TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and a
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Kia Sorento electrical problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
5fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 24 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
KIA: PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ON SOME VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE IDLE IRREGULARITY WITH BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED/DEPRESSED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR P2A00 OR P2A03.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KIA: INFORMATION RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) UPGRADE FOR CERTAIN MODELS. VEHICLES WITH 3.3L ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A BUMPING SYMPTOM DURING ENGAGEMENT OF THE DAMPER CLUTCH (TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK UP CLUTCH), AND A BUCKING SYMPTOM WHEN THE DAMPER CLUTCH IS FULLY ENGAGED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KIA: ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES, THE ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR P2A00 OR P2A03.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Kia Sorento electrical system shows a cluster of interrelated failures. The most dangerous is spontaneous engine fires occurring while the vehicle is parked and off—multiple owners report flames breaking out underneath the hood or in the engine compartment without warning, with fire departments ruling the cause as electrical. Several of these incidents resulted in total loss.
A recurring power-loss condition triggers simultaneously: Check Engine and ESC OFF lights illuminate, the vehicle cuts acceleration to 2,000 RPM or below, and owners nearly collide with other traffic. Owners report this happens intermittently, often in warm or humid conditions, and clearing codes provides only temporary relief. Some owners trace the problem to a defective brake light switch (subject to recall), but replacing it does not resolve the power-loss codes (P2138, P2106, P0300).
Chronic lighting failures affect multiple systems. Brake lights fail to illuminate or stay on continuously even with the key out, draining batteries. Headlights require replacement 15+ times; all lights sometimes burn out simultaneously. Tail lights flicker or fail entirely despite bulb and switch replacement. A few owners report dash lights shorting out when the night-lighting knob is turned. Interior dome lights stay on permanently.
Ignition and battery issues include keys that become stuck and won't remove, and simultaneous failure of the ignition switch, battery, and starter. One owner's ABS module detected moisture contamination and brake light switch malfunction warnings.
Same Kia Sorento electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Spontaneous Engine Fire (Parked Vehicle)
Vehicle catches fire while parked in garage or driveway, engine off, key removed. Fire originates in engine compartment or behind steering wheel/dash area. Occurs without warning; no prior overheating or running condition.
When: While parked, hours or days after last operation; one reported at ~1 hour after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Flames and smoke visible from under hood or engine compartment; Fire started while vehicle unattended and powered off; No prior warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department response; total vehicle loss in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued interim notice regarding HECU assembly defect that can cause electrical short-circuit fire if moisture enters component. Recall issued but parts availability delayed. One owner reported Kia denied responsibility, claiming user error.
Sudden Power Loss with Check Engine and ESC OFF Lights
Without warning, vehicle loses nearly all acceleration power while driving. Check Engine and ESC OFF lights illuminate simultaneously. Engine may limit RPM to 2,000 or below. Clearing codes temporarily resolves issue; condition recurs intermittently.
When: Intermittent; often triggered in warm or humid weather (July mentioned); can occur 6 months to 1 year apart or within 1 month
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration power mid-drive; Check Engine light on; ESC OFF light on; Engine shaking reported; Vehicle will not exceed 2,000 RPM or low speed (20 MPH); Near-miss collisions during merging or intersection crossing; Engine returns to normal power after restart or a few hours
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation), P2106 (Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power), P0300 (Vehicle Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report replacing throttle actuator, accelerator pedal assembly ($180 cited), ESC relay box, and sensor connections. Repairs do not permanently resolve the condition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned for this specific failure pattern. Owners report dealerships unable to diagnose root cause or reluctant to repair if warning lights are not active during visit.
Brake Light Switch Failure and Brake Light Malfunction
Brake lights fail to illuminate during braking, or brake lights remain on continuously even with key removed and doors locked. Related to faulty brake light switch subject to recall. Problem persists after recall switch replacement.
When: Intermittent onset; one owner's brake lights remained on continuously, draining battery
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when brakes applied; Brake lights stay on continuously; ESC OFF light appears simultaneously with brake light failure; Check Engine light may also appear; Engine idle problem may develop after brake light switch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Kia recall campaign for brake light switch replacement performed at dealership. Owner replaced switch independently ($180+ cost noted for other electrical parts). Problem recurs after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recall notice issued for defective brake light switch. Dealership performed recall service but did not resolve associated Check Engine/ESC OFF codes that began when switch failed.
