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
Engine, Feb 8, 2023
The engine will not turn over. It was leaking oil. We refilled the oil. Then it stopped running. We had to tow it to our home. All maintenance and regular scheduled repairs were kept up to date.
Engine, Nov 3, 2022
The contact's significant other owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was making abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure would occur upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt had failed and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and had released metal shavings in the engine oil, which caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC147. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as his significant other had failed to complete a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update; however, a notification was never received regarding the software update. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
Time chain tensioner is faulty and camshafts have been updated the 2011 model. I just purchased a 2011 Sorrento Ex and it will cost 5000 to do the upgrade. The air bag has caused problems in the electrical systems of the horn. This cost 400 to replace airbag.
Engine, Aug 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the oil seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the oil switch needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the failure recurred three years later. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided warranty information but never received a copy as promised. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN and no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2022
The vehicle stalls and I lose all power while driving. This starts with interior dash lights flashing and going off along with radio and all other lights. This also has happened while sitting in running car. I have replaced two alternators and 3 batteries. Please help.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 27, 2022
My headlights are randomly going off and back on while driving. It was just happening under the auto setting while turning, then on auto only at anytime. Remained on in the “on” mode. Last night went off on the highway under the ON mode so getting worse.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 1, 2022
Kia Sorento 2011 LX 2.4L Oil disappears weekly, I have to check it often and/or refill. I use the required oil it calls for on the engine oil cap. Vehicle jolts while driving. I've been parked with vehicle off, turned it on, reversed from parking spot and about an tenth of a mile vehicle stalled, put it in park, and restarted. While driving headlights flicker Tapping/knocking noise from engine area, checked oil and its full, mechanic can't seem to find issue. Some forums have suggested throttl control module?
Engine, Jul 27, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire without any warning. The contact's husband was able to pull over safely and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A report was filed with both the police and the fire department. No one was injured. The vehicle was towed to Doug Auto Motor for diagnosis and they stated the rod broke through the engine and caused the oil to leak into the engine. The vehicle was not repairable. The dealer was contacted, and they stated that they were aware of the failure but there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and they also confirmed that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
Driving the vehicle on a two lane road at approximately 50 mph (steady cruise state), the vehicle experienced bump or jump in the powertrain (shutter). I immediately lost power to continue at the desired speed (engine missing or lack of power). I slowly tipped into the throttle, but the vehicle was not responding as expected. I put the vehicle in neutral and slightly revved the engine to see if the engine would run normal without load, and it would increase in RPM, but not smoothly. I let the engine return to idle and the engine stalled. I lost my power steering and power brakes and had to muscle the vehicle into a parking lot where I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop and put it into Park. While this event took place the engine or vehicle warning lamp was on the instrument cluster. I got out of the vehicle and looked under hood to see if I could see any obvious signs of an issue and found nothing. I then restarted the vehicle after having the key in the off position. It started and seems to rev up normal. I put the vehicle in drive and cautiously drove the vehicle to my home (about 3 miles). There is no sign of the issue and no lights on the dash. This is not a condition I would want my wife or daughters to encounter, as it produced no warning leading up to the event. The loss of power steering and brakes makes the vehicle difficult to maneuver in a safe manner. It's difficult to trust this vehicle now. The mileage is 92K.
Engine, Jul 17, 2022
The check engine light came on in our Sorento so we took it to a local mechanic. They changed the oil and said the car was good to go on May 13. Less than a mile from the mechanic, on a busy street the car became unresponsive. Suddenly there was no way to accelerate or slow down and steering was incredibly difficult. Managed to coast to the middle of a busy parking lot but the car shut down completely before I could park in a space and I ended up partially blocking the lot entrance and several parked cars before we could get the car towed back to our mechanic. The mechanic reported to us that other Kias had experienced similar issues and we should check with the dealership for recalls. The car was towed to Oakes Kia Dealership on June 3 and they said the car needed a new engine. Having an engine with only 90,000 miles on it shut down without warning is an obvious and incredibly serious safety risk to drivers and others on the road. In a highway situation, this would have likely caused a serious accident.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
My car is going to kill me. It stalls while driving or sitting at lights. Sometimes while I’m driving it surges and bucks and jerks. I’m really concerned with the stalling issues almost got rear ended 2 days ago. I drive on the northway and can’t afford this car stalling while driving I’ll be killed.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 5, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal clunking sound had emitted from the vehicle. The contact then heard parts falling out of the engine as white smoke began to release from the vehicle's hood. The check engine warning light was also illuminated on the instrument panel as the contact pulled over. The contact lifted that hood and saw flames coming from undeath the vehicle. The contact immediately shut the hood as smoke continued to discharge from the vehicle. The fire department arrived at the scene; however, the fire had dissolved on its own. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that a rod had blown in the engine resulting in engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was initially informed that her vehicle would be repaired under an extended warranty; however, the manufacturer later denied the warranty extension since she failed to have a manufacturer campaign performed on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2022
The Engine as while driving down road locked up on me causing the vehicle to stop running. From my understanding this type of engine has had issues in past and was under a class action lawsuit that also included Hyundai. Now Kia has responded saying my vehicle vin number isn't part of the theta engine recall. Which baffles me.
Engine, May 25, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while pulling into the parking lot at work at approximately 3 MPH, there was what seemed to be steam coming from the engine. The contact stated there was actually smoke and ash which was on the driver's side of the hood. There were no warning lights. The contact exited the vehicle safely. Immediately after exiting the vehicle it was engulfed in flame and was destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The police department was on the scene and conducted a report. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. The contact fell at the time of the explosion. There were smoke ventilation and cuts on the right arm along with bruises from the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2022, fire
On 06/05/2019 my Kia Sorrento 2011 vin [XXX] EX V6 2WD engulfed in flames yards from my home as my family barley escaped as it exploded. My husband in shock across the street video taped and took pictures of this horrific event. This is not a accident incident no other vehicle or object involved. Kia complaint filed #[XXX] accident millage: 99,000 Police report filed w Missouri Hwy Patrol Corporal Kline #[XXX] Vehicle was "inspected" post fire by a Kia inspector reported due to fire undetermined cause?! Vehicle purchased at World Kia in Joliet 2525 W. Jefferson Joliet, IL 60435 on 10/01/2015 registered Certified Manufactured warranty purchase Vehicle # [XXX] administration address: 175 W. Jackson Chicago, IL 60604 Extended Warranty purchased at the time of sale. Warranty extension program letter dated 11/07/2016 received to me purchaser: [XXX] current address: [XXX] [XXX] Please contact me with any additional documents, pictures, or statements My insurance didn't cover the full financed balance... I appreciate any information you have, Thank you, [XXX] Kia did not honor any warranty's INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 9, 2022
Going down the highway with cruise control on, the car jolted and disengaged cruise control. At another time it jolted at an intersection and the car died. Was able to restart and continue. Turning a corner, felt the small jolt / surge..nothing else noted....yet
Engine, May 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated when she first started the vehicle in the morning, while seated in the vehicle she started to smell fumes inside the vehicle; however, after the vehicle had warmed up the fume’s odor went away. After transporting her children to school, while driving back to her residence at approximately 25 - 30 MPH, she noticed that there was smoke coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. A passing motorist then informed her that the rear bumper of the vehicle was on fire. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The State Police also arrived on the scene. A fire report and police report were filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
The engine seized and needed to be replaced. The cost would be $11000 and there was only ONE available in the entire country. We were given $100 for the car. The KIA Corporation knew that this engine was defective and did not recall it or warn us that the engine could seize while driving or catch fire causing catastrophic injuries.
Engine, Jan 9, 2022
When you check oil, the dip stick shows no oil. I have had the oil changed several times and after about a week the dip stick shows no oil. There is no oil leak coming from under car or from looking at engine under hood. Also, when I start the car, a big plume of smoke comes out of the muffler, but then no smoke. I scheduled an appointment for Kia Dealership about 6 months ago and they said they could not find a problem.
Engine, Jan 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
The engine on my 2011 Kia Sorento has failed and the mechanic at the Kia dealership told me it was because of the rod bearings. My car was serviced at the Kia dealership in April 2021 and apparently 2 weeks later an ECU update recall was placed on my vehicle. I did not receive anything notifying me of this update. In November of 2021 my engine started making a loud noise and then failed to turn on. The mechanic at the Kia dealership told me had I had the sensor updated prior to the noise starting it would have alerted us to the rod bearings causing damage but since the update had never happened the rod bearings caused my engine to fail. According to the dealership I should be covered under the recall but Kia headquarters are denying to cover it since I am over my mileage warranty. I have tried for the last month to get a supervisor to return my call at the Kia headquarters and no one will speak to me or call me back. I have been without a vehicle since November 22, 2021 and no resolution since no one will call me back.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THEIR VEHICLE STOPPING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 98,122 MILES.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.