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
Exterior lighting, Oct 18, 2017
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP SHORTING OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS.
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2017
MY 2011 KIA SORRENTO PARKING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. MECHANIC STATED THAT WIRE HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM TURN SIGNAL SWITCH/INSIDE STEERING COLUMN AND DOWN THROUGH TO REAR LIGHTS. HE STATED THAT THE AREA WAS PACKED WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS EVEN INTO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLE. MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY THE AREA WAS SO PACKED WITH DIRT AND WATER. TOTAL REPAIR COST $398.00
Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Feb 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE LOCK FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 156260000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2017
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE LONG BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE EVER BEEN NEEDED TO. IN FACT I LITERALLY JUST GOT IT BACK FROM DEALER TODAY AFTER THEY DID RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS OUT, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY AUTO ZONE NOT EVEN A MONTH AGO. THE SIDE BLINKER THAT IS NEXT TO THE HEADLIGHT IS ALSO OUT NOW TOO. I'M NOT SURE OF THEY KNOCKED SOMETHING LOOSE, BUT IT WAS WORKING THIS MORNING. HOWEVER, NOW READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT TOO QUICKLY, I'M STARTING TO WONDER.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Nov 14, 2016
I HAVE HAD MY 2011 KIA SORENTO FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND AT ABOUT 115K MILES AFTER STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. AFTER RESEARCHING, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I SUGGEST THAT KIA LOOKS INTO THIS AND ISSUES A RECALL SINCE THIS IS A OBVIOUS PROBLEM AND I LIKE OTHERS CARRY CHILDREN AS PASSENGERS AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE ANYMORE AND AM LOOKING INTO OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2016
LEFT LOW BEEM LIGHT IS OUT IN MY CAR IT IS A NEW BULB.THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED ALSO THE LIGHTS GO OUT FOR NO REASION I WILL BE DRIVING AND THEY GO OUT, I HAVE TO USE THE ON AND OFF LEVER FLICK IT MULTIPAL TIMES TO GET THEMTO COME BACK ON I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALLER 4 TIMES THEY CANT FIND OUT WHY IT DOSE IT ALSO LAST NIGHT FOR SOME RESION MY RIGHT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUT SIDE NOR THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS OF LAST NIGHT ?????????
Power train, Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2016
HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS ARE BURNING OUT AT THE RATE OF ONE (1) TO TWO (2) WEEKS. THE LEFT BULB BURNED OUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO BOTH OF THE LOW BEAM BULBS BURNED OUT AT NIGHT WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH. SHE ALMOST WRECKED BEFORE SHE TURNED THE LIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM. SINCE THEN THE LEFT SIDE BULB HAD BURNED OUT TWICE. I HAVE REPLACE THESE BULBS AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $15.00 EACH. I AM AFRAID THAT THE LIGHTS ARE GOING TO GO OUT WHEN DRIVING WHEN IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE TO HIGH BEAM. THE LAST BULB BURNED OUT JUST LAST NIGHT WHEN IT WAS DARK.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2016
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE PAST 3 YEARS, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT SOCKET HAS MELTED, MAKING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT NON-FUNCTIONAL. I DO NOT USE MY LOW BEAMS AS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND, AFTER THE FIRST MELTDOWN OF THE SOCKET, I CONSCIOUSLY TRIED TO USE THE HEADLIGHTS SPARINGLY. THE MANUAL REFERENCES A 55 WATT REPLACEMENT BULB AND THAT IS WHAT I AM USING. THE AUTO PARTS STORE CLERK ALSO LOOKED UP THE REPLACEMENT BULB AND GUIDED ME TO THE BULB I AM USING. I AM CONCERNED THE MELTED SOCKET COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND, THEREFORE, I FEAR DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, IN THE RAIN, OR AT ANY OTHER TIME LOW BEAMS ARE REQUIRED. MY MECHANIC THOUGHT IT IS A VOLTAGE PROBLEM. WITH A 6-YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND NEARLY 150,000 MILES, I AM RELUCTANT TO SINK A LARGE SUM OF MONEY INTO REPAIRS. GIVEN THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE SOCKETS HAVE MELTED (2X PASSENGER SIDE; 1X DRIVER SIDE), I BELIEVE THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE THAT KIA SHOULD ADDRESS. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AN ISSUE SOLELY WITH MY SORENTO, BUT IS A MORE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2016
