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 …
2008 Kia Sorento electrical problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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