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, Exterior lighting, Dec 3, 2015
THE BULBS FOR THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN "BURNING OUT" AT THE RATE OF ONCE A MONTH. LAST MONTH, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY PLUGIN TO THE BULB WAS MELTED DUE TO "A POOR CONTACT" OR SHORT IN THE WIRING". UNFORTUNATELY THEY SAID I NEED AN ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY (ABOUT A $400 PART AND $250 LABOR) AS THEY WON'T JUST SELL THE CONNECTION PLUG. FRUSTRATED I FOUND A GREAT MECHANIC WHO CUT AND SPLICED A NEW CONNECTION PLUG AND IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING. HOWEVER THE CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS STILL A "SHORT" IN THE WIRING AND WILL EVENTUALLY DO THE SAME THING TO THE NEW PLUG. I HAVE NOW HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE OTHER SIDE AND AM HOPING THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS FOUND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE ANY WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSE AND I STILLHAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL FROM KIA. THIS IS MY 2ND KIA AND I AM RETHINKING ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER UNLESS THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED.
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 KIA SORENTO, 106,000 MILES ON IT. FIRST I SAW A HEADLIGHT HAD BURNT OUT, I BOUGHT A NEW ONE, BY THE TIME I GOT HOME, IT WAS OUT AGAIN. MY MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, SAID THE WIRES WERE MELTED. SOON AFTER, AS I AM DRIVING IN THE EARLY MORNINGS, I WOULD TURN ON THE RIGHT SIGNAL AND THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF FOR 10 SECOND, ALL THE LIGHTS, INSIDE, OUTSIDE, BUT TURN BACK ON. IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN EVERY DAY, BUT ONCE A WEEK AT LEAST. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. TODAY, I TOUCHED THE BRIGHT LEVER AND THE CAR LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF, FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AS IT WAS PITCH BLACK OUT AND I COULDN'T SEE IN FRONT OR ANYWHERE AND NO ONE COULD SEE ME. I TURNED THE CORNER AND THEY AGAIN WENT OFF, THIS TIME LONGER. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO GET MY HAZARDS ON SO I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD AND PEOPLE AROUND COULD SEE ME. I HIT THE BRIGHTS AGAIN AND EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY TO WORK (45 MINUTES) WITHOUT USING ANY TURN SIGNALS OR BRIGHTS. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO GET BACK INTO THIS CAR. I TRAVEL ALOT WITH MY 4 GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL, AS I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING. THE WEBSITE DIRECTED ME TO THIS SITE. PLEASE HELP, I AM AFRAID TO GET IN THE CAR NOW, I TRAVEL IN THE DARK EVERY MORNING 45 MIN TO AN HOUR. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2011/KIA/SORENTO/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX
Electrical system, Interior lighting, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE AUTO POSITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,800.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 18, 2015
THE ABS,ESC, AND DBC LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN I START CAR AND DRIVE IT AT ALL SPEEDS.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 26, 2015
2011 KIA SORENTO AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OUT THE BLUE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED EITHER DEFECTIVE PASSANGER AIRBAG OR THE SENSOR FOR PASSENGER SEAT. WOULD HAVE TO PAY $$$ TO PUT ON DIAGNOSTIC. CAR JERKS FORWARD WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. ALSO, CAR JUST ACCELERATED BY ITSELF.. PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT JERKS FORWARD. ITS JERKS SO HARD I COULD GET WHIPLASH.LIKE THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO STOP.SCARRIEST THING EVER. I AM REALLY CONCERNED HOW SOMETIMES I DON'T EVEN HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE TO PUT IN GEAR. LAST, WENT TO CHANGE HEADLIGHT, RIGHTSIDE EXTREMELY JOT AND COULD HEAR BOILING LIKE SOMETHING COOKING.
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2015, fire
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT ON DRIVERS SIDE STARTED ON FIRE. CAUSED DRIVER TO BE BURNT. HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN TURNED ON FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2015
RECENTLY MY 2011 KIA SORENTO EX WILL NOT SHUT DOWN. WHEN I PRESS THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF BUT THE DASHBOARD, NAVIGATION TOUCHSCREEN & LIGHTS ALL REMAIN ON. IT CAN SOMETIMES TAKE UP TO 3 MINUTES OF PUSHING THE BUTTON, TURNING THE CAR BACK ON AND TRYING TO TURN IT BACK OFF BEFORE IT WILL ACTUALLY SHUT ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DOWN.
