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
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.
Engine, Jul 2, 2024
Was driving on the [XXX] with my children and puppy on a truck/car route and my engine made a noise and the car slowed down and jerked. I pulled over, turned my car off to check for smoke, leaked, and my tires but nothing seemed wrong. When I tried to start the car the engine light came on blinking and then the battery and oil light came on. The safety of my family and I was freshly put at risk with hundreds of trucks passing by and my car almost swerving into and oncoming truck in the lane to my right. My car has been towed the the dealership where I purchased it to be checked today on 7/3/2024. The used vehicle was purchased at Brick City Motors at 346 Broadway Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104. I purchased this vehicle from this dealership on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2024
Car dash lights flashed and car shut down
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
I smell something burning inside the car when after one hour driving it and not feel safe, right after picking the car up from the dealership after the recall service, the engine starts shutting off every time I stop ped at a stop sign or light, the engine also stops every time I go 25 scare me so much, the kia losing power everytime going up hills. The dealership suppose to replace that Engine, I told them about the issue and nothing is done to replace it. instead they look at other issues in order to make money instead of fixing the engine recall issue before something worse happens down the road. I have always maintained my truck well. I want the engine to be replace please. VIN: [XXX] N REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Engine, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, there was a jerking and grinding noise detected when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to stop. The engine, traction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 285,658. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 20, 2024
Unknown and the engine light is on
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 20, 2024, crash
I have a problem with my Kia Sorento since last year and I expensed a lot money with the eng8ne. The motor is broken down. Also, one shop gave me the receipt, 4 guys for $59 because I refuse any repair again. But, the other shop mechanic where I expensed a lot of money does not give me the receipt, inspire of my request they have not given me the receipt yet. I am so embarrassed, I expensed a lot $5500 for the repair. And, another shop too for $500. Thanks
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which determined that the cam shaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The cam shaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 169,000.
Engine, Apr 29, 2024
I brought my 2011 Kia Sorento in to Jeff Wyler Kia in Fairfield, Ohio on [XXX] to be checked after receiving notification of a recall campaign for the engine. According to the recall an engine compartment fire can start while driving, and the recall stated engine smoke and/or the smell of burning oil were causes for concern. The remedy was for Kia to replace the engine. Since my vehicle was experiencing both, I scheduled the appointment. I mentioned the smoke seemed to be coming from the rear of the engine, and that it was burning through oil but I never had any oil spots on my driveway.(They specifically asked about this.) I was told that after a complete inspection my vehicle did not qualify for the recall as something else was causing the problem, a leaky seal around the oil pan. Didn't sound right to me but since they are certified mechanics and I'm not I paid for the repair. After the service I noticed the issue was persisting, so I returned to Kia to show them there was still a problem. They assured me this was just residual oil burning off the engine and it would stop in a few days. I then started to notice oil spots under my car where I hadn't before I brought it in for service. Soon after, the engine starting shutting down while driving creating a serious safety issue. When I couldn't get it to start back up, I had it towed back to Kia at my own expense. That was on [XXX] and they still can't tell me what the problem is, only that it is not related to the recall or the service they have provided. They charged me $369.64 for an unnecessary repair that did not fix the issue it was brought in for, and they want to charge me for the diagnostics they are currently allegedly performing on it. They are assuming no responsibility for the issue, even though their negligence in that first visit clearly caused additional harm to the engine, compromising the safety of me and my family. Kia customer care called me once but since will not return my calls or emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 22, 2024, fire
12-29-2023, the Kia Sorento started smoking on the way home. When I got home I opened the hood and saw fire. I put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. On 1-9-2024, I made an appointment with Archer Kia and had the car towed there for a diagnosis. After a month with no response, the service manager at Kia advised me to contact Kia Corporation. I spoke to a representative and was assigned a case number. The representative stated that I should have gotten a software update but could not produce any information that I received a recall notice for the software update. All recall notices that I received were addressed and oil changes were regularly done at a major retail store. I was told that an investigation would be done and that I would be contacted. I didn’t receive a response for two months. I called Kia Corporation and was told that they sent information to an address that belonged to my mother which was calling her number instead of calling me. It was never determined why the information was sent to my mother. The car had been registered to my address for over 10 years. Once we established the correct information, I was asked to send service records. I was sent a letter before the representative received the service records stating that the cause of the fire was normal wear and tear. I went to the Archer Kia dealership to talk about the next step. The service manager stated that Kia didn’t send him anything so I waited. This was May 2023. January 2024, I contacted Archia Kia for information. They had received a decline notice to replace the motor. I called Kia Corporation again. I discovered that the original representative no longer worked there. The new representative wanted to call the dealership on a three way call. The service manager was not available and the representative told me he would call me back. In February 2024, I received a recall notice concerning the software issue and a notice stating that the car could catch on fire. In March 2024, I rec
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 11, 2024
My Kia Sorento 2011 in November 2023 started having the instrument cluster warning lights flashing, abs warning light, tire pressure light and sometimes the check engine light. There is also a very strong burning or melting smell when the car is on. I was very scared to drive my car and have had to find ways to get to work when I received the notice from Kia that there was a recall SC284. About HECU fuse that many Kia Sorento 2011 owners are having issues with the engines catching fire while driving or parked. And the symtoms before a fire occurs are the same as I have experienced with the instrument cluster illuminating and the strong burning smell as well. Its April 2024 and I haven't had a car since November 2023 because the recall has yet to be remedied. This is completely unacceptable I cannot drive I cant take my car to emmissions and might eventually get my car towed due to not being able to it not passing emissions and cant pass for registration. There needs to be compensation for this inconvenience and for this recall not being a priority.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 4, 2024
Preventative complaint. I received a recall notice on November 14, 2023 regarding recall of my 2011 KIA Sorento. Recall #23V652000. Manufacturer's recall #SC284XM. I have contacted my dealer, Danbury CT KIA to find out when they can repair the recall. They just keep stating that they don't have the parts. The recall is not done in a timely fashion and I am greatly concerned that my only car could catch fire at any time. This should be repaired immediately if such a great hazard is possible. Lives could be in jeopardy since I seldom have my grandchildren in my car. Please provide Danbury Connecticut KIA the necessary parts to address the recall.