Chronic Headlight and Brake Light Bulb Failure
Headlights and brake lights require frequent bulb replacement. In some cases, all lights burn out simultaneously. Bulbs are replaced but continue to fail; fuses and relays test normal. No clear electrical short traced by dealership.
When: Chronic over years of ownership; one owner replaced headlights 15+ times and brake lights ~20 times
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights burn out frequently; Brake lights burn out frequently; All lights fail at once on at least 5 occasions; Bulb replacement temporarily restores function
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement; no deeper electrical diagnosis performed or available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states nothing is wrong with vehicle despite pattern. Owner cites financial inability to pursue further diagnosis or repair.
Tail Light and Signal Light Malfunction
Rear tail lights and signal lights fail to illuminate or operate intermittently. Issue subject to recall; dealership has replaced stoplight switch multiple times, but problem recurs.
When: Multiple instances over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tail lights fail to illuminate; Signal lights fail to illuminate; Owner cited by law enforcement for non-functioning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced stoplight switch under recall; issue recurs and dealership now demands owner pay for latest repair attempt despite recall status
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for this issue; stoplight switch replacement performed under recall campaign but problem not permanently resolved
Dash Light Short Circuit
Adjusting the turn signal control knob to activate night lighting of dash causes dash lights to go out and blow a fuse. Indicates short in lighting system.
When: When control knob rotated for night lighting
Symptoms owners cite: Dash lights go out when knob rotated; Fuse blown
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner unable to afford $90/hour diagnostic fee at dealership
Interior Dome Light Always On
Interior ceiling light remains on permanently even with all doors closed. Owner switched light to OFF position to prevent battery drain, but function does not work as intended.
When: Chronic; years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Interior dome light does not turn off when doors closed; Light remains on until manually switched off
Key Stuck in Ignition
Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed despite turning fully.
When: After parking vehicle and shutting off engine
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not come out of ignition; Delayed removal (2 hours before key came free in one case)
Ignition Switch Electronic Failure
Electronic components of ignition switch fail. One owner reports simultaneous failure of ignition switch, battery, and starter. Another reports loud abnormal noise when starting, diagnosed as ignition switch needing repair.
When: At 200,000 miles (one case); November 2016 onward (another)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal noise when starting; Ignition switch fails to function; Simultaneous battery and starter failure; ESC randomly activates, preventing acceleration above 5 MPH when it engages
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement or repair required
ABS Module Moisture Contamination
ABS module (HECU assembly) detects moisture intrusion. Kia issued interim notice that moisture in HECU can cause electrical short-circuit fire even when vehicle is off and parked.
When: Detected via ABS diagnostic codes; moisture can accumulate over time
Symptoms owners cite: ABS code indicates moisture in ABS module; Warning that moisture can trigger fire; Brake light switch may malfunction as secondary effect
Repairs/costs cited: HECU assembly replacement required; parts availability was delayed as of complaint date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued interim recall notice (dated 4/8/2020 in one complaint) advising HECU replacement. Owner instructed to park away from other vehicles due to fire risk. Kia reported parts not yet available and provided no timeline for resolution.
Engine Misfire and Sensor Issues
Engine misfires, loses power, and check engine light activates. Multiple visits to dealership find different root causes: spark plugs and coil burned out, then camshaft sensor connection error, with problem recurring.
When: January 2013, March 2013, May 2013 (one owner's sequence); intermittent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power; Engine light on; Engine shaking; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Vehicle Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and coil assembly replaced; camshaft sensor connection rechecked and pin tension adjusted. Problem recurs despite repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service reported; owner reports initial refusal to help and bad treatment from second dealership despite vehicle being under warranty
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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…
Dash lighting problem on 2008b Kia sorento. When control knob on turn signal switch is rotated for night lighting of dash lights, the dash lights go out, blowing a fuse. Possible short is system somewhere. Unable to trace at canadian Kia dealership without paying $90.00/hr fee which could take many hours. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2008 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2008 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 48,000 and 87,550 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 87,550. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.