Buy Kia Sorento Headlight Assembly

Quick Look

The Kia Sorento headlight-also called the headlamp, front light, or lamp assembly-lights the road, helps others see you, and is required by law. Newer Sorentos use bright LED projectors, while older ones rely on halogen or HID bulbs. Keeping the light working, aimed, and clean protects night-time safety and keeps you legal. (IIHS, eCFR)

Light Types

• 2003-2010 (1st gen) - Halogen H4 or HB3/HB4 combo. (SEALIGHT)
• 2011-2015 (2nd gen) - High beam H7; low beam H11 or D3S HID on upper trims.
• 2016-2020 (3rd gen) - H7 high, H11 low, optional HID D3S and Curved Dynamic Bending Light (DBL). (static.nhtsa.gov)
• 2021-present (4th gen) - Full LED projectors with high-beam assist, rated "Good" by IIHS. (IIHS)

Bulb charts are handy, yet always double-check the owner's manual for your trim before buying a replacement bulb. (SEALIGHT)

How It Works

Sorento headlights include a housing, reflector or projector lens, bulb or LED chip, wiring, and an aim screw. LED and HID setups need a ballast or control module. Each unit is sealed with a breather to manage moisture. Small fogging that clears quickly is normal; standing water means a leak. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Warning Signs

• Dim, yellow, or flickering beam
• "Bulb out" dash message
• Condensation that stays more than a day
• Plastic lens looks cloudy or cracked
• Other drivers flash their brights (aim is off)

Act fast-driving with one light out is unsafe and may earn a ticket. (eCFR)

Safety Rules

U.S. rules cap daytime running-light brightness between 500 cd and 3,000 cd.
Most states demand white or amber beams; "blue" or purple HIDs are illegal if they exceed glare limits. (GCBC)
Adaptive-beam LEDs that dim around traffic are now allowed nationwide. (The Guardian)

Recalls & Bulletins

• 2024 Recall - About 74,000 Sorentos may lose head- and tail-lights because of a body-control-software bug; dealers update software free. (Car and Driver)
• TSB (Condensation) - Kia outlines when fogging is "normal" and when to reseal or swap the lamp. (static.nhtsa.gov)
• Check open recalls anytime on the NHTSA VIN tool. (NHTSA)

DIY Fix

A basic bulb swap takes about 10 minutes:

1. Turn off the engine and open the hood.
2. Twist off the rear dust cover.
3. Unplug the connector.
4. Release the spring, pull out the bulb, and drop in the new one without touching the glass.
5. Re-install everything, then test.
   See Kia's step-by-step guide with pictures here.
   Need a visual? Watch this short YouTube demo. (YouTube)

Aiming

Park 25 ft from a wall on level ground, mark the beam centers with tape, then adjust screws until low-beam cut-offs sit just under the marks. Proper aim stops glare and improves reach. (YouTube)

Upgrade Ideas

• LED retrofit bulbs give a whiter color and lower power draw but must be DOT-compliant to stay legal. (GCBC)
• Projector lens swap on halogen models tightens the cutoff and adds style.
• Clear-coat restoration kits remove lens haze; avoid harsh solvents that can crack plastic. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Cost Guide

Typical parts-and-labor prices:

• Halogen bulb: $20-$40
• HID/LED module: $120-$250
• Complete lamp assembly: $300-$900
  Labor adds $40-$80 per side. (RepairPal.com)

Environmental Care

Do not toss used bulbs in household trash-glass, metal, and electronics can be recycled. Many community recycling centers accept halogen and LED bulbs; HIDs may need hazmat handling if they contain mercury. (headlights.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What headlight bulb does a 2017 Sorento use?
A: Most 2017 trims use H7 for high beam and H11 for low beam; top trims may use D3S HID low beams. (SEALIGHT)

Q: My new Sorento has LEDs-can I swap just the bulb?
A: No. The LED chip and heat sink are built into the lamp. Replace the whole assembly if it fails. (IIHS)

Q: Is light fogging inside the lens normal?
A: A brief mist after rain or a car wash is normal. Pools of water or fog that stays need repair. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Q: How bright can my aftermarket bulbs be?
A: U.S. rules let headlights shine up to roughly 3,000 candelas, which equals about 3,000 lumens. (eCFR)

Q: Do I need to aim my lights after a bulb change?
A: Yes. Even a small tilt can blind other drivers or cut your view. Re-aim any time you replace the bulb or lamp. (YouTube)

Q: Why are some Sorento lights rated "Poor" and others "Good"?
A: IIHS scores depend on the trim. LED projectors with high-beam assist score best; halogen reflectors score lowest. (IIHS)

Q: What is a Dynamic Bending Light?
A: It is a motor that turns the beam into a curve as you steer, found on some 2018-2022 Sorentos. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Q: Has Kia recalled headlights for shutting off?
A: Yes. A 2024 recall updates body-control software to stop random headlight and tail-light outages. (Car and Driver)

Q: Can I install blue HID kits?
A: No. Most blue or purple HIDs exceed glare rules and are not street-legal. (GCBC)

Q: How long do LEDs last?
A: Factory LEDs often last over 10 years or 30,000 hours-far longer than halogen bulbs.

Q: My light looks yellow-what now?
A: Clean the lens with a plastic-safe polish. Deep haze may need sanding or lamp replacement. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Q: Can bright lights hurt other drivers?
A: Yes. Complaints about glare are rising, which is why adaptive beams that dim sections are gaining approval. (The Guardian)

Q: Do headlights affect resale value?
A: Working, clear lights boost safety test scores and can raise trade-in value. (IIHS)

Q: Where can I find the latest laws?
A: See the eCFR lighting standard or your state DMV site.