED CODES, APPLIED STABULANT, TIGHTENED PINS, RESET CODES, CLEARED…"~15,703 mi, complaint #910465
    • "01/25/10 WITH 22,395 MILES ON VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD NO ACCELERATION. HAD PART #35107-3C100FF TH SENSOR ASSY REPLACED. 11/12/10 WITH 30,002 MILES ON VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD NO ACCELERATION AGAIN. HAD PART #91214-3E324 WIRING ASSY-ENG REPLACED. 12/30/10 WITH 32,064…"~32,064 mi, complaint #857041
    • "MY 2008 KIA SORENTO LX LOSES POWER & WILL NOT ACCELERATE TO 60MPH. I FEAR DRIVING MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS BY AN 18-WHEELER DIESEL DUE TO THE FACT THE POWER IS LOST UPON ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION TO THE LOSS O…"~42,000 mi, complaint #889395
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWLY DECELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE SERVICE ENGINE AND ESC SENSORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. T…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1080981
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE ESC AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE O…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1214297
  9. #9

    lighting exterior

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "I HAVE A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE LOW HEADLIGHTS MAKE A CIRCLE IN FRONT OF MY CAR. THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATE THE STREET AND I CAN SEE THE CIRCUMFERENCE. BEYOND THE LIGHT, IT IS PURE DARKNESS. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT RANGE? *TR"~7,300 mi, complaint #732417
    • "FOR YEARS NOW I HAVE REPLACED LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST 15 TIMES AND BRAKE LIGHTS ABOUT 20 TIMES. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL LIGHTS BURNED OUT AT ONCE.. THE FUSES AND RELAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN BAD BECAUSE WHEN I REPLACE THE LIGH…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1126429
    • "MY 2008 KIA SORENTO HAS HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF THE REAR TAILLIGHT/SIGNALLIGHT FAILING TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR WHICH IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS SINCE WORKED ON THE VEHICLE TO REMEDY THE…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1275492
    • "DIM LIGHTS BOTH QUIT AT THE SAME TIME IN EARLY MORNING (DARK) DRIVING. *TR"~72,000 mi, complaint #1132543
    • "I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY CAR. JUST HAD MY RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED AGAIN, WAS WORKING IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING REPLACED, AND NOW THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I GET IN MY CAR NEITHER HEADLIGHT…"~86,600 mi, complaint #1234414
  10. #10

    differential

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • " VEHICLE MADE A PROGRESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN. IF SOUNDED LIKE OVERSIZED MUD TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WERE A LOT O…"~22,508 mi, complaint #1016746
    • "1. A WHINING NOISE DEVELOPED AROUND 40K AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A FAULTY BEARING. 2. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG LIGHTS COME ON FOR NO REASON STATING THAT AIRBAGS ARE OFF EVEN WHEN T…"~42,000 mi, complaint #895831
    • "A MARCH 2010 TECHNICAL BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR VEHICLE (TSB-023) OF FAULTY REAR DIFFERENTIAL. A MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME MY MAKE AND MODEL YEAR CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM, AND MADE ME AWARE OF THE MARCH 2010 TSB- 023. MECHANIC STATED…"~56,853 mi, complaint #1404729
    • "THE VEHICLE IS MAKING A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I HAD THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE KIA SORENTO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY CONFIRMED REAR CARRIER ASSEMBLY ( REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEARS) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1942.00. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH…"~65,989 mi, complaint #1098511
  11. #11

    transmission automatic

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TRANSMISSION - VEHICLE TURNS ON, WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE A LOUD/HARD JOLT OCCURS. WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE, VEHICLE WILL HARDLY MOVE WITHOUT PRESSING ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE ROARS AND HARDLY MOVES FORWARD. HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS IN THE LAST…"~13,500 mi, complaint #840770
    • "AFTER BEING PARKED WITH VEHICLE OFF, TURNED VEHICLE ON AND VEHICLE WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, MAYBE 5 MPH. TRIED TO SWITCH IT TO MANUAL SHIFT BUT IT WOULD NOT REGISTER. TURNED VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WAS BACK…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1077627
    • "MY 2008 KIA SORENTO IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION LUNGING. THERE IS ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES THIS EVERY DAY, EXCEPT WHEN I TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER. ONCE I DO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER, THEY SAY THAT NOTHING IS WRONG AND…"~40,000 mi, complaint #872738
    • "AFTER REMOVING THE GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE ACCELERATION WILL NOT COMPLY, GOES LESS THAN 10 MPH WHILE PRESSING ON THE GAS. I STOPPED AND SWITCHED BACK TO PARK. TRIED THE DRIVE GEAR AGAIN, AND IT WAS STILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE CHANGE, IT RESPONDS LIKE…"~97,500 mi, complaint #1088908
    • "WHEN DRIVING UP HILL AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] OUR VEHICLE LOSES POWER. WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON GAS PEDAL, IT DOES NOT RESPOND. WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TEST DROVE IT AND EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. WHEN USING MANUAL SHIFT THE CAR DOE NOT LOSE POWER AND RE…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1215268
  12. #12

