P0638 on KIA SORENTO
Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance Bank 1
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Kia Sorento context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P0638.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
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 powertrain, fuel, ignition, emissions, or air-management system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
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."
"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."
"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."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on KIA SORENTO
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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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.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.