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2008 Kia Sorento LX 4WD

The 2008 Kia Sorento LX 4WD is a 242-hp V6 with a 5-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It starts at $24,195 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.

It makes 242 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).

The Sorento measures 180.7 inches long on a 106.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,274 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$24,195 ($36,523 *)
MSRP with Destination$24,895 ($37,580 *)
Destination Charge$700
Engine
Engine TypeLambda G6DB 3.3L DOHC V6, MPI, CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower242 hp
ValvetrainDOHC, 24-valve with CVVT
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFour-Wheel Drive
Differential Type2-speed transfer case, limited-slip rear differential
Transmission
Transmission5-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires FrontP245/70R16
Tires RearP245/70R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length180.7 in
Width73.3 in
Height68.1 in
Wheelbase106.7 in
Front Track62.2 in
Rear Track62.2 in
Ground Clearance8.2 in
Cargo Volume31.7 ft³
Curb Weight4,274 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.7 in
Headroom Rear39.5 in
Legroom Front42.6 in
Legroom Rear36.1 in
Shoulder Room Front58.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear58.4 in
Hip Room Front55.3 in
Hip Room Rear55.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (19.1 % risk)
Tested variant: 2008 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Kia SORENTO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 14, 2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 20V088000

Apr 1, 2013 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 13V114000

Sep 7, 2011 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 11V473000

217 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Kia SORENTO

Owner Complaints

217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Kia SORENTO (15 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 14 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags66
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)44
Engine35
Electrical System32
Vehicle Speed Control28
Service Brakes27
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 29, 2026 · Service Brakes
“Their brake lights are NOT working even when stopped during stopped traffic there is no indication of them braking”
Jul 28, 2026 · Service Brakes
“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…”
Feb 22, 2026 · Electrical System, Structure, Engine Fire
“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…”
Feb 19, 2026 · Electrical System, Service Brakes, Engine
“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...”
Aug 2, 2024 · Service Brakes
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 KIA SORENTO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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