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CPU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,800.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF THEN COME BACK ON AFTER BEING OFF FOR APPROX 2 SECONDS. IT ALSO OCCURS SOMETIMES WHEN CHANGING LANES AND USING THE TURN SIGNALS. I FEEL THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE TURN SIGNAL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2015
THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS IS FROM THE INSIDE. FIRST IT WAS DRIVERS SIDE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER IT WAS THE BACK DRIVERS PASSENGER DOOR. NOW IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR. MAKES NO SENSE I HAVE ONE DOOR TO GET INSIDE MY CAR. PLEASE HELP.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,050.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2015
THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT QUIT WORKING TOOK TO A MECHANIC, HE LOOKED INTO THE WIRING HARNESS AND SAID THAT ALL THE WIRES HAD MELTED TOGETHER. THIS PROBLEM COULD AFFECT ALL THE ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE TRUCK. ALSO OF NOTE IS THAT THE TRUCK INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWING THAT THE TRUCK IS OPEN, EVEN WHEN ITS NOT. SO FAR NO FIRE HAS STARTED. COST TO FIX PER THE MECHANIC IS OVER $1000, OR MORE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2015
ON 04/16/15 PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE. CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK OR REVERSE. PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. WARNING LIGHTS ON DIDN'T MAKE SENSE., ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT TURN OFF. CAR ROLLED W/O HARD DEPRESS TO BRAKE. BRAKE WOULDN'T FULLY ENGAGE (WOULDN'T PLUNGE ALL THE WAY). PUT INTO NEUTRAL, COULD NOT FULLY SHUT OFF. CAR WARNING SIGNAL BLASTING. COULD NOT SECURE CAR, LOCK CAR OR OR TURN CAR OFF. COULD ONLY DRIVE FORWARD SLOWLY WITH DRAG WHEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. DROVE FORWARD TO GET OUT OF PAKING LOT BEFORE TRAPPED IN THERE AGAIN AND REVERSE ROLLING OCCURRED. WENT TO SIDE OF ROAD FOR TOWING. HUGE DRAG WHILE DRIVING SLOW 5MPH APROX. IGNITION FINALLY TURNED OFF AFTER PUTTING INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN. WARNING SOUND FINALLY WENT AWAY BUT ACCESSORIES STILL WERE ON. PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOW ENGAGE. CAR NOT DRIVABLE OR FULLY FUNCTIONING. CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. .DIAGNOSED- FAILURE OF RECALL PART PUT IN AT TIME OF RECALL TO FIX HAD FAILED. RESOLUTION: REPLACED DEFECTIVE RECALL FIX PART WITH SAME RECALL PART THAT JUST FAILED, NO ACCIDENT RESULTED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE BUT I COULD NOT PROPERLY, DRIVE, SECURE, CAR. LEFT STRANDED WITH MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILD WITH LIMITED CELLULAR RECEPTION. CONCERN: DRIVING UNSAFE CAR WITH KNOWN FAILURE PART THAT COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS ACCIDENT DO TO SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE POSTED BY KIA. KIA RESOLUTION WAS TO PUT SAME PART IN THAT IS KNOW TO FAIL AND WAS PART OF A FIX FOR VOLUNTARY RECALL DUE TO KNOW SERIOUS RESULTS OF PART FAILURE. I AM DRIVING A CAR THAT IS ON IT'S THIRD RECALL WHICH IS PROVEN TO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS MEDICALLY FRAGILE SON WOULD NOT HAVE HAD IMMEDIATE MEDICAL EMERGENY SERVICES IF FAILURE HAPPENED WHERE THERE WAS NO SIGNAL. LACK OF BRAKE LIGHTS COULD RESULT IN COLLISION RESULTING IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. SUMMARY, DRIVING CAR WITH KNOW SAFEY ISSUES BY KIA WITH NO RESOLUTION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2015
VEHICLE HAS HAD REPEATED HEAD LIGHT ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE. LAST VISIT TO THE DEALER THEY ARE RECOMMENDING CHANGING OUT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT AN EXCESSIVE COST. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT SEEMS THAT MANY CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO FIX. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 13, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER, IT WAS FURTHER NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD FRACTURED INTO THE ENGINE AFFECTING THE OTHER COMPONENTS CAUSED A FIRE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE PISTONS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT FURTHER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS WAS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V388000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2015
