Model year guide

2008 Kia Sorento

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Kia Sorento is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 112 on record.

2008 Kia Sorento — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Kia Sorento at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints217
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$5,623

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Kia Sorento recalls 3

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #20V088000 · 14/02/2020

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.

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. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's num…

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #11V473000 · 07/09/2011

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 …

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V114000 · 01/04/2013

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, …

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Kia Sorento common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2008 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,550

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Kia Sorento worth?

Low
$3,200
Typical price
$5,623
High
$7,700

From 110 comparable 2008 Kia Sorento listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,450
Total$21,200
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,623) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,189), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Kia Sorento trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · Base · BL
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl 242 hp · 3.8L 6-cyl 262 hp

2008 Kia Sorento vehicles on record

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Other Kia Sorento model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2000

2008 Kia Sorento — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sorento?

Based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Sorento get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Kia Sorento at about 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway).

How much is a 2008 Kia Sorento worth?

Comparable 2008 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $3,200–$7,700, typically around $5,623 (from 110 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.