NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Kia Sorento. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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 claim with Kia which denied responsibilities. The incident occurred in December 26, 2025, and was waiting for Kia decision before further action
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 the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V473000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.
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 ABS light did not come on nor the ECS light because I was in 4x4. It started happening a year ago in winter time. Currently it has not been inspected or fixed.
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 recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) was completed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure persisted, and he needed to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to correct the safety failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
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 repaired and I told them it must not have been or the repair didnt work. They then told me the date of repair. Crazy thing is they were saying it had been repaired a year before the recall was announced. I said really. Knowing Kia aint gonna pay for a repair that hadnt been part of a recall yet. Now with the newest recall its saying the brakelights might not come on when applied. But with my Sorento the brakelights wont turn off. No matter what you do even when you take the key out and lock the doors, the brakelights remain on. Right when this started the ESC OFF light on the dash came on. The brakelights stayed on so much it apparently fried my battery. I got another battery and replaced the brakelight switch and started it up and it immediately wont idle correctly. It had idle fine before the brakelight issue.
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 advised her that there was a recall for the failure she was experiencing, however the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V473000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
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 cause of the failures was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the failures began after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20v088000 (Electrical System, service brakes) which involved a fire hazard. The local dealer was informed of the failures. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 181,000.
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.
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 assembly to prevent the ABS from overheating while performing the recall repair. Two days later while the contact was traveling the vehicle went into limp mode causing the vehicle to drive only in 2nd gear. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer; Jones Kia (2001 Belair Rd Fallston, MD 21047, (410) 879-6400) who inspected the vehicle and determined that the ABS module was damaged and need to be replaced. The local dealer replaced ABS module and the vehicle was finally repaired on 07/14/21. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
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 entire car was engulfed in flames within minutes of me getting out of the vehicle, luckily I made it out but what if I had not? I am mentally traumatized along with my family especially my young child. The car is sitting in my driveway still and it is a daily reminder of what happened. There is a recall SC186 on Kia Sorento year 2007-2009 that I was never informed about. Something needs to be done or I will be making sure this is a case that is handled in the court system.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON FOR BOTH THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SEATS. THE DEALER FIRST TEAM KIA (4834A BRIDGE RD, SUFFOLK, VA 23435, (757) 320-1088) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
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 KIA (510 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386)252-7000) WHERE THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 54 MPH. UPON REALIZING WHAT HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED OFF THE ROAD, INTO A GRASSY DITCH, TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES. AS THE DRIVER TRIED TO RE-ENTER THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A COUPLE OF TIMES FROM EAST TO WEST ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROAD AND DAMAGED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SKIN LOSS FROM LACERATIONS ON HIS LEG AND NECK. THE NECK INJURY WAS CAUSED BY THE SEAT BELT'S SHOULDER STRAP. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED BY THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE TEAM AT THE ROADSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
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 Kia wants to charge me $200 plus for a diagnosis when it clearly keeps shutting down the vehicle and the esc off light is on. I even replaced the accelerator pedal assembly $180 and it did not fix the problem please help. Also this has been an on going issue since August 2020 and even after running diagnostic on it. I keep getting the run around from everyone stating a different issue each time.
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 COMPRESSOR THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IMMEDIATELY BURNED UP. THESE ISSUES HAVE COST $500+ TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR AND I BELIEVE KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. KIA DENIES THE ISSUE IS RELATED, HOWEVER, RESOLUTION OF MANY ISSUES UPON RECALL REPAIR TELL ME THEY ARE WRONG.
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
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.
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 BEFORE IT WAS BROUGHT IN AND NOW ELDERLY OWNERS ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION.
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 STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON'S NORTHLAKE KIA (3626 NORTHLAKE BLVD, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33403, (561) 285-2325) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. KIA OF CARSON (22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE AND I HAVE TO USE IT EVERY DAY. IF KIA IS NOT ABLE TO FIX THE RECALL ,THEY MUST PROVIDE ME WITH A SUBSTITUTE CAR UNTIL THEY CAN REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
RECEIVED INTERIM NOTICE FROM KIA DATED 4/8/2020 THAT THE HECU ASSEMBLY CONTROLLING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE, AND THAT IT CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT FIRE IF "MOISTURE" ENTERS THE HECU, EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. MY LOCAL KIA DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED THE REQUIRED PARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS NERVE WRECKING WHILE I'M DRIVING, PARKING OUTSIDE AND NOT KNOWING WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE!!! I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND ALL THEY EXPLAIN IS THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE REMEDY BUT THAT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE UPDATE AS TO WHEN KIA WILL BE RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU!!! *TR
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 EXPY, KILLEEN, TX 76543, (254)699-2909) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POCATELLO NISSAN KIA (1900 FLANDRO DR, POCATELLO, ID 83202 (208)232-1062) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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, MEMPHIS, TN 38115;(901) 328-8173) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER STEP-SON WHOM WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER STEP- SON PASSED AWAY AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PER THE POLICE REPORT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN HE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CROSSING INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC, COLLIDING HEAD ON INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONTAL DRIVER SIDE AR BAG DEPLOYED HOWEVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION HOWEVER, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED BY THE CONTACT'S FAMILY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN*JB
MY LEFT TAIL LIGHT IS OUT. I HAVE GONE TO THE MECHANIC, CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB BUT NO FIX. I WAS ADVISED THERE WAS SOME SORT OF SHORT HAPPENING FROM KIA THROUGH A RECALL LETTER. SINCE I'VE RECEIVED THE LETTER NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AND TO PARK IT AWAY FROM OTHER CARS IN CASE OF IT CATCHING FIRE. I LIVE IN THE BAY AREA AND DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF PARKING IT AWAY FROM OTHER CARS, THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. I NEED TO KNOW WHEN THEY'RE GOING TO FIX THIS? I CAN'T MOVE AROUND WITHOUT MY CAR AND I ALSO FEAR FOR MY NEIGHBORS ASSETS IF THIS CAR WOULD TO IGNITE AS THE RECALL STATES. PLEASE HELP AND ADVISE ON WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE PROMPTLY. *TR
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 THOUGH TIRE PRESSURES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR OVER 1 1/2 YEARS NOW WITH NO EXPLANATION.
