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: exterior lighting
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 27, 2025, fire
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2025
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2024
This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.
Electrical system, 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.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 11, 2024
The ABS, downhill assist, and engine light stay on constantly, even though the clock spring has been replaced and multiple car repair shops are unable to diagnose a “problem.” When driving, the vehicle seems like the engine is getting extremely hot and starts to sputter and even cuts off at times. There are currently recalls on 2011 Sorentos for fire risk while parked and fire risk while driving. However, my VIN is not included in the recall for fire risk while driving, but I believe it should be based on the inability to diagnose a problem with my engine. Vehicle is well maintained. Thank you.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 11, 2023
2011 Kia Sorento headlights come on during the bright part of the day and also turn off while driving at night in the auto mode. It is dangerous to be driving while at night when headlights just go out at any time and all the other inside dash lights go dim. It also happens that the headlights come on during the afternoon when it is bright outside also and causes the inside dash lights to go dim. Have seen several Kia owners complaining about this same issue. Very, very dangerous to drive at night. No warning of this is going to happen. This is putting us and others at risk of a life threatening situation. No dealership or auto repair shop can address the problem unless they are there when it actually happens. It is available for inspection at anytime to fix this problem.
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2023
Both low beam headlight out at same time with no indication or warning . On dash it showed lights operational
Exterior lighting, May 20, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEADLIGHTS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO Started a while ago. Haven’t driving it since fall.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, after applying the turn signals, the headlights and instrument panel lights became inoperable. The contact related the failure to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
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, Aug 17, 2022
My headlights are randomly turning off when driving at night. This is a serious safety issue and possibly a defect. Also have sensors (down hill assist) that have failed.
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?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2022
Headlights either blink on and off or turn off for about 5 seconds and then will go back on. It also will blink when using the directional. It does this while driving and parked. Also, the horn has just stopped working.
Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2022
Headlights you can't leave them on automatic the lights will stay on and kill your battery. The lights blink off and on sometimes when use turn signal, and sometime goes completely out while driving at night have a fear of running into someone or off hwy. No inspections. No lamp warning messages. I bought the Vehicle used May of 2021 and notice problems about a couple of months later.
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2021
Headlights go on and off while driving at night, especially when using turn signals. We cannot use Kia Sorento at night. All bulbs are OK
Exterior lighting, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the contact was noticed while making a slight turn, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights stopped functioning as designed. The failure also occurred while using the turn signals. The contact had to manually activate the headlights after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Subsequent to the initial complaint, in December 2021, the car owner, Ed Ruzicka, decided to see if replacing the turn signal/wiper control shaft would fix this problem. I did so at my own expense. The lights no longer blink off. Still this seems to be a manufacturer defect rather than mere wear. This has never happened on any vehicle which I have owned before. I am 70. The concern is that this is dangerous. I believe that it should be addressed.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at nighttime, the front headlights turned off independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 15, 2021
My 2011 Kia Sorento headlights blink on and off when I’m drinking it’s very scary driving at night because I don’t know when it may happen it’s been happening on and off
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 8, 2021, fire
Passenger low beam kept burning out. I kept replacing. This morning, on my way home from work (I work nights on an ambulance) I could smell burning, and saw that the light was out once again. Got home, and the entire connector/wiring to the bulb was completely melted and sizzling, with a small flame at the base of the plastic connector. This is outrageous. There were recalls for this EXACT issue for other Sorentos, but mine was not included. This could have started a major vehicle fire, and I cannot afford a vehicle electrician. Kia should be replacing this.
Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2021
Tail light continues to blow. Changed both bulbs twice in a week. The left socket has burn mark, and light blows immediately after replacing bulb. This has been continously over the past 2 years.
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2021
When driving at night my headlights flicker off and on for about 3 seconds, also when I attempt to use my turn signal, the lights will blink out and I have to jiggle the handle to get the lights to come back on. Sometimes when I turn the corner the head lights will blink off and then come back on and this takes about 3 scary seconds. Unable to drive in an unfamiliar or dark area because the lights are subject to go out. There is no warning light, message or other symptom to address the problem. I was told that there might be a recall on this issue. Is there any technical service bulletin addressing this issue. Please advise as this can be a very dangerous situation
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while, driving at an undetermined speed at night and making a turn the headlights became inoperable without warning for a few seconds. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Exterior lighting, Mar 14, 2021
MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. A FEW WEEKS AGO, I LEFT FOR WORK AT 5AM, TRAVELING ON AN UNLIT ROAD WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY FLICKER OFF. I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL DAYLIGHT TO GET TO WORK. WHEN I GOT BACK IN AFTER MY SHIFT, THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I REPLACED IT. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT WENT OUT AGAIN. MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT AND FOUND THE PART THAT THE BULB GOES IN WAS MELTED. NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK, CHANGED BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES, TRIED CERAMIC PARTS, EVEN REWIRED IT. MECHANICS TELL ME IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, BUT THEN THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY LOOK AT MY CAR. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SORENTO. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE TRAVELING AT NIGHT. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL ISSUE?
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2021
GENERAL COMPLAINT-THE MATERIAL ENCLOSING VEHICLE FRONT LIGHTING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT LIGHT TO PASS THROUGH. ALL ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN THE SURFACE FAILED, AS IT APPEARED (TO A LAYMAN) THAT THE MATERIAL WAS CHANGING CHEMICALLY. DEALER REPLACEMENT WAS EXCESSIVELY EXPENSIVE. I PURCHASED AND INSTALLED AN AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT-TOO SOON TO EVALUATE OVER TIME, BUT INITIAL RESULTS SHOW EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE WITH NO APPARENT CHANGE.
Exterior lighting, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2021
MY DOOR HANDLE OR DOOR LATCH WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE ON MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND ALSO MY LEFT BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. IT IS DANGEROUS FOR AND MY KIDS. ALSO, MY HEADREST HAS FALLEN OFF. I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY LIGHTS, THEY WILL NOT WORK FOR THE INTERIOR.