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: engine
316 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 11, 2013
STARTED VEHICLE 7AM. SHIFTED FROM P TO R. ENGINE REVVED ON ITS OWN. SHIFTED BACK TO P. OBSERVED CLUNK SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION. SHIFTED BACK TO R AND OBSERVED CLUNK SOUND. REVERSED TO STREET. SHIFTED TO D. VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSION ACCELERATOR TO 20 MPH. PULLED OVER. SHIFTED TO P. TURNED OFF IGNITION. RESTARTED VEHICLE. CLUNK SOUND OR SUDDEN ACCELERATION NOT OBSERVED. *TR
Power train, Seat belts, Engine, Sep 7, 2013
FROM POINT OF PURCHASE (NOVEMBER 2010) THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A HARD START, THE SEAT BELT WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED AND THE GAS LID FAILS TO OPEN WITHOUT MANUAL PRODDING. IN APRIL 2012 THE ENGINE FAILED TO START, AND THEN THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES THEREAFTER. THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE BATTERY AND SERVICE THE VEHICLE. IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS A SERIES OF ISSUES CONTINUED, WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP STOPPED WORKING, FAILURE START, LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE WHILE IDLE AND DRIVING, AND THEN THE CAR STARTED TO STALL AND THRUST HARD FORWARD. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AGAIN, OIL CHANGED, THE CHANGED THE PUMP AND FILTERS, ALL REPORTED PROBLEMS PERSISTED THROUGH 2013. FOR THREE MONTHS THE CAR REMAINED IN THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE SHOP WHERE THE ENGINE WAS SERVICED, AND SOME ?TAPPETS? WERE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP CRACKED THE ENGINE COVER, REPLACED IT, WITHOUT INFORMING ME. ALL ENGINE, FAIL START, AND WINDSHIELD PUMP ISSUES CONTINUES TO PERSIST TO DATE (SEPTEMBER 2013) DESPITE MULTIPLE SERVICES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2013
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR BECAME NON-RESPONSIVE TO GAS PEDAL INPUT, BUT BRAKES SILL WORKED. HILL ASST AND ETC LIGHTS LIT UP ON DASH, CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST NEUTRAL. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK. CAR STARTED NORMALLY AFTER BEING SHUT OFF. *JB
Power train, Engine, Sep 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 10 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND ON AND THE CAR RESTARTED, DROVE REST OF DAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. CAR STALLED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 27, 2013
I CAME TO A STOP, SUDDENLY THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TURNED THE KEY A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT NOTHING HAPPENED, I TURNED OFF THE RADIO AND THEN TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE KEY AGAIN. THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED AND I DROVE IT HOME. TWO DAYS LATER THE SORENTO WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP. POSSIBLE REASON GIVEN ON THE WORKORDER FOR THE STALLING/SHUTTING DOWN WAS THAT THE GAS TANK HAD BEEN OVERFILLED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED IN OTHER VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE SOLVED BY THE BRAKE SWITCH RECALL, SERVICE BULLETIN 13V114000. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM RECEIVES A SIGNAL FROM THE BRAKE SWITCH FOR THE STARTING PROCESS AND, IF THE SIGNAL IS NOT RECEIVED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH, HE STATED THAT IT COULD INTERRUPT THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE BY SENDING AN ERRONEOUS SIGNAL TO THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM, ACTIVATING THE "NO START" PROCESS. EVEN WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT. HE FURTHER STATED THIS RECALL REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SIGNAL SWITCH SHOULD CURE THAT PROBLEM. AFTER RUNNING A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE REP SAID THERE WERE NO STORED CODES IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MEMORY INDICATING A FAULT. SINCE SHUTTING THE MOTOR OFF DUE TO AN ERRONEOUS SIGNAL THAT THE BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED IS NOT A SET FAULT CODE, THIS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN RECORDED. ALSO, THE REP STATED THAT IF A FAULT HAD OCCURRED, IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN IN PLACE LONG ENOUGH TO RECORD A FAULT CODE. THOUGH HE DID GIVE THESE ANSWERS VERBALLY, THEY WERE NOT SPECIFICALLY INDICATED ON THE SERVICE INVOICE, AND THIS CONNECTION WAS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. IS THIS KIAS OFFICIAL POSITION THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH RECALL FIXES THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 17, 2013
FOUND THIS ON ANOTHER WEB SITE: WWW.TOPCLASSACTIONS.COM (SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION) VERY INTERESTING: APPARENTLY THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2002!! WELL IT'S STILL HAPPENING I HAVE THE 2011 6 CYL AWD AND FOUND OUT IT'S STILL A DEFECT IN THE 2012 AND 2013. NOTHING MORE TO SAY BUT 'SHAME ON KIA MOTORS' YOUR LACK OF TAKING OWNERSHIP FOR THIS DEFECT IS JUST DISCUSTING. NHTSA PLEASE HELP US.....LIVES NEED TO BE SAVED; I AM BLEARY EYED READING ALL THE POWERTRAIN DEFECTS FOR THE 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE KIA SORENTO IS PRONE TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, ACCORDING TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN NEW JERSEY. PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE IN THE KIA SORENTO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT KIA MOTORS KNOWINGLY CONCEALED THAT ITS 2002-2009 SORENTO CROSSOVERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE PART CALLED THE CRANK SPROCKET. THIS ALLEGED ENGINE DEFECT LEADS TO A CATASTROPHIC CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT STARTS WITH SEVERE HEAT BUILDUP, THE RELEASE OF DEBRIS, AND THEN LEADS TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, ENGINE FAILURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS ACCIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 KIA SORENTO IT JUST LOST POWER, IT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND ALL THE DASHBOARD IDIOT LIGHTS LIT UP. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED IF THIS HAPPENED DRIVING ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO AND THERE WAS NO STEERING RESPONSE. I TURNED OFF THE KEY TO KILL THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO MY DESTINATION AND PARK. I CHECKED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE BY SEARCHING KIA SORENTO STALLING AND FOUND A DOZEN OR MORE VIDEO'S FROM PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT I JUST EXPERIENCED. SOME OF THE DRIVERS FOUND THAT IF YOU USE THE CAR IN THE MANUAL SHIFT MODE THE STALLING DID NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN. THIS IS A REAL POTENTIAL DISASTER. YOU LOOSE POWER AND HAVE NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY WHEN YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY...LIKE RIDING IN A 'DEATH WISH CAR'. THE VIDEO'S ALSO STATING THAT THEY EXPERIENCED THE STALLING MANY TIMES AND ONCE IT STARTED IT GOT WORSE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT KIA DEALERSHIPS WERE OF LITTLE HELP SINCE THEY NEED TO REPRODUCE THE STALLING AND SINCE IT'S JUST RANDOM THAT IS NOT EASY. THE VIDEOS WERE TAPED WHEN THE ISSUE WAS ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE AND SHOWED THE TACH AT ABOUT 15 RPM'S ALL THE ENGINE LIGHTS LIT BUT NO STEERING RESPONSE OR POWER TO MOVE THE CAR. I AM HOPING THIS CAN BECOME A RECALL AND KIA WILL FIX THIS STALLING PROBLEM AND KEEP THE PEOPLE IN THESE KIA SORENTO'S SAFE! IF THIS IS A COMPUTER PROBLEM THEN THERE SHOULD BE AN ERROR LOG TO SHOW WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER FOR NO REASON. KIA NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS DEFECT AND FIX THIS POTENTIAL DEADLY PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE PUSH START IGNITION FAILED TO OPERATE ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES FOR BOTH DEFECTS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SING, TURNING TO SLOW DOWN, OR DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH A PARKING LOT.
