YearToAvoid

2008 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems

NHTSA has 68 owner complaints about brake problems in the 2008 Kia Sorento, 31% of all 217 complaints for this model year. That is #5 highest brake complaint count among 21 Sorento model years. These complaints report 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 53,460 miles.

Brakes complaints
68
31% of 217
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
53,460 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 Kia Sorento brake complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 23, 2008, latest Jul 29, 2026.

2008 Kia Sorento brakes complaints: complaints filed per month7Sep 2008Nov 2011Mar 2013Jul 2014Oct 2016Dec 2018Oct 2022
68 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2008 to Jul 2026; peak Jul 2013 (7).

Brakes recalls for the 2008 Kia Sorento

  1. NHTSA 20V088000Feb 14, 2020Brakes228,829 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Brakes complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200515 (5%)
  2. 200627 (11%)
  3. 200736 (23%)
  4. 200868 (31%)
  5. 200915 (27%)
  6. 20100 (0%)
  7. 2011152 (10%)
  8. 2012113 (13%)
  9. 201394 (10%)
  10. 201495 (10%)
  11. 201543 (6%)
  12. 201633 (3%)
  13. 201727 (3%)
  14. 20188 (3%)
  15. 201914 (3%)
  16. 20205 (4%)
  17. 20212 (1%)
  18. 202218 (10%)
  19. 202313 (11%)
  20. 20246 (15%)
  21. 20255 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kia Sorento have brake problems?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints about the brake in the 2008 Kia Sorento, 31% of all complaints for this model year, including 3 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 53,460 miles.
Which Kia Sorento year has the most brake complaints?
The 2011 Kia Sorento has the most brake complaints (152), compared with 68 for the 2008.
Is there a brake recall for the 2008 Kia Sorento?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 Kia Sorento concerns the brake: 20V088000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.