    wiring harness

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "I DROVE MY 08 KIA SORENTO HOME AT ABOUT 730 AM. I WORK NIGHT SHIFT AND WENT TO SLEEP AND WAS WOKEN UP AT 945 BY EMS TO MY CAR UP IN FLAMES. IT WAS SHOWING NO SIGNS OF ANY PROBLEMS, NOT RUNNING HOT, NOTHING. IT WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN IT WENT UP IN FL…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1463921
    • "SUNDAY SEPT 9TH AT AROUND 9 - 9:30 AM I SMELLED SMOKE AND WALKED AROUND THE HOUSE AND SMELLED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE GARAGE. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR I SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND SMOKE AND FIRE ON TOP OF THE HOOD. I CALLED THE PALM BAY FIRE DEPARTME…"~87,550 mi, complaint #1498297
    • "MY VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ISSUES CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR RECALL REPAIR TODAY AND ALL TROUBLE CODES AND ISSUES RESOLVED THEMSELVES. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ALSO CAUSED FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER CO…"~163,500 mi, complaint #1682174
    • "ON 01/24/2019 AT APPROXIMATELY AROUND 6:00 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U TURN ON E. BEARESS AVE IN FRONT OF MORT ELEM SCHOOL IN TAMPA FLA WHEN MY 2008 KIA SORENTO CUT OFF THEN COULD NT GET IT TO COME AS I WAS TURNING THE KEY SO I HAD AND OFFICER BEHIND HELP ME…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1533933
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WITH BOB MOORE KIA NORTHWEST (7340 NORTHWEST EXPY, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73132, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGN…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1542908
  13. #13

    control module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 51,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DRIVING AROUND FOR THE DAY IT WENT OFF. THEN LAST NIGHT SEPT. 2 2013 THEY BOTH CAME ON AGAIN. *JB"~9,786 mi, complaint #1006987
    • "EVERY 6 MONTHS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND ECS OFF LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR LOSES POWER INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM CARMAX IN JULY 2014. BY NOVEMBER, IT STARTED TO HAVE THE ISSUE, IT PROGRESSED AT I CHECK…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1229707
    • "THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING A REMEDY ON HECU REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THEY ARE ASKING US TO PARK OUR CAR AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALLED CAR MAY GET IN FIRE. HOW THE OTHER PEOPLE MAY KNOW TO PARK AWAY FROM MY DEFECTIVE CAR. THIS I…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1659026
    • "THE ELECTRONICAL PARTS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER DID . THEN ON TOP OF MY ESC RANDOMLY COMING ON AND EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IT MADE IT TO WHERE I COULDN'T GO ABOVE 5 MILES HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TH…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1487246
  14. #14

    door latch and hinge

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ON 3 OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AFTER STOPPING & REMOVING MY KEY... IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MY KIA HAS ALLOWED ME TO REMOVE THE KEY WHEN IT IS NOT IN PARK, BUT I THINK IT IS THE FORMER.. *TR"~49,000 mi, complaint #908185
    • "MY GRANDDAUGHTER OPENED THE REAR PSGR DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND IT BROKE OFF AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS ABOUT TO BREAK OFF I TOOK IT TO LUTHER KIA IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $322.00 TO FIX THE BROKEN HANDLE. I TOOK IT TO…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1211715
    • "ALL DOOR HANDLES HAVE FALLEN OFF IT'S GOING TO BE $250.00 TO HAVE ONE FIXED. I AM NOT ABLE AT THIS TIME TO HAVE A MALFUNCTION FIXED! IT IS NOT VANDALISM OF ANY KIND! IT'S A DEFECTIVE PART! THE AUTO REPAIR PLACE SAID TO LOOK INTO RECALLS! I NEED THIS PROBLEM FI…"~100,143 mi, complaint #1527213
  15. #15

