2008 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2008 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2008 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, stability control and engine.
217 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 11th worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2008 Kia Sorento problems
Airbag problems
66 complaints (30%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and sensor / control module.
Stability control problems
44 complaints (20%) name the stability control.
Engine problems
43 complaints (20%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and engine.
Electrical problems
32 complaints (15%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (174 of 217). The amber line is the middle value, about 58,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2008 Kia Sorento recalls
Control unit / module
Fire riskMoisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short. 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.
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.
Recall 20V088000 · Feb 2020Switch
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 switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate. 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 to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Recall 13V114000 · Apr 2013Sensor / control module-inactive
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 passenger seat, may misclassify an adult passenger as a child or child seat and improperly turn off the passenger side air bag. When the air bag is deactivated the "passenger air bag off" light will illuminate on the center instrument panel. 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.
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.
Recall 11V473000 · Sep 2011Get an email when your 2008 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
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Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, stability control and engine.
What are the most common 2008 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the airbags, stability control, engine and electrical system. 66 complaints (30%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and sensor / control module.
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Sorento airbags problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 11,000–113,000 miles, with a middle value near 53,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Sorento have?
3. Control unit / module (20V088000); Switch (13V114000); Sensor / control module-inactive (11V473000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2008 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.