TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SHAWNEE MISSION KIA (7591 SHAWNEE MISSION, KS 66202), BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE SIX YEARS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE T…
2008 kia Sorento engine problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
MY 22 YR SON. WAS DRIVING A KIA SORENTO, AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON 11/27/08 ON I-10 W IN HOUSTON, TX, JUST EAST OF LOOP 610. THE VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR AND HAD CA. 4000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. MY SON REPORTS HEARING A LOUD BOOM FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD VENTS. HE IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE MEDIAN SHOULDE…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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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