2008 KIA SORENTO Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Kia Sorento. This model year has 215 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2008 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Engine Problems
Considering a 2008 Kia Sorento?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 66 | 10 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 44 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 43 | — | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 32 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 28 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 215 most recent complaints
My 2008 Kia Sorento parked inside a garage for 2 days, not running, not idling, without the key in the ignition, all of a sudden cut fire by itself, consuming the entire engine compartment and part of the front seat, and also caused substantial damage to the the garage. Filed a c…
My ABS sent codes saying there's moisture in the ABS Module,Brake Light Switch may malfunction are cause Accidents due to malfunction of Brake Lights...
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 t…
The ABS brakes in slippery/snowy/icy when pressed hard will make a noise and feel in the brake pedal that will be like a warning that they are going to lock up and you will go sliding. One time I went sliding into an intersection because this happened with the ABS brakes. The A…
I have to push the brake pedal almost to the floor to stop the car. This vehicle has been like this for quite some time now .It's not master cylinder as that has been looked at serval times.I just don't know if the car brakes just won't work one day.I find this to be a huge safet…
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 dealer where the recal…
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 repair…
Run away throttle, then part throttle, then stalls. Very unsafe. NHTSA action# dp21003 Problem comes and goes regularly
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 advi…
Even after having the ESC and relay box replaced the vehicle has become much worse. It's shuts down my accelerator pedal and won't move I have to shut it off completely for it to reset its extremely unsafe and is now affecting my job. And the ability to take car of my son. And Ki…
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 driving on inclined roads…
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-installed a fuse box …
Driver airbag light has been on a year I keep checking for recalls but none are shown. What is my next step afraid bag will not work if needed.
My 2008 kia Sorento has a faulty passenger air bag, or air bag sensor. The ‘passenger air bag off’ light has been on since I purchased this car from a dealership in January of 2019. This jeopardizes the safety of my passengers because if the sensor or software is faulty, the airb…
I pulled into my driveway and the car shut off and I heard a pop, never had an issue before this. Upon getting out I noticed smoke and asked my neighbor to help me open the hood. Upon opening the hood we noticed a fire in the passenger side of the engine and called 911. The entir…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAYTONA…
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON. COMPUTER CODE INDICATES THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR. AIR BAGS WILL NOT BE ENGAGED DUE TO THE SENSOR MALFUNCTION.
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. THE CONTACT CALLED GOSSETT KIA SOUTH (2680 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHI…
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON, PASSENGER SIDE SEEMS OPERATIONAL. IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, DURING THE SAME TRIP INTERIOR LIGHTS, EXCEPT MANUAL PUSH LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD, DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON
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 COVER CAUSE I IHAD PI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Kia Sorento.
Recalls for 2008 Kia Sorento
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2008 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2008 Kia Sorento has 215 NHTSA owner complaints, 15 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (66 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (66 complaints). #2: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (44 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (43 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2008 Kia Sorento has 15 crash-related complaints and 9 fire reports out of 215 total NHTSA complaints. 17 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2008 Kia Sorento has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2008 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.