2008 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 217 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 15 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemFeb 14, 2020
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.
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.
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. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Campaign 20V088000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
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. 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.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveSep 7, 2011
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 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.
KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V473000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
27 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jul 29, 2026
Their brake lights are NOT working even when stopped during stopped traffic there is no indication of them braking
Service brakes, Jul 28, 2026
I took my car to a mechanic. Said ABS Control Module failed. This is a safety issue and should be replaced. Brakes are not stopping as well as they should should and don't vibration while going down a steep incline. Had to push really hard for the brakes to stop. Just put me and my family at risk. No warning lights. During testing by the mechanic he noticed the car shifts to the side when putting on the brakes.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 19, 2026
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...
Service brakes, Aug 2, 2024
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.
Service brakes, Mar 10, 2023
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 safety issue.There was a class action suit for a defect with ABS control module is this the problem with the brakes?
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 19, 2022
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 10, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 1, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 26, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Engine, May 26, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 12, 2020
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.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 17, 2018
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.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 27, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH EXTREME FORCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND A WHIPLASH. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INJURED BY THE SEAT BELT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE LAMP FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH GROUND WIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ UPDATED 4/23/18*JB *CN
Service brakes, Feb 21, 2015, crash
WAS DRIVING AT A 35 MPH SPEED WHEN I TRIED TO BREAK AND INSTEAD THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE I FRONT OF ME. IT WAS AT THE SHOP FOR REPAIR FOR A WEEK THE BREAKS WHERE CHECKED. 2 HOURS AFTER THE CAR WAS OUT THE SHOP I WAS TURNING WHEN INSTEAD OF BREAKING IT ACCELERATES AGAIN CAUSING THE VEH TO LOOSE CONTROL AND HIT THE CURB. I ONLY HAD THE SUB FOR 3 MONTHS AND NEARLY CAUSE ACCIDENTS 3 TIMES... ALSO ON THE HIGHWAY THE BRAKES WON'T WORK I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD AND STILL TAKES A LONG TIME TO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2014
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 KIA, FIRST IT WAS THE FRONT ROTORS REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 3 MOS. AFTER MULTIPLE DIAGNOSES TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, I JUST PUT 800.00 IN NEW ROTORS AND TIRES AND FUEL/AIR INDUCTION SERVICES. THEN THE OTHER DAY DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE, MAKING A THUD THUD THUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END, FELT LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE, I PULLED OVER, NO FLAT TIRES. I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, WORSE THAN THE FIRST TIME IT SOUNDED LIKE A HELICOPTER IN MY VEHICLE AND IT VIBRATED AND WHILE SLOWLY DRIVING IT FELT LIKE IT WAS GLIDING. I WAS AFRAID THE WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND THEY CALLED ME LATER WITH THE DIAGNOSES OF A CARRIER BEARING COMING APART, THE CARRIER BEARINGS ARE NOT ABLE TO BE REPLACED ALONE, THE WHOLE DRIVE SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACED AS IN THIS MODEL IT IS ALL ONE PIECE. TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT IT WILL COST $1100.00 TO REPLACE. I DECLINED THE REPAIRS I CAN NOT AFFORD THAT, ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL THE MONEY I HAVE HAD TO INVEST IN THIS VEHICLE JUST TO KEEP IT RUNNING. I FEEL KIA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 20, 2013
I WAS LEAVING LA GOING OVER THE GRAPEVINE ON THE FREEWAY,AFTER REACHING THE TOP I STARTED ON THE DOWN SIDE OF THE GRADE WHEN THE BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY.TRAFFICK EVERYWHERE BARELY MADE IT TO SAFETY,WITHOUT HITTING TWO AUTOS IN FRONT OF ME! I WAS SCARED TO DEATH.THE MASTER CYLINDER $438.58 WENT OUT. SEPTEMBER 18TH2013,5:40AM,NO POWER TO ENGINE THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 20 MILES AN HOUR,I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN IT HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE.THE ELECTRIC GAS PEDAL WENT OUT!. REPAIR COST $430.00.MILEAGE ONLY43069. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 28, 2013
