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 milesRelated recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011, Sportage 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 22 | 5% |
| 2018 | 41 | 16% |
| 2017 | 125 | 15% |
| 2016 | 67 | 5% |
| 2015 | 91 | 12% |
| 2014 | 86 | 9% |
| 2013 | 70 | 7% |
| 2012 | 60 | 7% |
| 2011 | 102 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 13 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 56 | 23% |
| 2005 | 53 | 17% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Sorento
66 complaintsElectronic stability control
44 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
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