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: power train
265 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Nov 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THE GEAR FOR WHICH THE LEVER WAS SHIFTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS FORCED INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 6, 2014
VEHICLE STARTED BY LOSING POWER ON TAKE-OFF. LATER VIOLENT JERKING/SHIFTING OVER 30 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BOTH DEALER AND PERSONAL MECHANIC. CRANK AND CAM SENSORS WERE REPLACED. ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF UPON TAKE-OFF. SOMETIMES IT IMMEDIATELY STARTS AGAIN, OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO NOT RESOLVED. POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WAS REMOVED TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THIS TEMPORARILY FIXED THE PROBLEMS FOR A DAY. WHEN PLACED INTO "SPORTS MODE", THE VEHICLE SHIFTS WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT (SECOND GEAR AND ABOVE). NOTE: UNSCRUPULOUS DEALER MECHANIC VOIDED ENGINE WARRANTY FOR "SLUDGE" IN ENGINE AND INCORRECTLY REMOVED A SENSOR, RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF SAID SENSOR. PERSONAL MECHANIC SAW NORMAL TRACES OF "SLUDGE" IN ENGINE. VEHICLE IS ACTING SIMILAR TO PREVIOUS RECALLS OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE/MODEL, BUT DOES NOT FALL INTO VIN/DATE RANGES FOR RECALL REPAIR.. *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
Power train, Aug 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ UPDATED 3/2/2015 *JS
Power train, Jun 27, 2014
I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING SPOT, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT, WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT IN DRIVE IT WOULDN'T SHIFT PAST NEUTRAL. IT HAS DONE THIS SIX TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. THIS LAST TIME, THE SAME THING OCCURRED EVERY TIME I PARKED (FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY). ALSO THE ESC AND DBC LIGHTS COME ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BECAUSE ON THIS SAME DAY, AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE ESC AND DBC LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 9, 2014
1) THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT SIX (6) TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP. THIS HAS OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOUR OF THE SIX TIMES BY STOPPING, PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND PRESSING THE "START" IGNITION BUTTON. TWO OF THE SIX TIMES THE GEAR WAS LOCKED INTO DRIVE AND NEUTRAL ONLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO NOT SHUT OFF. BOTH TIMES 911 WAS CALLED FOR CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED AS I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY. THIS OCCURRED ON 2/20/14 AND 6/03/14. ON 5/17/14 THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY FOR THE 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE AND PASSED WITH NO ISSUES. 2) THE BACKUP CAMERA FLUTTERS INTERMITTENTLY (ABOUT 10-15 TIMES A MONTH) MOSTLY IN THE MORNING ON START UP AND SOMETIMES AT NIGHT. KIA OF CERRITOS HAD REPLACED THE NAVIGATION/RADIO MODULE 3 TIMES, BUT OFFICIAL RECORDS SHOW IT WAS REPLACED ONLY TWICE. THIS HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL PERSISTS. 3) THE RADIO INCONSISTENTLY (ABOUT 2-5 TIMES A MONTH) DOES NOT START FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE UP. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE ISSUES ARE RESOLVED AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND ALL WHO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE. THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY REPLACED THE DRIVE ASSIST PART AND CLEANED THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT IN FEB 2014. I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ON 6/03/14, I WAS TOLD A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU (ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT) WAS PERFORMED, BUT THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I WANT THE FACILITY TO RETAIN MY VEHICLE AND PERFORM A FULL DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY CAN GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL NOT STALL AND LOCK UP ON ME AGAIN. CORPORATE KIA SAID THE VEHICLE CAN BE RELEASED AND THE FACILITY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE ANY FURTHER. I DO NOT BELIEVE KIA IS TAKING THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Jun 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO PARK AND ROLLED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Apr 7, 2014
THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY JERKS OR CHANGES GEARS WHEN REDUCING SPEED. WHEN TAKING THE FOOT SLOWLY OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE JUMPS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST STOP. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE. SOMETIMES IT JUST TURNS OFF BY ITSELF. CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS AND A HALF OLD AND IT'S ALREADY HAVING SIGNS OF BREAKING DOWN AND HAVING PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. KIA SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY, BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AGAIN, STILL WAITING FOR SOLUTION. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WHERE KIA JUST WON'T DO ANYTHING. ACTUALLY I FOUND THIS WEB PAGE AS A RECOMMENDATION FROM ONE OF THE FORUMS. HOPE YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2014
WHEN THE SORENTO REACHES A SPEED ABOVE 60 IT HESITATES BEFORE ABRUPTLY JUMPING INTO THE NEXT GEAR, CAUSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND ALL PASSENGERS TO JERK FORWARD. THE JUMPING OF THE GEAR IS SO FORCEFUL THAT IT SOUNDS AS IF THE ENGINE IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE EACH TIME IT'S PLACED IN GEAR. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 20, 2014
WHEN SWITCHING FROM PARK TO DRIVE A LOUD POP WILL BE HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE USUALLY OCCURRING (LOUDEST) DURING COLD MOIST DAYS. IN THE SAME CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE CAR BEGINS TO STUTTER AND VIBRATE WHEN SWITCHING GEARS (THIS IS USUALLY FELT INITIALLY DRIVING OFF OR DURING HARD BRAKES AT LIGHTS). CAR AT ONE POINT STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN GOING TO DEALER THEY SAID SOFTWARE UPDATES SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM SIMPLY PERSISTS (THOUGH THE CAR DID NOT STALL THUS FAR). *TR
Power train, Nov 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LOW. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUID WAS FILLED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V258000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2013
KIA SORENTO INFREQUENT AND UNPREDICTABLE LOSS OF POWER DURING MODERATE ACCELERATION. DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH HAVE INCLUDED MODERATE UPHILL CLIMBS, HIGHWAY DRIVING AND CITY UNDER 50MPH AND AT MODERATE ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER, FAIL TO UPSHIFT WHEN NEEDED, OR SHOW NO SIGNS OF POWER, FOLLOWED BY ERRATIC SHIFTING AND A LOUD CLUNK. AT OTHER TIMES ON HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE CAR WILL, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, DOWNSHIFT ON FLAT SECTIONS WHEN SPEEDS ARE BETWEEN 45-65MPH. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALER: 1/8/13, 95,035 MILES- DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE, INHIBITOR SWITCH BRACKET INSTALLED, DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE 7/26/13, 106,574 MILES-ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND ABS LIGHT COME ON, SIMILAR TO STOP LAMP SWITCH, DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE, DID SEE ERROR CODES BUT DID NOT PROVIDE THEM TO CUSTOMER, RESET THE COMPUTER. NOT RESOLVED. 10/3/13, 107,842-TRANSMISSION STILL JERKING, DEALER TRIED REPLACING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. TOOK TO ALTERNATIVE DEALER-ROAD TEST WITH CUSTOMER-ADVISED THE PROBLEM WILL NEED TO BECOME WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT TO DIAGNOSE. THIS IS LEADING TO UNSAFE CONDITIONS DUE TO UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 13, 2013
WILL INTERMITTENT TURN ON DURING DRIVING AND STAY ON. IF YOU STOP AND TURN OFF CAR AND THEN RESTART MAY OR MAY NOT RETURN ON. CAR AS A BIT OF A SHAKE TO IT SOME TIMES. HAD CRUISE CONTROL NOT TURN ON. ELECTRICAL SEEMS WACKY IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAD IT BEEN STUCK IN PARK OR TIMES COULD NOT MOVE THE SHIFTER TO PARK OR REVERSE. SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED. ALL THESE ISSUES HAPPEN INTERMITTENT AND NEVER WHEN NEAR THE KIA DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE 90% OF THE TIME HAS BEEN WONDERFUL, HOWEVER THERE ARE ISSUES THAT NEED INVESTIGATED AND CORRECTED FOR EXAMPLE ALL THE ABOVE I HAVE LISTED. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2013
I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND AS I WAS BACKING THE CAR GOES OUT OF REVERSE AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE R INDICATOR ON THE DASH DISAPPEARS AND THE CAR REVS REAL HIGH THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR AND LURCHES FORWARD AND MAKES A SOUND AS IF I HAVE HIT SOMETHING. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2012 AND THE DEALER DIDN'T DISCLOSE THIS. I'VE HAD IT IN 2XS TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY CANT DUPLICATED HE ISSUE. AS TIME GOES ON IT HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THAT BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Power train, Sep 13, 2013
2 DAYS AGO WHILE DRIVING HEARD LOUD SOUND, WHOA, COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED IT. THIS MORNING IN MY GARAGE STARTED FOR DAILY DRIVE, WHEN I PUT CAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WAS LOUD CLUNK SOUND. PUT BACK IN PARK DID THIS 3 OR 4 TIMES LOUD CLUNKING WITH JOLTING SEEM TO LUNGE FORWARD. VIOLENT SOUND AND FEEL. NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED.MY HUSBAND GOT IN CAR, HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME. I CALLED KIA SERVICE, THEY TOLD ME TO CALL ROADSIDE FOR TOW. HE TOLD ME THEN IT WOULD BE A 1 DAY JOB. HE SEEMED FAMILIAR WHAT I DESCRIBED. TOWED TO DEALER, THEY CALLED ME LATER OF COURSE THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE EXPLAINED OVER THE PHONE IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING DUE TO LOUD SOUNDS, CLUNKING METAL SOUND, COULD NOT PUT IN GEAR. THEY KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT, TO TRY AGAIN IN THE MORNING, THEY ARE CONTACTING KIA MANUFACTURING FOR ADVICE. NOW I AM READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS, SOME SOUND EXACTLY LIKE MY EXPERIENCED. I HAVE NO RECALL LETTER OR NOTIFICATIONS. FROM KIA LOSING FAITH IN KIA AND AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE HOWEVER, THE SHIFTER COULD NOT BE MOVED FOR OVER 30 MINUTES. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO WOULD SPORADICALLY POWER ON INDEPENDENTLY AND DRAIN THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Power train, Seat belts, Engine, Sep 7, 2013
FROM POINT OF PURCHASE (NOVEMBER 2010) THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A HARD START, THE SEAT BELT WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED AND THE GAS LID FAILS TO OPEN WITHOUT MANUAL PRODDING. IN APRIL 2012 THE ENGINE FAILED TO START, AND THEN THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES THEREAFTER. THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE BATTERY AND SERVICE THE VEHICLE. IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS A SERIES OF ISSUES CONTINUED, WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP STOPPED WORKING, FAILURE START, LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE WHILE IDLE AND DRIVING, AND THEN THE CAR STARTED TO STALL AND THRUST HARD FORWARD. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AGAIN, OIL CHANGED, THE CHANGED THE PUMP AND FILTERS, ALL REPORTED PROBLEMS PERSISTED THROUGH 2013. FOR THREE MONTHS THE CAR REMAINED IN THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE SHOP WHERE THE ENGINE WAS SERVICED, AND SOME ?TAPPETS? WERE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP CRACKED THE ENGINE COVER, REPLACED IT, WITHOUT INFORMING ME. ALL ENGINE, FAIL START, AND WINDSHIELD PUMP ISSUES CONTINUES TO PERSIST TO DATE (SEPTEMBER 2013) DESPITE MULTIPLE SERVICES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2013
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR BECAME NON-RESPONSIVE TO GAS PEDAL INPUT, BUT BRAKES SILL WORKED. HILL ASST AND ETC LIGHTS LIT UP ON DASH, CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST NEUTRAL. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK. CAR STARTED NORMALLY AFTER BEING SHUT OFF. *JB
Power train, Engine, Sep 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 10 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND ON AND THE CAR RESTARTED, DROVE REST OF DAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. CAR STALLED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. *JB
