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Exterior lightingPart report

2008 Kia Sorento Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
6%of 217 total for the year
Median mileage
72,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Kia Sorento, 6% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had to replace low beam headlight bulbs at least 3 times in the 3 years I have owned my car. Just had my right passenger side replaced again, was working immediately after being replaced, and now the next morning when I get in my car neither headlight works. I am a single mom on a fixed income and I cannot afford to keep replacing these bulbs at $20 each time.”

NHTSA complaint #10787662, filed 2015-11, 86,600 miles

“For years now I have replaced lights on this vehicle. I have replaced headlights at least 15 times and brake lights about 20 times. On at least 5 occasions all lights burned out at once.. The fuses and relays have never been bad because when I replace the lights they work.something is wrong with the vehicle and I have known many other Kia owners to have the same problem but the dealership says nothing is wrong. I can't afford another vehicle and this is a serious safety issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10651978, filed 2014-11, 48,000 miles

“Driver side airbag light remains on, passenger side seems operational. In motion on highway, during the same trip interior lights, except manual push lights and dashboard, do not automatically turn on”

NHTSA complaint #11377119, filed 2020-11, 153,100 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10368017, filed 2010-11, 43,000 miles

“Interior lights have not worked for years. The light on ceiling of car is switched to off because the interior lights do not go out when you shut all of the doors”

NHTSA complaint #11119336, filed 2018-08, 4,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202523%
202425%
202322%
202221%
202131%
202054%
2019225%
20184116%
201712515%
2016675%
20159112%
2014869%
2013707%
2012607%
20111027%
200912%
2008136%
2007128%
20065623%
20055317%
2004146%
2003165%

Other parts of the 2008 Kia Sorento

Air bags
66 complaints
Electronic stability control
44 complaints
Engine
35 complaints
Electrical system
32 complaints
Vehicle speed control
28 complaints
Brakes
27 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Steering
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Kia Sorento

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology