2011 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,518 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 42 involved a crash and 62 involved a fire. 50 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 21, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.
Campaign 23V877000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 6, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
Campaign 15V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentOct 6, 2011
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.
Campaign 11E041000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftApr 25, 2011
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 22, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperNov 24, 2010
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2010. SOME OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MACHINED.
AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WILL LEAK, FOLLOWED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED, THEN A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CALIPERS AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 10V599000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 31, 2010
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.
WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE LIGHTS IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 10V388000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
183 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Aug 11, 2026
Driver Airbag light is illuminated
Air bags, Jan 22, 2026
In a letter dated August 14, 2019, KIA advised that the warranty coverage for the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly was extended to 15 years. the clock spring is an electrical connection which rotates with the steering wheel to maintain proper functioning of the airbag unit. If the airbag light stays on, and the car continues to be used without repair, the driver's airbag may eventually not deploy in a frontal impact. This is a safety issue, since the airbag may not work, KIA knew about it in 2019!! The 2011 KIA that I own is now 16 years old, and of course KIA refuses to pay for the repair. Now I am faced with an approximately $500.00 repair bill to make sure I'm safe in case of an accident. This should be investigated, and KIA should pay for the repair since it is an airbag safety issue.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 6, 2025
My car has been in the Kia shop for engine. We just stopped on the freeway and for the module recall and my safety bag is just constantly on since I’ve gotten it and now I’m noticing electrical issues that shouldn’t be someone told me. Hey you need to file a complaint because your car can catch on fire And I don’t know what else to do but to do a paper trail just in case but it’s been recalls after recalls
Power train, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2024
1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in the tire wheel letting me know something was wrong in the wheel. They repaired it, and I had no more problems until recently. It is doing it again. A hard jerk when I'm driving. 3. Other, passenger front and rear and drivers side rear doors locked up and I could not open them. This happen about two years ago. Took car to a certified electrical repairman and it cost me a fortune to get repaired. The clips that lock and unlock doors had to be replace. The repair was very costly.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 8, 2024
1-The front air bag sensor will nor register if a person is sitting in the sear, no matter the weight. 2-The modem keeps direction the vehicle to steer right. No matter how many alignments and parts are replaced, the ECM will not correct itself 3-KIA dealers will only repair the problem if the customer pays $$$$$$$$
Service brakes, Air bags, May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front tires independently braked on and off quickly. The contact stated that the "Down Hill" symbol, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring and the angular velocity sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer retrieved DTC codes: C1260 and 934490RU0. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,757.
Air bags, Engine, Feb 10, 2024
There is a engine recall for this vehicle u have to be safe where u park it at all time
Air bags, Jan 22, 2024
Airbag light on dashboard constantly on
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
When I started out with the car it drove alright then I had to take it back and forth for the wiring smelling like it was burning but have never caught on fire thank goodness had to get a tuneup spark plugs and it still doesn’t work right
Air bags, May 26, 2023
I took this car, my mom’s car, to a Kia dealership yesterday for a diagnostic. I was told it had no air bags. I was really upset to find that out. I am not certain if we knew this when purchased years ago. This car was previously in an accident and we were told all the airbags were cut out. I wanted to to voice that I think it should be illegal to drive a car with no air bags. I think that information should be listed under a persons drivers license number and or VIN number. I called the Driving Safety Unit with the DMV yesterday and they said they couldn’t do anything for me and to contact the Department of Consumer Affairs for a complaint or the Governor’s Office. I am leaving my comments here instead. Thank you
Air bags, May 18, 2023
Airbag light is on and i need to know if that is a recall since there was a recall for many makes of cars due to air bags.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jan 10, 2023, fire
My 2011 Kia Sorento caught fire while parked outside in parking lot overnight while I slept the police an fire department said my vin had two active recalls on it it started fire on its own without even being driven now I’m out of a car
Air bags, Oct 27, 2022
The air bag warning lamp is on caused by the malfunction of the clock spring in the steering wheel. None of the functions on the steering wheel work as well due to this malfunction. The air bag according to multiple sites may deploy at any given time
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
Time chain tensioner is faulty and camshafts have been updated the 2011 model. I just purchased a 2011 Sorrento Ex and it will cost 5000 to do the upgrade. The air bag has caused problems in the electrical systems of the horn. This cost 400 to replace airbag.
