2009 Kia Sorento problems and complaints

Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (21), Electrical System (14), Power Train (9).

Key takeaways

  • 55 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 2 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 3 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags2138%
Electrical System1425%
Power Train916%
Service Brakes815%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)815%
Hydraulic611%
Vehicle Speed Control611%
Engine47%
Unknown Or Other35%
Seats35%
Exterior Lighting12%
Tires12%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2009 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic,electrical System - filed 2026-01-16

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the ABS module. Upon inv...

Electrical System,exterior Lighting,engine - filed 2025-06-04

My check engine light is on. It has been on for over 2 or more years. Nobody knows what the codes mean. My timing chain needs to be replaced. My tires are constantly leaking. My battery has been replaced 2 times, and I still cannot start my vehicle even when I get a jump. The interior light when you open the car door, ...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2024-08-27

Driving on the interstate @ 65mph the car cut off then caught on fire. Smoke came in the car we pulled over to emergency lane exited the car and then flames came up through the console. The car became completely engulfed in flames and totally destroyed. There were no injuries. I have a video of the event. I do not kn...

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More for the 2009 Kia Sorento

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.