2009 Kia Sorento: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2009 Kia Sorento
On the 2009 Kia Sorento, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, with 8 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 45,000 miles. Overall it scores 68 out of 100, high risk for a 2009.
High risk for a 2009 — 187th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. 79 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 19 named failure modes on the 2009 Kia Sorento, and the three most-reported carry 27% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other electrical problem leads with 8 reports and about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault follows with 7 reports, median 15,000 miles.
Instrument cluster or gauge failure follows with 6 reports, median 90,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (15), adas (11) and airbag (8).
At what mileage it happens
58 of the reports on the 2009 Kia Sorento came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 45,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 52% by 50,000 miles, 79% by 100,000 miles and 91% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 24% of the dated reports.
40% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 19. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 1 mentions a crash and 1 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.13, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault at $300–$1,600, instrument cluster or gauge failure at $350–$1,400 and other brake problem at $300–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
16% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 8 | 3 | — | 66k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 7 | 6 | — | 13k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 6 | 6 | — | 88k | — | 0.2 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 6 | 3 | — | 140k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 6 | 5 | — | 66k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 5 | 4 | — | 30k | — | 0.2 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 5 | 5 | — | 5k | — | 0.2 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 5 | 4 | — | 72k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 2 | 1 | — | 62 | — | 0.1 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 42k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 141k | — | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 2 | 2 | — | 19k | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 96k | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 77k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 52k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 14 | 12 | 6k | 50k | 99k | 0.4 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2009 Kia Sorento draws about 2.4 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 83rd percentile of complaint rates among 2009 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 32,679 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2009 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
Upon starting the 2009 kia sorrento one day, I shifted to reverse and noticed a violent jerk with a loud popping sound. Upon putting it into drive, the car would barely accelerate but the engine would still rev when pressing down on the gas pedal. The check engine light was on but later went away. The dealership has seen the car multiple times and our service advisor gary dawson in houston, tx says they cannot reproduce the problem or find any fault codes (even though we provided the code pulled from autozone the previous day). Codes said the transaxle and high/low solenoid were the problems. The car is in their possession now but after a quick talk with our service advisor I highly doubt they will be fixing anything. A quick google search shows almost all 2005+ sorrentos have transmission problems. Please do something about kia and keep them in check. *js
Esc off sensor and check engine light comes on when starting vehicle or when in motion/driving. Esc off illuminates followed by complete loss of acceleration. While driving at 30 MPH to 70 MPH light appears and quickly looses lack of throttle acceleration powr. I've had this happen (10 plus times) since I bought this vehicle in 2012 pre-owned from kia dealership in cape coral,fl. Tonight 5/12/15 I was heading on highway and stopped 3 times every 2 to 4 miles (lost power) in the middle of traffic.. Finally,vehicle came back on more for about 10 miles, while on the highway going 65 to 70 mphs vehicle showed esc off light and lost acceleration then power... No accident just swerved alot..
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault
Since january 2009 we have been fighting with kia motors because my passenger airbag light will not activate when someone is seated in the seat. All kia has done is update the vehicles computer system, which hasn't worked. They have issued a safety recall on this problem, but they refuse to fix it saying that the vehicle is operating as it was designed to do. My problem is that my vehicle is now unsafe for me to drive with a passenger. I have brought my vehicle to them 12 times about this problem. The better business bureau has told me there is nothing they can do for me, even though it is under warranty. Kia has offered me $1500.00 to go away. I refused. I want this safety issue fixed. *tr
We have been having a problem with the occupant classification system on our 2008 kia sorento. The system is deactivated when there is an adult passenger in the front seat.. The car has been in for repair four times. The passenger seat has been replaced and the computer has been reprogrammed. At this time the dealer has informed us that kia tech line has determined that the system is working as designed and there are no further repairs that can be performed. We have followed all procedures outlined in the owners manual and still the system does not accurately register a passenger in the seat. With the "passenger air bag light off" lit, the air bag will not deploy and protect the passenger in the event of an accident. *tr
Instrument cluster or gauge failure
2011 kia sorento, chrome bezel on instrument panel reflects sun light and street lights intense enough to cause temp blinding flash. Contact kia vehicle is new and no other complaints have been filed. *tr
My 2009 kia sorento (87810 miles) has had electrical problems since 2014. In sept 2014, while warranty was void due to over 60, 000 miles) I had trouble with the dashboard illumination lights when the headlights were turned on. $1,000+ dollars later, dimmer switch, instrument cluster, and rheostat circuit were repaired. In december 2015, started to happen again but now the air bag light came on and won't go off. Took in january, and $275 more, replaced dimmer switch again and cleaned the connection to air bag sensor. Three days later, the air bag light is on again. Further inspection and it is determined the the "ocs" sensor needs to be replaced to the tune of $1900 for parts and $200 for labor.
Recalls on the 2009 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2009 Kia Sorento, affecting an estimated 61,681 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electron, exterior lighting:brake lights:switch and equipment. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
228,829 vehicles 2020-02-14- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
980,377 vehicles 2013-04-01- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
EQUIPMENT
2,398 vehicles 2011-10-06- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Curt manufacturing will notify owners and replace the tow package wiring harness. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 17, 2011. Owners may contact curt manufacturing at 1-715 831-8713.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2009 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2009 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2009 — 187th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2024 comes out best at 65 and 2016 worst at 80, with 2009 itself at 68.
No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 2009, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.
Within the 2007–2010 generation specifically, 2009 is the strongest year at 68 and 2008 the weakest at 71.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2007-2010 generation, 2009 Kia Sorento scores best at 68 and 2008 Kia Sorento worst at 71.
The limits of complaint data
79 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 79 reports, 58 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 73% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (8 reports, median 65,000 miles), airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault (7 reports, median 15,000 miles) and instrument cluster or gauge failure (6 reports, median 90,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2009 Kia Sorento reliable?
It scores 68 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 187th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2009 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Kia Sorento is best?
Within the 2007–2010 generation, 2009 scores best at 68 out of 100 and 2008 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed