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P0638 on KIA SORENTO

Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance Bank 1

NHTSA Reports
3
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2013, 2008
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0638 Means on Your KIA SORENTO

P0638 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance Bank 1. This code relates to the computer and output circuits system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2008-2013. Most reports come from the 2013, 2008 model years.

Real KIA SORENTO Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"2008 kia sorento start-up stalling temperamentally for three weeks. on 9/11/2012 the check engine light and esc off light appeared, followed with a "putting" engine and limp mode. the car would not accelerate when foot applied to gas pedal."

— 2008 KIA SORENTO owner · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE · Filed 09/11/2012

"I keep getting error codes and check engine ligh i check with obd2 meter 3 different codes come up 3 times each. p0638, p2106, and and p2110. i clear them check engine light goes off and then randomly it happens again i'm not sure if this is a safety issue but i just want to be sure."

— 2013 KIA SORENTO owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 02/01/2019

"We bought the vehicle new from kia dealer with 8000 mile in march 2013 and we did all the maintenance as prescribed . v6 3.6l 4x4 after 14 months while driving approximately at 20 - 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate."

— 2013 KIA SORENTO owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 06/20/2014

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'08
2
'13

Common Causes on KIA SORENTO

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 33.3%
UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 33.3%
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 33.3%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0638 mean on a KIA SORENTO? ▾
P0638 indicates: Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance Bank 1. This is a computer and output circuits code. 3 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0638 on KIA SORENTO? ▾
Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Service Brakes,Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine, Power Train,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0638 serious on my KIA SORENTO? ▾
Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SORENTO, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my KIA SORENTO shows P0638? ▾
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0638 on Other Vehicles

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2 reports
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