CAR BEGAN TO ACT LIKE IT DID NOT WANT TO CRANK. ONCE I GOT TO DESTINATION, RADIO WENT OFF FIRST, THEN EVERYTHING STARTED DIMMING, THEN IT SHUT OFF. TRIED TO JUMP IT OFF, GOT IT DOWN THE ROAD 1/2 A MILE THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. TOOK BATTERY OUT AND TRIED TO CHARGE IT BUT IT WAS DEAD. BOUGHT ANOTHER FULLY CHARGED BATTERY, DROVE THE CAR HOME. TRIED TO CRANK NEXT MORNING, WOULDN'T CRANK AGAIN. CHARGED IT UP TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT PLACES..IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. ACCORDING TO A SERVICE BULLETIN #SA061, THERE WAS AN ISSUE WHERE THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE ALTERNATORS NOT TO CHARGE. THIS WAS THE SAME ISSUE MINE WAS DOING..THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS SHOWING BUT I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ALTERNATOR. THIS IS THIRD BATTERY IN 3 YEARS FOR THIS CAR! AFTER LOOKING AROUND EVERYWHERE WITH NO ALTERNATORS IN STOCK AND NO ONE KNOWING HOW TO RE-BUILD THEM, THE KIA DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE ME $443 FOR AN ALTERNATOR AND ANOTHER $300 TO PUT IT IN! NOT TO MENTION I WOULD HAVE TO PROBABLY TOW IT OVER THERE! THAT IS CRAZY! THIS IS NOT THE ONLY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR! MY SUNROOF, BACK-UP CAMERA, RIGHT FRONT LIGHT, RADIO KNOB HAS FELL OFF, PASSENGER HEAD REST HAS FELL OFF, OIL PAN SEAL ISSUES....LIST GOES ON AND ON! IT IS RIDICULOUS! THIS SERVICE BULLETIN COVERED DATES 07/12/10 - 09/18/10. MY ALTERNATOR WAS BUILT IN 10/04/10. WOW,,,,IT MIRACULOUSLY GOT FIXED!! THERE WAS NOOOO WAY!!! THE SAME ISSUE IS HAPPENING TO MINE!!! BUT...KIA WANTS ME TO PAY FOR IT!!! IT IS INSANE!!! I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE OUT OF THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY 1. *JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 16, 2014
THIS IS THE MOST RECENT AND SERIOUS ELECTRIC ISSUE; I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT DATES OF EARLIER ISSUES. I BELIEVE ALL THESE ELECTRIC ISSUES ARE RELATED. ISSUES BEGAN IN 2010 AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR. WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THEY REPAIRED LOSE CLUSTER ARRAY. OTHER ELECTRIC ISSUES FROM 2011-2013: WHEN TURNING LEFT THE DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL INDICATOR WOULD LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND PREVENT THE CAR BEING PUT INTO PARK, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN CAR IS AT A STOP, DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FREQUENTLY BURNS OUT. DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014: ALL DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED (NO WARNING LIGHTS/GAUGES, INCLUDING FUEL, SPEED, TURN SIGNALS, LOW FUEL INDICATOR, ETC.). DEALER FOUND THE FACTORY CLUSTER ARRAY TO BE FAULTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUSTER WITH A NEW ONE. I AM REPORTING THE FOLLOWING: I WAS TRAVELING 65MPH AND TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, THE ABS WARNING, DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR AND 4WD AUTO LOCK LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. TODAY, ALL OF THESE LIGHTS CAME, STAYED ON, THEN WENT OFF. UPON DRIVING, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AS I WAS DRIVING. ALL OTHER OF INDICATOR LIGHTS NOTED CAME BACK ON. I AM TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TOMORROW. MANY OTHER KIA OWNERS ARE REPORTING ALMOST IDENTICAL ISSUES. THIS MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND FOLLOWS A SERIOUS OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES I HAVE HAD SINCE I OWNED MY CAR, NEW FROM THE DEALER. SOMETHING IS WRONG AT THE MANUFACTURING LEVEL THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2014
WENT TO START CAR WITH PUSH BUTTON START AND IT WILL NOT START. ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON IN THE CAR AND THE BATTERY WHEN TESTED IS STILL FUNCTIONING. THE CAR HAS ALREADY HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT RECALL REPLACEMENT. WE TRIED TO DO THE TURN ON THAT GOES AROUND THAT AND CAR STILL DOES NOT TURN ON. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2014
DASH INDICATORS FOR TRACTION SLIP, DOWNHILL ASSIST AND ABS CAME ON AND HAVE STAYED ON. BRAKING IS FINE AND PUSHING THE ASSIST AND SLIP BUTTONS HAVE NO CHANGE ON BRAKING. TWO WEEKS LATER THE HIGH BEAM AND TURN SIGNAL DASH LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE, BUT THE AFOREMENTIONED LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE CHANGED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND AFOREMENTIONED LIGHTS ARE STILL ON AND OTHERS STILL NOT WORKING. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2014
THE CAR HAD PROBLEMS STARTING AND THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS FINE. THE DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A SWITCH AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM KEPT HAPPENING ON OCCASION (2-3 TIMES) IN THE LAST YEAR AND LAST TIME THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I BELIEVE THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM AND DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 19, 2014
AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT OR ALL DAY, WHEN BACKING UP THEN GOING FORWARD THE CAR ACTS LIKE THE ABS IS STICKING AND WONT MOVE FORWARD, PULLS TO THE LEFT. YOU HAVE PUT CAR IN PARK, TURN IT OFF, THEN TURN BACK ON FOR IT TO STOP. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2014
CPSC: I1470147A. 2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR HAS TURNED OFF ON THE HIGHWAY ON THREE OCCASIONS. ALSO STATED ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BATTERY AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT DOWN. *LN THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER ACTIVATING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE KEY FOB, ENGINE MODULE, WIRING HARNESS AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 9, 2014
1) THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT SIX (6) TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP. THIS HAS OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOUR OF THE SIX TIMES BY STOPPING, PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND PRESSING THE "START" IGNITION BUTTON. TWO OF THE SIX TIMES THE GEAR WAS LOCKED INTO DRIVE AND NEUTRAL ONLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO NOT SHUT OFF. BOTH TIMES 911 WAS CALLED FOR CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED AS I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY. THIS OCCURRED ON 2/20/14 AND 6/03/14. ON 5/17/14 THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY FOR THE 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE AND PASSED WITH NO ISSUES. 2) THE BACKUP CAMERA FLUTTERS INTERMITTENTLY (ABOUT 10-15 TIMES A MONTH) MOSTLY IN THE MORNING ON START UP AND SOMETIMES AT NIGHT. KIA OF CERRITOS HAD REPLACED THE NAVIGATION/RADIO MODULE 3 TIMES, BUT OFFICIAL RECORDS SHOW IT WAS REPLACED ONLY TWICE. THIS HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL PERSISTS. 3) THE RADIO INCONSISTENTLY (ABOUT 2-5 TIMES A MONTH) DOES NOT START FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE UP. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE ISSUES ARE RESOLVED AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND ALL WHO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE. THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY REPLACED THE DRIVE ASSIST PART AND CLEANED THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT IN FEB 2014. I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ON 6/03/14, I WAS TOLD A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU (ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT) WAS PERFORMED, BUT THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I WANT THE FACILITY TO RETAIN MY VEHICLE AND PERFORM A FULL DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY CAN GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL NOT STALL AND LOCK UP ON ME AGAIN. CORPORATE KIA SAID THE VEHICLE CAN BE RELEASED AND THE FACILITY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE ANY FURTHER. I DO NOT BELIEVE KIA IS TAKING THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. *TR