Model year
2008 Kia Sorento
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 217 complaints for the 2008 Kia Sorento (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (48), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (44), ENGINE (35). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,700–$3,950, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2003 305 complaints
- 2004 220 complaints
- 2005 307 complaints
- 2006 242 complaints
- 2007 154 complaints
- 2008 217 complaints
- 2009 55 complaints
- 2011 1,520 complaints
- 2012 880 complaints
- 2013 982 complaints
- 2014 988 complaints
- 2015 754 complaints
- 2016 1,258 complaints
- 2017 808 complaints
- 2018 255 complaints
- 2019 433 complaints
- 2020 138 complaints
- 2021 254 complaints
- 2022 193 complaints
- 2023 125 complaints
- 2024 43 complaints
- 2025 76 complaints
- 2026 6 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
20V088000 · Feb 14, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
13V114000 · Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles.…
11V473000 · Sep 7, 2011
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. 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…
Complaints
217 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 15, fire flag on 9, injury field 17, deaths field 3. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE09034 | AIR BAG OCS · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; AIR BAGS | Jul 17, 2009 | Nov 30, 2009 |
| EA09017 | Air Bag Occupant Classification System · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; AIR BAGS | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 26, 2011 |
| DP21003 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE | Nov 12, 2021 | Jun 20, 2023 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $3,700 |
| Sorento 2WD · 3.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 21 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
| Sorento 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 22 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
| Sorento 4WD · 3.8L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 20 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Kia Sorento at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.