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
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, (405) 720-3800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
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 PUSH IT OUT THE ROAD AS GOT IT LET THE HOOD UP WE NOTICE IT WAS ON FIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS DISPATCHED THEY CAME OUT ASSESS THE DAMAGE TOOK PICTURES AND RULED OUT FJRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THEY UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TO PREVENT FURTHER FIRE VIN# IS. (XXXX) CAN PROVIDE FIRE REPORT BUR NOT AT THE MOMENT PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 airbags won’t deploy when needed. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but I plan to take it to a dealership as well, it is available to be inspected upon request. I have called kia consumer affairs twice because there was a recall for this same passenger airbag issue in Kia Sorentos manufactured from 2007-2009 (SC067), but the first time they told me there was nothing I could do because the VIN wasn’t listed as affected. The second time I called to get more information, they put me on hold and then hung up on me so I do not know how to progress when kia is refusing to address my concern. I have to drive on the highway frequently and I am very worried about having a faulty airbag system. Thank you for your time!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED A SIDE IMPACT BY A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES AS WELL AS INTERNAL BLEEDING FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGERS ALSO SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 FIXED! NO CAR I HAVE OWNED HAS EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT THIS ONE!
WHEN IT'S HUMID OUTSIDE OR THERE IS ANY KIND OF MOISTURE IN THE AIR MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE ESC LIGHT. THE CAR SEEMS BOGGED DOWN AND WONT GO ABOVE 2000 RPM. IT TAKES 15 MINUTES JUST TO GET THE CAR UP TO 50 MPH AND THATS WITH THE GAS PEDDLE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IT DOES IT MAINLY WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS SCARY. IT LOOSES MOST OF ITS ACCELERATION POWER
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 DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY GOT THERE THEY PUT THE HOSE ON THE CAR UNTIL THE FIRE WAS OUT THEY HAD TO CUT THE HOOD IN ORDER TO FINISH PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. THEY FIRE MARSHALL CAME AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY GAVE ME A CLAIM NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE KIA DO FOR YOU . THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT SAID THEY WILL GIVE THE CLAIM TO THE RIGHT DEPARTMENT AND THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME IN 3 TO 5 BUSINESS DAYS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND IT HADN'T BEEN TURNED ON SINCE FRIDAY . THIS VEHICLE WAS A 2008 SORENTO WITH LESS THAN 90,000 MILES IT WAS IN GREAT CONDITION ALSO.
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 INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL SENSOR, REAR SENSOR BEARING, AND REAR LINE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
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 THEN RESTART IT MULTIPLE TIMES JUST SO I CAN DIVE HOME THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I HAVE HAD HE VEHICLE NOVEMBER 2016
THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT IS STILL ON WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGAR SEAT
I STARTED MY 2008 KIA SORENTO EX WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE ALL OF A SUDDEN IT MAKES A LOUD BUMP NOISE AND WITH PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES IT JUMPS HARD IN REVERSE I LOOK AND SEE MY ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, MY VEHICLE IN FACT SLOWED DOWN TERRIBLY. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IF I SHUT MY CAR OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON SOMETIMES THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT TIME. IT LOOKS LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING HOT DAYS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN THE BACKSEAT. IF MY CAR SLOWS WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY I COULD END UP CAUSING QUITE AN ACCIDENT NOT TO MENTION HURTING MYSELF OR MY FAMILY THAT IS IN THE VEHICLE. MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 88000 MILES.
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SAYS ITS TURNED OFF WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.
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 FLAMES. THE FIRE CHIEF WAS ON THE TRUCK THAT DAY AS HE HAD ORIENTEE'S, AND SAID THE FIRE STARTED BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL/DASH AND THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ENGINE FIRE WHICH IS STATED ON MY FIRE REPORT. I CONTACTED KIA THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NO WAY IT WAS THEIR PROBLEM AND HAD TO BE A USER ERROR. I HAVE PHOTOS BUT MY COMPUTER WOULD NOT LET ME UPLOAD THEM FOR A REASON.
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 PIP THE TOW TRUCK CAME AND PUT. THEFIRE OUT THE CAUSE WAS ELACTRIC BATTERY BURNED UP CABLES ETC
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 JANUARY 16, 2018. ALSO I HAD MY DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BULB REPLACED AROUND JULY OR AUGUST 2017 AND NOW THE SAME DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT AGAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CRASH CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HEAD CONTUSION, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AN UNKNOWN KIA DEALER IN CAPE DORODO, MISSOURI AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. *LN
ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON AND SENDS THE TRANSMISSION INTO A "LIMP" MODE. THIS CAUSES EXTREME LOSS OF ACCELERATION. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ABS CONTROL MODULE, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE VEHICLE IS DOING THIS.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026