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: electrical system
246 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Jul 8, 2026, fire
Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2026, fire
My 2011 Kia Sorrento caught fire while parked in my garage. Kia is saying it's not due to any recall they have and that it was an electrical fire store behind the steering wheel and they're refusing to take any responsibility financially for it or otherwise due to it being through previous owners and an older vehicle
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 27, 2026, fire
I was driving my car, while at a stop light I noticed some smoke coming from under my hood. I thought it might have been the cold I turned off the main road onto my street and noticed the smoke increasing, I pulled over turned off my car opened the hood and a fire started at the back of my engine.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 27, 2025, fire
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2025
The engine light comes on and then the wheel lock light will come on and the car will disengage from 4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive while driving
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated before pulling off the roadway. The hood was opened and there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the smoke then dissipated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 20, 2025
there are eight recalls on my car I do not trust dealerships I do not trust mechanics I work on my own car I have very bad experience with mechanics I would rather return my car to the dealership I want to sell my car do the dealership eight different recalls is too much
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55–60 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled while making a turn. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was determined that the battery and bracket needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the engine and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2025, fire
My KIA Sorrento spontaneously engulfed in flames approximately 200 yards from my home. This is not a vehicle crash the car had flames coming from the vents and floor boards. I was the driver my daughter was the passenger and my granddaughter was in the rear car seat we barely escaped with our lives before it exploded and we were steps away as car debre was flying past us.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed to work as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The check engine and ABS warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the buttons on the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be connected to the diagnostic machine. The contact stated that the dealer refused to update the antitheft system or perform the recall repairs linked to the VIN. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 7, 2025
The ABS, down hill light, and swaying light came on. As I was pulling into a parking space slowly with my foot on the brakes, the car sped forward knocking over a post and shrubs.
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2025
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 25, 2024
3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2024
This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2024
I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento used from a dealership. The Air Bag Warning light was on & I insisted that they inspect car before I buy it, which they did. I go to pick the car up & the Air Bag Warning light is still on. When I questioned it, I learned that, for SOME REASON, a car's #1 safety feature, the Air Bags, is NOT part of PA's Safety Inspection!! A couple months go by and 1 by 1 the Bluetooth/Audio controls on the steering wheel stop working. So, after reading the Owner's Manual & finding that there is no fuse for the steering wheel controls, I go online to see if I can find the cause &/or how to fix it. That's when I run across hundreds of posts/blogs from other 2011 Sorento owner's saying the exact same thing happened to them and all the replies say that it's caused by the Clock Spring and upon replacing it, all their Bluetooth/Audio controls on steering wheel worked again. I then remember the letters regarding the Clock Spring in with the car's Owner's Manual. I have 2 letters, 1 from 2017 & 1 from 2019 saying that Kia Extended the Warranty on the Clock Spring to 15 years. To take the car to a Kia dealership and have the Air Bag Warning light diagnosed & if it's determined that the Clock Spring is reason it's illuminated, Kia will pay to fix it. What I don't understand is if Kia saw fit to issue TWO identical letters TWO years apart from each other, why didn't they just issue a recall? They obviously knew it was a problem that effected most, if not all of the 2011 Sorento's manufactured. And the real reason I'm writing? Since my research on the internet TWO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS things have happened. 1)my horn no longer works! At 1st it worked when it wanted to but now it doesn't work at all! I've almost gotten in 3 accidents because of it & my car will NO LONGER PASSES INSPECTION and 2) Now the Air Bag system cannot detect when someone is in the passenger seat, so their Air Bags never turn on!! The Extended Warranty expires in 2024 & NO RECALL!????
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the “Low Oil Pressure” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was engine oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic where it had been diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V388000 (Electrical System). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall or in the Technical Service Bulletin with the manufacturer ID number 026 and NHTSA ID Number: 10235099 (Electrical System). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 170,000.
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 $$$$$$$$
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2024
Car dash lights flashed and car shut down
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2024
The Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short , whioch can result in an engine compartment fire while paked or driving the car.
Electrical system, May 13, 2024
I called Courtesy KIA in Altoona, PA. I informed them that I have another recall addressing this latest issue "The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit," as I was there last month addressing another recall. That situation was resolved. However, I called today 5/13/24 at about 12:50PM and was told by service dept. member Toby that we already have all the parts we can order for recall. He also told me to call him back in a month??? My concern is I am getting a letter saying the engine could catch fire and I am being told to call back in a month. I just wanted to log this incident for my personal file to show that I am trying to remedy the problem. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key fob, the contact heard the doors unlocking, but the rear doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure initially started after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Theft Prevention" warning light was illuminated, and several other warning lights were blinking on and off. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that after several attempts a relative jumpstarted the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the battery became drained. The contact stated that when the vehicle was jumpstarted, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact no longer drove the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 225,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 22, 2024, fire
After my daughter pulled into her school parking lot on Friday morning, 4/19/24 she reported smelling a very bad smelling smoke. She immediately got out of the car because she then saw flames from under the hood. The car lit on fire, and was completely totaled. I have since been made aware of the recall that causes engine fires.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 13, 2024
Knock Sensor Code came up when having my car checked P1326