Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
215Complaints
3Recalls
15Crashes
9Fires
17Injured
3Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (22.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Air Bags complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Air Bags
48 · 22.3%
Recalled
Recall 11V473000
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
44 · 20.5%
not available
—
Engine
35 · 16.3%
not available
—
Electrical System
30 · 14%
Recalled
Recall 20V088000
Vehicle Speed Control
28 · 13%
not available
—
Power Train
19 · 8.8%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 215 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“AUTO HAS A DASHBOARD ALERT WHEN SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE WARNING LIGHT GOES OUT AND THERE BY ARMING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR…”NHTSA complaint 10587652 — filed 05/11/2014 · AIR BAGS
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED…”NHTSA complaint 10583530 — filed 04/18/2014 · AIR BAGS
“THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT SETS IN THE SEAT. THE OCS MISS CLASSIFIES THE ADULT IN THE FRONT SEAT…”NHTSA complaint 10472414 — filed 08/24/2012 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sorento?
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 48 of 215 NHTSA complaints (22.3%), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (44), engine (35), electrical system (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Kia Sorento have?
215 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. 3 deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V088000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Kia Sorento's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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