🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size SUV, Crossover SUV

Key Competitors 2008:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe

Body Styles:

2WD and 4WD configurations, available with 5 or 7 seating capacity (depending on market/trim)

Value Proposition:

Kia Sorento offered a strong value proposition with good features for its price point, often exceeding competitors in standard equipment.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a choice of V6 engines, known for robust performance and towing capacity.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.3L V6 Lambda G6DB, 3.8L V6 Lambda G6DA

Transmission Coverage:

5-Speed Automatic (W5A580, A5HF1)

Drivetrain Coverage:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators)

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission overhaul, operation, diagnostics, hydraulic control, torque converter

Drivetrain Systems:

Front axle, rear axle, differentials (including AWD coupling), driveshafts, CV joints

Suspension Systems:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment

Braking Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake

Steering Systems:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, steering column, tie rods

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser, controls)

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, SRS airbags

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, grille, windows, seals, exterior trim

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, common problems and solutions

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission assembly, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Using OBD-II scanners, checking sensor data, testing electrical circuits, pressure testing systems

Alignment Procedures:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for easy navigation

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

G6DB

Engine Displacement 1:

3.3 liters (3342 cc)

Engine Type 1:

V6, DOHC, 24-valve

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 235 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine Code 2:

G6DA

Engine Displacement 2:

3.8 liters (3778 cc)

Engine Type 2:

V6, DOHC, 24-valve

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 260 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 250 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EGR (on some variants)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A for this generation and year; automatic was standard.

Transmission Model Codes:

W5A580 (Mercedes-Benz derived for 3.8L), A5HF1 (Hyundai/Kia developed for 3.3L)

Transmission Fluid Type:

SPIII ATF (Kia part number 00240-00150)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.8 - 8.8 liters (refer to manual for exact amount)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.3 inches (1710 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.2 inches (2800 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.5 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 37.2 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 74.2 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,400 lbs (1814 - 1996 kg) depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

★★★★ (4-star) driver and passenger (2008 model year)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (2008 model year)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (3-row models), active front headrests, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims offered premium audio, in-dash CD changer, and available navigation systems.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 6 speakers standard, with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Infinity) with more speakers and a subwoofer.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking sensors were optional on some trims. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning were available for this model year.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack was standard. Bluetooth hands-free phone system was optional or standard on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.3L V6: Approx. 105,000 miles (169,000 km). 3.8L V6: Approx. 105,000 miles (169,000 km) (Long-life Iridium plugs).

Coolant Flush Interval:

First at 105,000 miles (169,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,500 km) thereafter. (Refer to manual for specific coolant type).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20 API SM or higher (for 3.3L V6). SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher (for 3.8L V6). Check manual for specific engine oil capacity.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Check manual for specific recommendation and capacity.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Kia Genuine PSF or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III ATF for some models, check manual).

Common Issue 1:

Excessive oil consumption (particularly in earlier models, may require PCV valve check or oil control ring replacement).

Common Issue 2:

Transmission shifting issues or harshness (potential for valve body wear or solenoid issues).

Common Issue 3:

Front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings) leading to noise or alignment issues.

Common Issue 4:

Catalytic converter failure or overheating (can be linked to engine misfires or oil burning).

Common Issue 5:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to intermittent or non-functional fan speeds.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Brand Focus:

Kia, originating from South Korea, has established itself as a global automotive manufacturer known for offering value, reliability, and increasingly stylish designs. The brand has seen significant growth and product development since the early 2000s.

Sorento Generation 1:

The 2008 Sorento represents the second generation (JC), which launched in 2006. This generation moved from a traditional body-on-frame SUV to a unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride and improved fuel efficiency while retaining SUV practicality and capability.

Production Location:

South Korea (Kia Motors Manufacturing Korea), potential assembly in other regions depending on market.

Production Years Generation 1:

2002-2009

Production Years Generation 2:

2006-2009 (JC platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognized Awards:

While specific awards for the 2008 Sorento are not as prominently documented as some later models, Kia vehicles of this era were increasingly recognized for improving quality and value.

Jdpower Dependability:

Kia brand as a whole began to see improvements in J.D. Power dependability studies around this period, signaling enhanced build quality.

Emissions Certifications:

Meets EPA emissions standards for gasoline vehicles of its model year.