    driveshaft axle cv

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A KIA DEALERSHIP NOW OUT OF BUSINESS IN FEBRUARY 2009 AS A NEW VEHICLE. THE ODOMETER READING TODAY IS 31000 MILES. DESPITE REGULAR KIA MAINTAINANCE A FEW WEEKS AGO WE NOTICED SLUGGISH ACCELERATION AND A HUM AT INCREASED SPEED FROM…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1292759
    • "I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 KIA, FIRST IT WAS THE FRONT ROTORS REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 3 MOS. AFTER MULTIPLE DIAGNOSES TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, I JUST PUT 800.00 IN NEW ROTORS AND TIRES AND FUEL/AIR INDU…"~116,000 mi, complaint #1110803
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG, AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDE…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1498735
  16. #16

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I HAVE A 2008 KIA SORENTO THAT HAS HAD THE FRONT ROTORS REPLACED THREE TIMES DUE TO WARPING. I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE THEM FOR THE FOURTH TIME AT 79,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS SUV ARE INADEQUATE FOR THIS VEHICLE. KIA HAS INFORMED ME THAT SINCE T…"~1,960 mi, complaint #1005439
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD, CAR WAS BEARLY PULLING. NOTICED SMOKE ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. STOPPED AND CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND SAW NOTHING. WALKED AROUND CAR AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF WHEEL AREA. HAD CAR TOWED. HAD NEW CALIPER, ROTOR, AND BRAKE PADS PU…"~80,000 mi, complaint #970917
  17. #17

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE FUEL GAUGE NEEDLE DROPS DOWN FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND THE LOW/OUT OF GAS INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON, BUT GOES OFF AFTER NEEDLE MOVES FROM THE LOW FUEL GAUGE MARKING. THIS MALFUNCTION OF THE FUEL GAS NEEDLE HAPPENS AT NO SPECIFIC TIME INTERVAL OR SPEED RATE. *…"~62,500 mi, complaint #889403
    • "WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUMP GAS INTO THE TANK, IT FORCEFULLY SPEWED OUT ALL UP MY ARM AND ON MY FEET BEFORE I COULD JUMP BACK OUT IF THE WAY. I TRIED AGAIN, THIS TIME VERY SLOWLY BUT IT SPEWED OUT AGAIN. HAVING ENOUGH GAS TO GET HOME, I LEFT THE CAP LOOSE. BY THE…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1095051
  18. #18

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS. THE LIGHT ON CEILING OF CAR IS SWITCHED TO OFF BECAUSE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT GO OUT WHEN YOU SHUT ALL OF THE DOORS"~4,000 mi, complaint #1490303
    • "DASH LIGHTING PROBLEM ON 2008B KIA SORENTO. WHEN CONTROL KNOB ON TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS ROTATED FOR NIGHT LIGHTING OF DASH LIGHTS, THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT, BLOWING A FUSE. POSSIBLE SHORT IS SYSTEM SOMEWHERE. UNABLE TO TRACE AT CANADIAN KIA DEALERSHIP WITHOUT PAY…"~43,000 mi, complaint #827822
  19. #19

    starter

    1 stranded, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE STARTER BURNED OUT AND THE STARTER RELAY IS STICKING. IT STARTED STICKING AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES AROUND MID OCTOBER OR BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER 2017 AND ACUTALLY BURNED OUT DECEMBER 8, 2017 AND WAS REPLACED DECEMBER 9, 2017. NOW THE STARTER WENT OUT AGAIN JA…"complaint #1440924
    • "THIS VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR FOR THE PUBLISHED RECALL AND NOW THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO EXTORT MONEY TO FIX THE VEHICLE BY SAYING SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STARTER AFTER THEY COULD NOT START THE CAR. THE CAR WORKED FINE BE…"complaint #1676052
  20. #20

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ON A TRIP FROM BILOXI, MS TO FORT MYERS, FL- APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES ALL 4 TIRES ON A "NEW" (13,000 MILES) KIA SORENTO FAILED. AFTER SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES OF THE TRIP THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND LUCKILY WAS KEPT UNDER CONTROL. A TOWTRUCK HAD TO BE C…"~13,000 mi, complaint #770399
    • "MICHELIN TIRE ON VEHICLE COMPLETELY BLEW OUT THAT ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. TIRE TORE COMPLETELY AROUND THE OUTER PART. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN BLOWOUT OCCURRED. *TR"~57,200 mi, complaint #838738
  21. #21

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS ONE REPORTED INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY FROM THE LOCATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTA…"~27,000 mi, complaint #926971
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THAT VEH…"~122,000 mi, complaint #1321090
  22. #22

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY 2008 KIA SORENTO REFUSED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND WHILE I WAS DOING SO I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS OR BRAKE. INSTEAD IT WAS BRAKING ITSELF. THIS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I'M READY TO GET A NEW…"~85,696 mi, complaint #970436
  23. #23

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 C…"complaint #1694510
  24. #24

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STAT…"~174,000 mi, complaint #1666398
  25. #25

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2008 KIA SORENTO LOSES POWER. ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES AS WELL AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE TO MORE THAN ABOUT 40-45 MPH. IF I PULL OVER TO A STOP AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTART THE ENGINE THE PROBLEM SOMETIMES RESOLVES ITSELF.…"~30,000 mi, complaint #873574
  26. #26

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WHEN WITH NO WARNING THE "CHECK ENGINE" AND "ESC OFF" LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY DECELERATE AND ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION…"~178,155 mi, complaint #995129
  27. #27

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE WERE RETURNING HOME FROM THE STORE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT . TWO HOURS LATER WE WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EMERGENCY WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DELAYED BECAUSE WE COULD NOT GET THE KEY OUT. *JS"~69,000 mi, complaint #1006480
  28. #28

    other

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. DENNIS EAKIN KIA (5200 E. CENTRAL TEXAS EXP…"complaint #1662815
  29. #29

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THIS COMPLAINT IS ON A KIA SORENTO 2008 DOOR LOCKS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2009, MY DRIVER'S DOOR WOULDN'T NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, I HAD THE DOOR HANDLE CHANGED WHICH COST ME $200.00. NOW MY PASSENGER BACK LEFT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSI…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1285877
  30. #30

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE STEER WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS COMING OFF HIGHWAY TO INTERSECTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE ALREADY."~212,000 mi, complaint #1361086
  31. #31

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE AT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE NEAR THE FRONT OF…"~154,000 mi, complaint #1372346
  32. #32

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HIGHWAY DRIVING. SUSPENSION IS SO TIGHT VEHICLE "BOUNCES" WHEN BUMP, POT HOLE, ETC ENCOUNTERED. HIT BUMP, BOUNCE ALMOST THREW US INTO ADJACENT LANE STRIKING TRAILER TRUCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, BEING BOUNCED ALMOST INTO ANOTHER LANE. VERY UNSAFE…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1017745
  33. #33

    timing belt or chain

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE ENGINE MAKES A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE. HAVE NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS AS OF YET. KIA THINKS IT'S THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. KIA STATES THIS WILL COST 4000 OR MORE TO FIX"complaint #1290746
  34. #34

    tpms

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2008 KIA SERENTO TPMS LIGHT COMES AND OFF CAME ON THE SECOND DAY I OWNED THE CAR COMES ON FOR A DAY THEN OFF FOR A DAY GIVE OR TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS TOOK IT TO DEALER WAS CLEAR THEN COULDN'T FIND NOTHING CAME BACK ON JUST BEFORE ARRIVING AT HOME THE SAME D…"complaint #730009
  35. #35

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, I LOST SIGNIFICANT POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST [REDACTED ADDRESS]. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE TO A AUTO CENTER WHERE I WAS TOLD MY TRANSFER CASE ASSEMBLY AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS MALFUNCTIONING, C…"~47,500 mi, complaint #1006818
  36. #36

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE CAME OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING IN REVERSE, RENDERING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. *TR"~40,934 mi, complaint #1018026
  37. #37

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE HEARD GRINDING NOISES WHEN DRIVING OUR 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING, JERKING, AND LUNGING. WE NOTICED NICKEL-SIZE CHIPPED PIECES OF METAL IN THE DRIVE THAT HAD FALLEN FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. WE TOWED THE CAR…"~90,317 mi, complaint #1175666

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA SORENTO directly.