4 MONTHS AGO, BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME. I REPLACED BOTH. THIS MORNING, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. I WILL REPLACE IT THIS EVENING. 2011 KIA SORENTO EX, V6, AUTO TRANS, NO TOWING PACKAGE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2016
MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 2 WEEKS. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT DUE TO A BULB ISSUE IT BURNT OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND HE SAID IT WAS NOT A KIA BULB. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. BULBS ARE THE SAME WATTAGE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT WAS STUPID IT SHOULD BURN. HE SAID THE FUNNY THING WAS THE HEAD BEAM LIGHT WAS BURNT TOO AND THAT WAS A KIA BULB. THERE ARE MORE COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Dec 21, 2015, crash
ORIGINAL OWNER '11 SORENTO 4CYL, AWD W/TOW PACKAGE & APPROX 88K MILES. PROBLEM 1ST NOTICED ABOUT 2 MOS AGO WHEN SEAT BELT LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING WITH AUDIBLE CLICKING COMING FROM RELAY BEHIND DASH. IT WAS DAYTIME WHEN THIS HAPPENED 1ST FEW TIMES & I COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE SEEMED TO HAPPEN AFTER STARTING CAR & WOULD GO AWAY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS OF DRIVING. RELEASING & RE-CONNECTING SEAT BELT HAD NO EFFECT. THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED @ NIGHT I REALIZED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS & DASH LIGHTS WOULD FLASH ON & OFF ALSO. STILL COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, BUT BEING A MECHANIC I WATCHED FOR IT TO HAPPEN AND TRIED DIFFERENT THINGS TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY EFFECT ON THE ISSUE. ALWAYS WOULD BEGIN AFTER INITIALLY STARTING CAR, BUT NOT DO IT MOST TIMES. THEN 3 EVENINGS AGO, I FOUND IT HAPPENING EVERY TIME I WOULD START THE CAR & WOULD EVEN DO IT AFTERWARDS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS 70 MILES FROM HOME & TRIED TO GET BACK. IT DIDN'T MATTER WHETHER THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS ON, OFF OR AUTO, IT WOULD STILL FLASH ALL LIGHTS & SEATBELT LIGHT W/CLICKING FROM RELAY. ON THE WAY HOME, WHILE DRIVING A RURAL ROAD, THE LIGHTS AGAIN STARTED BLINKING ON & OFF CAUSING ME TO HIT A METAL POLE A DRAINAGE DITCH THRU FARMER'S FENCE INTO HIS FIELD. ACCIDENT PUSHED METAL BUMPER (BEHIND BUMPER COVER) BACK ABOUT 12", TORE THE ENTIRE FRONT END &LIGHTS FROM CAR & BENT HOOD BACK 1 1/2 FEET AND BUCKLED IT UPWARD - ALL OF THIS WITHOUT EVER DEPLOYING THE AIRBAG.THESE PROBLEMS ARE PREVALENT IN THIS CAR AS I HAVE READ, BUT I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH DESPITE IT'S DAMAGE WILL NOW DUPLICATE THE LIGHTS GOING ON & OFF EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON. HAVE CONTACTED KIA CORP IN HOPES THAT THEY WILL WANT TO USE MY CAR TO GET TO THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE & FINALLY CORRECT IT. AS A MECHANIC I VERY WELL UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM TO FIND CAUSE ..... KIA NOW HAS NO EXCUSE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 3, 2015
THE BULBS FOR THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN "BURNING OUT" AT THE RATE OF ONCE A MONTH. LAST MONTH, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY PLUGIN TO THE BULB WAS MELTED DUE TO "A POOR CONTACT" OR SHORT IN THE WIRING". UNFORTUNATELY THEY SAID I NEED AN ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY (ABOUT A $400 PART AND $250 LABOR) AS THEY WON'T JUST SELL THE CONNECTION PLUG. FRUSTRATED I FOUND A GREAT MECHANIC WHO CUT AND SPLICED A NEW CONNECTION PLUG AND IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING. HOWEVER THE CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS STILL A "SHORT" IN THE WIRING AND WILL EVENTUALLY DO THE SAME THING TO THE NEW PLUG. I HAVE NOW HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE OTHER SIDE AND AM HOPING THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS FOUND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE ANY WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSE AND I STILLHAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL FROM KIA. THIS IS MY 2ND KIA AND I AM RETHINKING ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER UNLESS THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2015