Power train, Engine, Feb 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Vehicle speed control, Traction control system, Engine, Jan 23, 2013
WHILE DRIVING (USUALLY STEADY STATE SPEED ON HIGHWAY - WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED) CAR EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ACCOMPANIED BY A JOLT (AS IF BRAKES HAD BEEN ABRUPTLY AND BRIEFLY ENGAGED, OR AS IF FUEL SUPPLY SUDDENLY SHUT OFF), TACHOMETER DIPS SUDDENLY, CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATES FOR A SECOND OR TWO, AND THEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL. SOMETIMES AN INDICATOR LIGHT - OR MORE THAN ONE- FLASHES MOMENTARILY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT,THESE INCLUDE THE ENGINE LIGHT, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND/OR THE KEY IMMOBILIZER LIGHT - SOMETIMES NO INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES AT ALL. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A DEAD STOP - SUDDEN LOSS OF FORWARD MOMENTUM W/ A JOLT. I AM AFRAID I WILL GET REAR-ENDED AS THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWS BUT BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED, AND A CAR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REACT IN TIME. IF CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED AT TIME OF INCIDENT IT BECOMES DISENGAGED AND HAS TO BE RESET. THIS SOMETIMES WILL NOT OCCUR IN AN HOUR OF DRIVING, BUT SOMETIMES WILL OCCUR AS OFTEN AS 10 TIMES IN A 20 MILE DRIVE WITH NO DISCERNIBLE PATTERN. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND GROWN MORE FREQUENT OVER TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS IN A RAIN STORM AND I SUSPECTED THE ESC WAS SENSING SLIPPAGE AND FIRING THE BRAKES, HOWEVER IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WEATHER OR ROAD SURFACE AND NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE FOR MORE THAN A FEW MILES ON FREEWAY. THE CAR HAS BEEN EVALUATED BY KIA SERVICE MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED - BATTERY AND ABS MODULE WERE REPLACED WITHOUT SUCCESS. CONCERN IS OF SAFETY OF VEHICLE AND OTHER VEHICLES FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. *TR
Engine, Dec 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT AND PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A SENSOR FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A SAFETY SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 24, 2012
PUT KEY IN IGNITION, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON AS NORMAL, RADIO CAME ON AS NORMAL, ENGINE DID NOTHING, MADE NO SOUND WHATSOEVER. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CRANK VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STARTED. AFTER THE 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENING I TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA OF BATON ROUGE (THE ONLY KIA DEALERSHIP IN THE BATON ROUGE AREA, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES ON A GOOD DAY FROM MY HOME). VEHICLE WAS THERE ONLY 30 MINUTES WHEN I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY, WHICH I KNEW WAS INCORRECT BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS A DEAD BATTERY WOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED MY RADIO AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO COME ON, BUT I ALLOWED THE TO GIVE ME A NEW BATTERY WITHOUT QUESTION. ONE WEEK LATER THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THIS TIME I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET IT STARTED AND QUITE FRANKLY AM TIRED OF WASTING MY TIME AND GAS MONEY ON THE SAME ISSUE. THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUSE BLOCK, SAID ALL KINDS OF OTHER GARBAGE THAT DID NOT MAKE SENSE TO THE AVERAGE INTELLIGENT PERSON. DID NOT HAVE THE CAR BACK 2 DAYS AND THE SAME THING, WONT START. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WILL HAVE IT TOWED MONDAY AGAIN. DO NOT EXPECT IT TO BE FIXED, THE MECHANICS AT THIS DEALERSHIP DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT VEHICLES OR WHAT MAKES THEM CRANK, RUN, AND GO. *TR
Engine, Nov 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 19, 2012
THE INCLINE CONTROL LIGHT & THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. I WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE ON A FLAT SURFACE AND WHEN THESE LIGHTS WERE ON I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK OR REVERSE. I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I THEN HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE CONTROL AND TRACTION LIGHTS WERE NOT ON AND I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I MADE THE PURCHASE FROM AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE BRAKE LINE WHERE THERE IS A SHORT IN THE LINE THAT CAUSES THE COMPUTER TO THINK THE BREAK IS NOT PRESSED DOWN ENOUGH, THEREFORE CONFUSING THE COMPUTER INTO THINKING IT SHOULD APPLY THE INCLINE AND TRACTION CONTROL AND PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM BEING PUT IN REVERSE OR PARK. I WAS TOLD THAT BY TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF WHILE IN NEUTRAL LIKE I DID WILL SOMETIMES RESET THE COMPUTER. I WAS TOLD THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE BOX THAT HAS A VERY SMALL SLIT IN IT AND IF I COULD FIND SOMETHING TO FIT INTO IT THAT WOULD GO DOWN ABOUT 6 INCHES, THAT WOULD ALSO RESET IT. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF WHAT ONE WOULD USE TO DO THAT WITH. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO NEED TO FIX THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY MESS UP THE DRIVE SHAFT, COMPUTER SYSTEM, OR TRANSMISSION AND WAS ASSURED IT WOULD NOT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 13, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR SLOW SPEED THE ENGINE WILL OCCASIONALLY BOG DOWN OR HESITATE AND ALMOST DIE. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC ESP ONTO A HIGHWAY FROM A SIDE STREET. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2012
