2008 Kia Sorento engine problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2008 Kia Sorento — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 22, 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...”
filed Feb 19, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 2, 2018Kia: due to design of drain holes in valley of lambda v6 engines, a misdiagnose of a possible oil leak source in rear main seal or oil pan, when actual leaks coming from engine valley,oil filter housing, oil pressure…
PS-211 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2012Kia: provides the procedure to upgrade the engine control module (ecm) on some vehicles which may experience idle irregularity with brake pedal applied/depressed. *pe
TSB-077 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2010
Engine problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 18 | 26% |
| 2024 Sorento | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 Sorento | 28 | 25% |
| 2022 Sorento | 50 | 27% |
| 2021 Sorento | 61 | 26% |
| 2020 Sorento | 63 | 48% |
| 2019 Sorento | 151 | 36% |
| 2018 Sorento | 102 | 41% |
| 2017 Sorento | 381 | 48% |
| 2016 Sorento | 690 | 56% |
| 2015 Sorento | 359 | 48% |
| 2014 Sorento | 384 | 39% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.