I HAVE A 2008 KIA SORENTO THAT HAS HAD THE FRONT ROTORS REPLACED THREE TIMES DUE TO WARPING. I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE THEM FOR THE FOURTH TIME AT 79,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS SUV ARE INADEQUATE FOR THIS VEHICLE. KIA HAS INFORMED ME THAT SINCE THE SUV IS OUT OF WARRANTY IT DOES NOT FEEL IT HAS ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE THIS ROTOR WARPING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES THAT IT IS A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. I HOPE ENOUGH CONSUMERS? COMPLAIN SO THAT THE NTSB DOES AN INVESTIGATION. *TT
Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jul 31, 2013
BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND NOTICED YOU HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID ALL KIA SORENTO MODELS ARE LIKE THIS, YOU HAVE TO PRESS HARD DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND FINALLY STOP AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR IT TO RESPOND. HAVING OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES AND DRIVING FOR 15 YEARS, I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM BUT I JUST DEALT WITH IT ACCEPTING THE ANSWER THAT KIA SORENTO BRAKES WERE NOT GOING TO BE AS GOOD AS OTHER BRAND BRAKES (HONDA, TOYOTA, MAZDA). I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND ALWAYS ASKED THE ENGINEERS IF THEY COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE BRAKES AND HOW LONG IT TAKES TO BRAKE (BRAKING DISTANCE). I FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND ULTIMATELY SOLD AFTER REPLACE BRAKES AND SHOE PADS. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ALSO FAULTY WHEN AN ADULT WOULD BE SITTING THERE AND IT WAS NOT WORKING. THERE WAS ALSO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT WOULD RANDOMLY COME ON AS WELL AS THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM). I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD JUST TURN OFF THE LIGHTS BUT COULDN'T EXPLAIN A REASON FOR THESE TURNING ON AS THE VEHICLE TIRES AND ENGINE WERE OK. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ALLOWED TO PASS ON THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A ACCEPTABLE TIME. I HOPE KIA ISSUES A RECALL ON 2008 KIA SORENTO LX MODELS TO REPLACE OR FIX THE BRAKING ISSUES BECAUSE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND NOT BEING ABLE TO BRAKE PROPERLY. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2013
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON LOCAL AND HIGHWAYS, THE BRAKE DOES NOT GET ACTIVATED UNLESS YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN WHICH ENGAGES THE VEHICLE IN REDUCING SPEED BUT THIS TAKES TOO LONG. THERE IS NO REDUCTION OF SPEED IF YOU PRESS A LITTLE OR IN INCREMENTS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE BRAKES IS YOU HARD PRESS YOUR FOOT DOWN ON THE PEDAL AND THAT TAKES TOO LONG TO MAKE IT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN I NEED TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY WITH DELAY RESPONSE AND I AM PRESSING HARD ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE BRAKE PAD. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND EVEN REPLACED BRAKE SHOES AND BRAKE PADS, HOWEVER THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES WITH VEHICLE TAKING TOO LONG TO BRAKE AND NOT BRAKING PROPERLY WAS A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES IN PAST AND AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH CAR BRAKING SYSTEMS AND THE RESPONSE TIMES NEEDED TO BRAKE. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE IS FAULTY AND IS UNSAFE AND DOES NOT MEET STANDARDS TO APPROVE THIS VEHICLE FOR SAFE DRIVING. *TR
Wheels, Service brakes, Mar 27, 2013, fire
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD, CAR WAS BEARLY PULLING. NOTICED SMOKE ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. STOPPED AND CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND SAW NOTHING. WALKED AROUND CAR AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF WHEEL AREA. HAD CAR TOWED. HAD NEW CALIPER, ROTOR, AND BRAKE PADS PUT ON. DROVE ABOUT A WEEK. AND BEGAN DOING THE SAME THING. HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC SHOP, 4TH DAY THERE THE BRAKES WENT TOTALLY OUT. CAR CRASHED THROUGH THE DOOR OF SHOP AND HIT POLE. CAR IN STILL AT BODY SHOP SOME PARTS WERE HARD TO FIND. STILL WILL HAVE TO GET BRAKES FIXED WHEN I GET CAR THIS WEEK. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR SINCE JANUARY 2013. THIS IS MARCH 27TH 2013. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2012
2008 KIA SORENTO START-UP STALLING TEMPERAMENTALLY FOR THREE WEEKS. ON 9/11/2012 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC OFF LIGHT APPEARED, FOLLOWED WITH A "PUTTING" ENGINE AND LIMP MODE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN FOOT APPLIED TO GAS PEDAL. KIA DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED TPS AND BRAKE SENSOR FAILURE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. (ERROR CODES READ: P2135, P0638, AND P2A00 OR P2A03.) KIA PUBLISHED BULLETIN TSB 044: HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/ATTACHMENTS/KIA-CARENS-RONDO-FORUM/5552D1272512047-ENGINE-RACING-STOP-TSB-TPS.PDF DANGER ASPECT: THE CAR SEEMED DRIVABLE, HOWEVER, THE LIMP MODE DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED LIMIT OR FLOW OF TRAFFIC. RESEARCHED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS -- PLEASE ISSUE AN INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. *TR