Engine, Mar 22, 2024
I received a letter in the mail dated February 9th, 2024. This letter stated there was a recall on my car to mitigate any unreasonable fire risk due to potential engine damage. It states to take the car to a Kia dealer so they can inspect and, if need be, replace the engine. It is recall number [XXX]. It states the recall will be repaired at no cost to me. However when I took the car to the dealership, the employee i dealt with told me that it had a very strong burning plastic smell, valve cover is warped, leaking oil onto exhaust manifold and suggest to replace the intake valve and valve cover. I was also told the engine was leaking oil, valve cover and intake leaking. I was then estimated for a total of $1,213.78+tax for the manifold replacement, $454.62 for valve cover replacement, and $211.27 for rear brake lamp assembly. So I would like to file a formal complaint against the BIll Walsh Kia Dealership in Ottawa, IL. for their inability to remedy this defect without charge. I drive my 3 year old daughter around in this car, it is my biggest asset, it gets me to work, it feeds my child, it pays my bills. If my safety is at risk or my child's safety because of the negligence of Kia, they should fix it at their cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Oil was serviced mid-January, driven intermittently where oil level checked right after service before trip to college (it was full) and oil level checked again March 7 before a trip to Florida and it showed full. During trip (approx 590 miles after starting trip0, engine failed while driving on interstate causing a safety concern - driver was not able to steer or do any movement of vehicle causing a potential dangerous situation for driver, passengers and other vehicles on interstate. A tow truck was called and vehicle was towed to nearest auto mechanic shop, Will's Auto Mechanic Shop in Jasper, Florida. They indicated the engine was locked up and no longer functional with diagnosis of no oil in engine where dip stick was dry and they did not see any visible leaks. In addition, no check engine or oil light appeared throughout drive prior to engine stopping on interstate. Called insurance although doubtful anything will be covered. Will's Auto indicated will cost approx $3K for engine plus minimum $1,500 in labor to replace engine. If doesn't make sense to replace engine, car worth $150 in scrap as they do not purchase and re-sell vehicles at shop which is 14 hours away from our home. Researched and saw same engine for 2012 Kia Sorento was recalled for similar engine issues with no warning lamps.
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Unknown. Oil leaked totally out happened March 16th 2024. Had car towed oil light came on when oil totally leaked out. Having it looked at on March 26th 2024
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 16, 2024
I’ve gotten approved to buy another car and was going to trade my 2011 Kia sorento but still has open recall and Kia dealership has no answers when they can fix. What do i do. Thank you for your help!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 16, 2024
Family and i were driving home from soccer and car violently stuttered felt like we hit a deer. This has happened three times now and has caused solenoid a in transmission to fail which i fixed . My wife smells a burning smell also randomly.
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) 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 contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and drove as intended. The LIMP Mode message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced; and the dealer stated that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
My 2011 Kia Sorento is leaking oil.(possibly from an oil pressure sensor from inside engine compartment) Unable to drive vehicle
Engine, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made a loud noise while the contact was accelerating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact made it to a safe location. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the residence, but the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The oil light and check engine warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was blinking continuously. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise and the contact smelled smoke. The contact drove the vehicle in LIMP Mode to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the engine was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 4, 2024
The engine showed signs of overheating and smoke emissions. The vehicle was taken to a authorized Kia dealership where the recall components: KSDS software, and one other out of the three recall components was replaced. The KSDS software failed to activate and the engine overheated several days later, the vehicle was taken to a dealership where the engine recall replacement order was refused and instead was given a cost estimate of $10,000 USD to replace.
Structure, Engine, Feb 20, 2024, fire
Exhaust system flex pipe was repaired and the next day the exhaust muffler/ resonator failed at the seam, causing hot gases to escape into the undercarriage and melt the lower bumper cover assembly on the right passenger side. See photos attached.
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