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2022
The car will not always go in park and will click into gear a few seconds afterwards. The car rolled out of my driveway in reverse and caused over 5000.00 dollars in damages. Also the seat settings will get stuck moving and not moving. The air bag light is also on and the fuel cap sticks and won't open unless forced opened
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2022
Airbag light stays on and the controls on steering wheel don't work
Electrical system, Air bags, May 28, 2022
Part failure. Electronic control module for air bag. Air bag warning lamp illuminated and remain lit on dash. Local autopartsO’reilleys on board diagnostic tool reads two codes. B1620 internal fault- replace SRSCM and B1764 body sensor MAT defect. This Kia Sorento has had several repairs done via KIA recall and safety campaigns. 2017 clean and seal and or replace rear wheel speed sensor housing … could AND did illuminate ESC ABS and HILL Climb on dash… vehicle operated in southern Louisiana . Air Bag warning lamp. 10/10/2019, 147716 miles . Code found at Kia performing clock spring assembly warranty extension code for high resistance. Replaced clockspring and cleared code. High resistance is Key at this time. Also the cruise control began to function properly after the lamp turned off. May 28 kia letter concerning newly developed computer software for ECU, engine control unit. Repaired July 28 2021. June 2016, August 2019, Kia Sorento airbag clock spring assembly warranty extension. Air bag illumination. These letters state the warranty extension will be 15 years and subsequent air bag illumination will be diagnosed at no charge for 15 years. Yet I have two codes, return to Kia to validate and am charged for diagnostic as well, the air bag lamp still illuminated. Explained I need NEW SRS module at cost of estimated $1200. Vehicle does not communicate with SRSCM. Recommend replace the airbag control module I ask, is it ossicle with NEW updated ECu as well as prolonged Air bag illuminated due to HIGH resistance from clock spring malfunctioning, could this feedback and prolonged exposure cause the airbag co trip module to malfunction ? Airbags are a safety issue. The electronics should not falter .
Air bags, Jul 21, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT ... FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG FAULT / CURTAIN AIRBAG FAULT
Other or unspecified, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jul 19, 2021, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, a UPS truck veered off into her lane causing the contact to crash her vehicle into a curb. The contact stated that the next morning, she saw that her vehicle was leaking an immense amount of oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then stated while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the contact saw smoke emerging from the engine compartment. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact opened the hood to fire behind the engine. There were no injuries. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted but did not extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed back to the repair shop. The repair shop informed the contact that they do not specialize in fires and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was then diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was 132,685. The consumer stated the dealer was ceased by Federal Agents for selling vehicles with damaged parts and finance companies fraudulent withdrawal money from the consumer and other accounts.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2021
Kia motors sent a letter about 2011-2015 sorento occupant detection system (ODS) Sensor pads new vehicle limited warranty extension If the airbag warring light is on the airbag system is not functioning properly, it may or may not deploy in an accident(which should be considered a safety issue) I have already had the diagnostic done by my dealer who said the problem is covered by the warranty but because my car is salvaged which makes it not apply for warranties does the fact that my airbags may or may not deploy not seem like a safety issue?
Air bags, May 11, 2021
THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF WHENEVER THE IGNITION IS ON AND VEHICLE IS RUNNING.
Air bags, Apr 6, 2021
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. I GOT THE CODE PULLED AT A LOCAL SHOP FOR FREE THANKFULLY. THE CODE WAS B1764 OCS MAT DEFECT. NOW BECAUSE IT FAILED FOR NO REASON I HAVE NO AIRBAGS AT ALL. FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S COMPLAINTS IT CAN COST $1,000 TO $3,000 TO FIX. AWESOME. I REALLY LOVED MY SORRENTO TOO.
Air bags, Engine, Dec 7, 2020
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR WENT OUT THEN OIL WAS THROWN OUT ALL OVER ENGINE AND UNDER CARRIAGE, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO HEADS UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ( 2 DIFFERENT TIMES) IN THREE YEARS AND THIS ISN'T CONCEDED A FIRE ISSUE. 7/4/2016 FIRST TIME, THEN 7/22/2019
Air bags, Engine, Dec 6, 2020
A MONTH AGO WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A DAY OF SHOPPING AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SEAT TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS STILL CONNECTED THE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON JUST YESTERDAY 12.5.2020. STAYS ON WILL NOT SHUT OFF. I CHECKED THE GAS CAP TO MAKE SURE IT WAS TIGHT THEN WENT TO AUTO ZONE SO THEY COULD USE THEIR DTC. (THE CLERK PUT AN ESTIMATE OF MILES ON MY PAPERWORK AS HE DID NOT GO OUTSIDE TO GET ACTUAL MILAGE.)THE CODE WAS OBD2. I WAS DUE FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TRANSMISSION FLUSH. I GOT THOSE REPAIRED BUT STILL HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LIGHT. THE PAPERWORK STATES ERROR CODE READ P0014 EXHAUST CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING OVER ADVANCED BANK 1 INDICATES THAT THE BANK 1 EXHAUST CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING WAS ADVANCED BEYOND LIMITS FOR A PREDETERMINED. OF TIME. THE ONLY THING I NOTICED WAS THAT I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE HEAT ON AND THERE WAS NICE AMOUNT OF HEAT COMING THROUGH THE VENTS BUT THE HEAT DIAL WAS ON THE OFF POSITION. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Air bags, Nov 25, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT. DEALER WANTS OVER 1200.00 TO REPAIR.