Electrical system
Free remedy
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.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2009 Kia SorentoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints for the 2009 Kia Sorento. Most complaints involve air bags (21) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Feb 2020
Owner complaints
55
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Exterior lighting: switch
Remedy pending
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Equipment
Free remedy
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
55 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2009 – Jan 2026
- Air bags21
- Electrical system14
- Power train9
- Electronic stability control (esc)8
- Service brakes, hydraulic6
- Vehicle speed control6
- Engine4
- Seats3
- Service brakes2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Sorento model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2011 | 1,520 |
| 2012 | 880 |
| 2013 | 983 |
| 2014 | 988 |
| 2015 | 755 |
| 2016 | 1,262 |
| 2017 | 808 |
| 2018 | 255 |
| 2019 | 435 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 194 |
| 2023 | 126 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 77 |
| 2026 | 6 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
21 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the warning message "ASC-OFF" appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle, she was able to restart the vehicle and parked in the driveway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and several warning lights including the ASC warning light, check engine warning light, and air bag passenger warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed, however, the ASC warning light, the check engine warning light, and the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”
Electrical system
14 reports
“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 investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was already serviced under recall prior to owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Power train
9 reports
“SHORTLY AFTER BUYING SUV IN 2009 WE EXPERIENCED "QUERKY" STUFF LIKE DOORS RELOCKING, DOME LIGHT S COMING ON, BACK HATCH UNLOCKING ALL THIS HAPPENING ON THEIR OWN!! I KEPT TELLING THE DEALERSHIP AT OIL CHANGES! THEY KEPT IGNORING IT ALL! NOV 1, 2009 KIA ELECTRIC SYSTEM SERVICE BULLETIN #282603 (TS B-044) ISSUED. SEPTEMBER THE CHECK ENGINE AND ESC OFF LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON TOGETHER, SUV IMMEDIATELY DECENDS TO 15-20 MPH! YOU CAN'T GIVE IT GAS, ONLY RPMS RISE HIGH! GAS IS EATEN UP! COAST TO SIDE, SIT A FEW TO 20 MINUTES. MAYBE BOTH OR ESC OFF LIGHT(S) GO OUT AND YOU PROCEED. HAVE NOTICED A BUCK FEELING BEFORE LIGHT(S) ARE COMING ON AT TIMES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS MAY STAY ON FOR A WHILE OR NOT. HABITUALLY ERRATIC WHEN LIGHTS COME ON, CAN BE EVERY MILE TO SEVERAL MILES! LAST WEEK SUV WITH OUT THESE LIGHTS STARTED RUNNING REAL ROUGH AT IDLE AND DRIVING. TO THE POINT OF REVING OVER 2000 RPMS BUT ACTED LIKE BEING HELD BACK! I HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO DRIVE IT MUCH IN FEAR OF THE ADVANCING ISSUES AND HURTING THE POWER TRAIN! AT IDLE RANGE IS 300 ' 1,800+ RPMS, MECHANIC WITNESSED THE VARYING RPMS WHEN CODE 1611 (TIME OUT:ECM,PCM,TCM ISSUE) CAME UP ON SNAP-ON'S CODE…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl · 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Sorento 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Sorento 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Sorento 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Kia Sorento as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5202
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 Sorento questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Sorento have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2009 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (21), electrical system (14), power train (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Kia Sorento get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Kia Sorento at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026