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT.IT IN STARTED AUG OF 2014. FRIST ONE HEADLIGHT THAN A MONTH LATER THE OTHER SIDE WOULD GO OUT. CHANGING THE BULB SEAMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN THE LEFT HEADLIGHT WOULD TURN OFF AND THAN BACK ON WHILE DRIVING. THEN LEFT LIGHT QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER SIX MONTHS AGO. RIGHT SIDE BULB BURNS OUT EVERY TWO MONTH. TODAY NO LIGHTS AND WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE PIGTAIL/ LIGHT SOCKET WAS HALF MELTED. THIS SEAMS TO BE A ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THERE IS FIVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE SAFERCAR.GOV SITE ABOUT THIS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THIER LIGHT AT NIGHT AND ARE HURT.
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2015
THIS ISSUE IS ONGOING AND LOOKING AT THE REPORTS ON THIS SITE, NEEDS IMMEDIATE RECALL CONSIDERING THE DEALERSHIPS WANTS TO CHARGE OVER 500.00 TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE HAD MY PASSENGER LOW BEAM BULB REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE WIRE CONNECTION IS OVER HEATING. NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE IS OUT. I CAN NOT AFFORD THESE 1000.00 ISSUE THAT APPARENTLY IS WIDE SPREAD. KIA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THIS ASAP. I AM ONLY DRIVING DURING THE DAY. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS NEEDED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF THEN COME BACK ON AFTER BEING OFF FOR APPROX 2 SECONDS. IT ALSO OCCURS SOMETIMES WHEN CHANGING LANES AND USING THE TURN SIGNALS. I FEEL THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE TURN SIGNAL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN.
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2015
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT. REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. REPAIRED. TWO WEEKS LATER PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT WENT OUT. THIS TIME I EXAMINED THE LIGHT, REINSTALLED SAME LIGHT, AND IT WORKED. SHORTLY AFTER THESE INCIDENTS I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE SUMMER, BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. I DOUBT THAT THE FIRST TWO BULBS WERE ACTUALLY BURNED OUT.
Exterior lighting, Jun 2, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE WIRES AROUND BOTH HEAD LIGHTS MELTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2015
THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT QUIT WORKING TOOK TO A MECHANIC, HE LOOKED INTO THE WIRING HARNESS AND SAID THAT ALL THE WIRES HAD MELTED TOGETHER. THIS PROBLEM COULD AFFECT ALL THE ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE TRUCK. ALSO OF NOTE IS THAT THE TRUCK INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWING THAT THE TRUCK IS OPEN, EVEN WHEN ITS NOT. SO FAR NO FIRE HAS STARTED. COST TO FIX PER THE MECHANIC IS OVER $1000, OR MORE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2015
VEHICLE HAS HAD REPEATED HEAD LIGHT ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE. LAST VISIT TO THE DEALER THEY ARE RECOMMENDING CHANGING OUT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT AN EXCESSIVE COST. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT SEEMS THAT MANY CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO FIX. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2015
PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WORKS SOMETIMES ONLY. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT, THE BULB STARTED WORKING AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONNECTOR FOR THE BULB HAD DISINTEGRATED. THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER THE CONNECTOR AND THE WIRING IN THE NEW PART HAD TOO DISINTEGRATED. LEADING UP TO THE DISINTEGRATION ON THE REPLACEMENT, I WOULD SMELL AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD IT WAS GROUNDING OUT, BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL FROM WHERE. MY CONCERNS ARE 1. THE AREA WHERE WIRING IS FAILING MAY CAUSE A FIRE. 2. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHT/S MAY GO OUT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS TO SEE MY VEHICLE. SOME OF THE AREAS WHERE I DRIVE ARE NOT WELL LIT AND/OR REFLECTORS ARE USED AS GUIDANCE ALONG THE ROAD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2014