ON 9/19/2012 AT 12:17 PM I TOOK A FRANTIC CALL FROM MY WIFE. SHE HAD JUST STOPPED TO FILL UP WITH GAS, GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AT AROUND 75 MPH. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE FRONT END STARTED SHAKING AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE SPEED. SHE SHUT OFF THE CRUISE AND WAS LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PULL OVER WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. IT WAS ALREADY GOING OVER 80 MPH WHEN SHE CALLED. I TOLD HER TO STAND ON THE BRAKES-NO EFFECT. I TOLD HER TO PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND TO PUSH AND HOLD THE START BUTTON FOR 10 SECONDS-NOTHING (THAT IS THE OVERRIDE TO GET THE CAR STARTED WHEN THE BRAKE SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS-WE HAD JUST HAD IT REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS PRIOR). I TOLD HER TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL-THE SHIFTER IS LOCKED IN DRIVE. I TOLD HER TO SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR-IT WON'T MOVE. AFTER 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS GOING OVER 85 MPH-I TOLD HER TO HANG UP & CALL 911 AS SHE COULD TELL THEM WHERE SHE WAS MUCH BETTER THAN I COULD. A FEW MINUTES LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE HIGHWAY PATROL-THEY HAD 2 CRUISERS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH HER TRYING TO CLEAR TRAFFIC AHEAD OF HER. I ASKED IF THEY COULD GET A CRUISER AHEAD OF HER AND LET HER NOSE UP BEHIND IT AND THEN USE THE CRUISER TO STOP HER. EVIDENTLY THEY DIDN'T LIKE THAT IDEA OR IT IS AGAINST POLICY BECAUSE THEY NEVER DID TRY THAT. THE DISPATCHER HAD TO HANG UP TO CONCENTRATE ON THE SITUATION AT HAND. I NOW HAD THE DISPATCHER'S NUMBER SO I COULD CALL HER BACK. AT ONE POINT I CALLED BACK AND SUGGESTED THAT SHE ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND TRY TO SLOW THE CAR WITH IT. MY WIFE DOES NOT REMEMBER EVER TRYING THIS. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES AT SPEEDS UP TO 119 MPH. AT THE END ONE OF THE OFFICERS TOLD HER TO PUT HER LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PULL UP ON THE ACCELERATOR WITH HER RIGHT FOOT AT THE SAME TIME. SHE WENT FROM OVER 100 MPH TO UNDER 50 MPH INSTANTLY, LET GO OF THE PEDALS. *TR
Engine, Aug 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2012
AS I BACK U THIS WEIRD SCRATCHY SOUND AND ALSO AS I DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEED. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2012
WHEN TRYING TO STEP ON GAS VEHICLE SEEMS TO STRAIN. EXAMPLE, WHEN NEEDING TO GET IN LANE, MY CAR SEEMS NOT TO GET MUCH GAS WHICH I FEEL ESPECIALLY ON HIGHWAY, MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE TEND TO RIDE QUITE ROUGH AS FAR AS WHEEL SUSPENSION. I HAVE HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED. I WAS TOLD NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WITH IT. I HAD THE 189.00 SERVICE DID ON MY CAR AS WELL. I CALLED THE RECALL CENTER AND I WAS TOLD NOTHING SHOWED FOR MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS NOT PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2012
MY 2011 KIA SORENTO DOWNSHIFTS WHILE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IT ALSO GETS STUCK AND WHILE THE RPMS ARE RACING, IT WILL NOT SHIFT UP. THE BLUETOOTH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND AM ONLY ABLE TO MAKE A CALL 30% OF THE TIME. BACKUP CAMERAS AND SENSORS ARE INTERMITTENT. WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FELL OFF HINGES WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILD IN THE BACKSEAT. MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. CAUSING MY CAR TO FILL WITH SMOKE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. MANY ISSUES WITH THIS LEMON! SHIFTER WILL NOT GO FROM DRIVE INTO PARK LEAVING ME STRANDED IN MY CAR. VEHICLE HAS NO POWER....POOR ENGINE. PAINT AND CHROME OF HANDLES ARE COMING OFF. PULLS TO THE LEFT AND ESC LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Dec 29, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE STARTS TO COME TO A STOP AS IF THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT BEING APPLIED. I HAVE TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESS IT AGAIN FOR THE SORENTO TO RESPOND AND CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A SHOPPING PLAZA, GOING ABOUT 15MPH,THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING THE LOSS OF ALL POWER ASSIST FUNCTIONS AND ELECTRICAL OPERATION. THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK ON-LINE RIGHT AWAY, BUT THE CAR HAD TO BE RESTARTED. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, 4 DAYS LATER. THE CAR WAS COASTING AT ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 17, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO MISS/SKIP GEARS! IT FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STOP ALTOGETHER, AND I DEFINITELY LOST ACCELERATION ABILITY. NEXT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IT HAS NOT GONE OFF. I AM GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER ON 12/17/2011 TO SEE WHAT MAY BE CAUSING A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITHOUT HAVING A DIAGNOSED FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FILTER PLACE IN THE ENGINE WAS NOT UP TO STANDARDS AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.