🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Generation Designation:

XM (Second Generation - North American Market Launch)

Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV / Crossover

Target Demographic:

Families, individuals seeking utility and comfort

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe

Differentiators 2008:

Stylish new design, improved fuel efficiency over previous generation, optional third-row seating, refined interior

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and overhaul of the 2008 Kia Sorento

Intended Audience:

Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.3L V6 Lambda G6DB, 3.8L V6 Lambda G6DA), Transmission (5-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD, FWD)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS, EBD)

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System

Body:

Body Panel Repair, Door Mechanisms, Glass Replacement, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Sealing Systems

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, diagnosis, repair, and component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, controls)

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control system (EVAP)

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, electrical circuit testing

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major assemblies, component-level repair guidance

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other key mechanical components

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment

Tire Replacement:

Tire pressure specifications, replacement procedures, wheel balancing

Lighting System Repair:

Headlight, taillight, interior lighting bulb replacement and circuit diagnostics

Body And Trim:

Interior and exterior trim removal and installation, panel alignment, glass replacement, sealant application

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures

Diagnostic Tools:

Guidance on using OBD-II scanners, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized Kia diagnostic tools

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

G6DB (Lambda)

Engine Displacement 1:

3.3 Liters (3342 cc)

Engine Configuration 1:

3.3L V6 DOHC 24V

Horsepower 1:

235 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine Code 2:

G6DA (Lambda)

Engine Displacement 2:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Engine Configuration 2:

3.8L V6 DOHC 24V

Horsepower 2:

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

252 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Automatic (H-Matic)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-Speed Automatic (H-Matic) - Available on certain trims/engines

Drive Modes:

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

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SPIII Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part numbers like 04500-00110 or 00000-003A0)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

74.2 inches (1885 mm)

Height:

67.1 inches (1705 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.2 inches (2800 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers (optional third row)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

10.0 cubic feet (283 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

32.3 cubic feet (914 liters)

Cargo Volume Max:

74.0 cubic feet (2095 liters)

Curb Weight Min:

4250 lbs (1928 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

4550 lbs (2064 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

5730 lbs (2600 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

★★★★☆

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

★★★★☆

NHTSA Side Driver:

★★★★★

NHTSA Side Passenger:

★★★★★

NHTSA Rollover:

★★★★☆

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Ebd:

Standard (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Traction Control:

Standard (Electronic Stability Control - ESC)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS)

Airbags Front:

Standard (Dual front airbags)

Airbags Side:

Standard (Front side-impact airbags)

Airbags Curtain:

Standard (Full-length side curtain airbags for first and second rows)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Standard:

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability

Infotainment Optional:

Available touch-screen navigation system, premium audio systems

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Assist:

Available Rear Parking Sensors

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack

Usb Port:

Available on higher trims or with navigation system

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil recommended by Kia.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace every 30,000 miles or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles or as per severe driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher), Synthetic Recommended. Capacity: 6.3 US quarts (6.0 liters) for 3.3L V6, 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) for 3.8L V6 (refer to manual for precise capacities and filters, e.g., Hyundai/Kia Part No. 26300-35503).

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Long Life Type (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Part No. 00232-10001). Capacity: Approx. 9.6 US quarts (9.1 liters) (refer to manual).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific type and capacity).

Common Complaints 2008:

Some reports of premature wear in suspension components (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings), potential for water ingress into HVAC blower motor, occasional issues with power liftgate functionality on higher trims, transmission shifting issues (rare).

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Legacy:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, initially a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing. Entered the automotive industry in the late 1960s.

Sorento First Gen:

First generation Sorento (2003-2009) was a body-on-frame SUV. The 2008 model year was the final year of the first generation before the complete redesign.

Sorento Second Gen Launch:

The 2008 model year in North America marks the introduction of the second generation (XM platform), a move to unibody construction, which significantly altered its driving dynamics and market positioning.

Manufacturing Locations:

Hwaseong, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market vehicles starting later in the generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Did not achieve Top Safety Pick designation for 2008, though received good ratings in many crashworthiness tests.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Average to Below Average reliability ratings were noted for the early years of the second generation, particularly for the 2008 and 2009 models.