FROM ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS HEADLIGHT ISSUES. IT STARTED WITH MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE BULB. WITHIN 2 WEEKS MY PASSENGER LIGHT WENT OUT, SO I REPLACE THAT BULB AS WELL. SINCE THEN THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 5 TIMES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND 4 TIMES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE REPLACED BULBS, WIRING HARNESSES, AND COMPLETE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. AS OF RIGHT NOW, I AM WITHOUT DIM LIGHTS. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE AROUND WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON. I HAVE RECEIVED MULTIPLE WARNING CITATIONS FOR DRIVING AROUND WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON. AFTER SPEAKING WITH MY MECHANIC TODAY HE WARNED ME THAT THE HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESSES ARE COMPLETELY BURNED THROUGH. WITH SMALL CHILDREN, I AM CONSTANTLY WORRIED AND AFRAID OF A FIRE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH KIA MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY AREN'T WILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 29, 2014
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FINALLY IT STARTED IN THE DRIVE POSITION , HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTS ON ITS OWN FROM DRIVE TO ANOTHER POSITION. IN ADDITION ALL THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON IN THE DASH BOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN OUT THE REPAIR SHOP ON 8/25/14 AND THIS PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON NOW SINCE 8/25/14. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 21, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2011 KIA SORENTO APPROXIMATELY 1 YR AGO AND MY INTERIOR LIGHT IN FRONT OVER DRIVER AND PASSENGER COMES ON AND OFF DURING DRIVING. THIS DID IT IN THE BEGINNING THEN STOPPED, NOW IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME WITH THE ILLUMINATING DOOR OPEN SIGN ON DASH. THEY STAY ON MUCH LONGER AND HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE WITH MY GRAND CHILDREN IN CAR, NOT SURE IF SAFE ANYMORE. DEALER NEVER EXPRESSED AT TIME OF PURCHASE THAT THERE WHERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. FRONT MAKES NOISE EVERYTIME I PLACE FOOT ON BRAKES, PEOPLE LOOK OVER WHEN I HIT BRAKES. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM AS WELL(RECALL). I AM UNEMPLOYED NOW FOR 15 MONTHS NO MONEY TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THESE ARE PART OF ANY RECALLS. I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM SANSONE JR., ROUTE 66, NEPTUNE, NJ. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 1, 2014
I EXPERIENCED REPEATED HEADLAMPS BULBS BURNING OUT. I FOUND THE SITE REPAIRPAL.COM AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE ISSUE, BUT RECEIVE ALERTS FROM REPAIR PAL WHEN OTHERS REPORT THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUES -- I STILL RECEIVE ALERTS. I AM GLAD I FOUND THIS MEANS TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I WAS STOPPED BY THE POLICE ONCE AND GIVEN A WARNING. THE FOLLOWING IS WHAT I WROTE ON REPAIRPAL.COM. THE LINK TO THIS SITE IS: HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/HEAD-LAMPS-057 HAVE HAD 3 LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLOW OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. TODAY THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY TO THE TUNE OF A $400 PART AND ABOUT $250 LABOR. NOT COVERED BY THE MAXIMUM WRAP COVERAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY. ARGHH! HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER KIA. FOLLOWUP: THIS IS MY NOTE TO THE KIA: "THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO CASE # [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR RETURNING MY CALL AFTER I SENT THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Mar 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A COUNTY ROAD, LOUD CLICKING NOISE CAME FROM DASHBOARD, SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF, AND HEADLIGHTS FLASHED OFF ALL AT THE SAME TIME. HEADLIGHTS REMAINED OFF FOR 1-2 SECONDS, CAME BACK ON, AND WENT OFF AGAIN, AND ON AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES SINCE THEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND ALSO A FEW TIMES DURING THE DAYTIME (I HEAR THE CLICKING AND SEE THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT). MECHANICS AT KIA DEALERSHIP SAID THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" AND MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (60-70 MPH). IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TWICE AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND MAKES ME AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT! *TR