Power train, Aug 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR ERRONEOUSLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Jul 8, 2013
VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION SENSOR FIXED IN DECEMBER 2012. VEHICLE WAS JERKING AND WOULD NOT GET INTO GEAR. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED. THIS TIME MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH A FRIEND ON A TWO WAY ROAD, THE VEHICLE STOPPED..COLD...THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN UNABLE TO GET INTO GEAR THE LAST FEW MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT TO COOL AND SHE WAS DRIVING IT TO THE DEALER. NOW BEING TOLD AT 33,000 A NEW TRANSMISSION IS BEING ORDERED. THE CAR APPARENT, STARTS IN THIRD GEAR. STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE CAR STOPPED DEAD. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT HAD SOMEONE BEEN BEHIND HER. PEOPLE MUST BE WARNED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 17, 2013
FOUND THIS ON ANOTHER WEB SITE: WWW.TOPCLASSACTIONS.COM (SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION) VERY INTERESTING: APPARENTLY THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2002!! WELL IT'S STILL HAPPENING I HAVE THE 2011 6 CYL AWD AND FOUND OUT IT'S STILL A DEFECT IN THE 2012 AND 2013. NOTHING MORE TO SAY BUT 'SHAME ON KIA MOTORS' YOUR LACK OF TAKING OWNERSHIP FOR THIS DEFECT IS JUST DISCUSTING. NHTSA PLEASE HELP US.....LIVES NEED TO BE SAVED; I AM BLEARY EYED READING ALL THE POWERTRAIN DEFECTS FOR THE 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE KIA SORENTO IS PRONE TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, ACCORDING TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN NEW JERSEY. PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE IN THE KIA SORENTO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT KIA MOTORS KNOWINGLY CONCEALED THAT ITS 2002-2009 SORENTO CROSSOVERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE PART CALLED THE CRANK SPROCKET. THIS ALLEGED ENGINE DEFECT LEADS TO A CATASTROPHIC CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT STARTS WITH SEVERE HEAT BUILDUP, THE RELEASE OF DEBRIS, AND THEN LEADS TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, ENGINE FAILURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS ACCIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
Power train, Jun 17, 2013
CHAPTER 2. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10519967 THE PROBLEM OCCURRED SATURDAY 6/15, DEALERSHIP CLOSED. CALLED DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR RIGHT IN. LEFT THE CAR ALL DAY AND THEN RECEIVED THE NEWS, THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE INCIDENT. SO OF COURSE NOTHING WAS REPAIRED. SO I DROVE HOME IN THE 'DEATH WISH' CAR AND PRAYED ALL THE WAY HOME. THE CAR IS A 2011 KIA SORENTO 6 CYL AWD MANUFACTURED IN AUGUST 11, 2010. I HAVE SEARCH THE INTERNET NIGHTLY AND I AM FINDING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXACT ISSUE AS I EXPERIENCED. THIS IS MAKING ME SICK KNOWING THAT KIA CORP KNOWS ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND IS NOT TAKING ACTION TO CORRECT THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY DEFECT. HOW DO WE GET THEIR ATTENTION THAT THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. DO WE HAVE TO CHECK OFF THE FATALITY BOX ON THIS FORM BEFORE KIA PAYS ATTENTION TO US. PLEASE IF SOMEONE HAS HAD A GOOD RESULT WITH THEIR DEALERSHIP AS FAR AS GETTING A REPAIR DONE WITHOUT REPRODUCING THE ERROR CODE, PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH THAT INFORMATION. THE LEMON LAW IN MY STATE IS 5 ATTEMPTS AT REPAIRING THE PROBLEM AND NO RESOLVE...I ONLY HAVE 4 MORE TO GO! KIA HELP US PLEASE...THIS DEFECT IS IN YOUR 2011, 2012 AND 2013 KIA SORENTO....SOMETHING IS EXTREMELY WRONG WITH YOUR POWERTRAIN IN THESE CARS. TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE DEFECT AND SAVE OUR LIVES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 KIA SORENTO IT JUST LOST POWER, IT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND ALL THE DASHBOARD IDIOT LIGHTS LIT UP. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED IF THIS HAPPENED DRIVING ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO AND THERE WAS NO STEERING RESPONSE. I TURNED OFF THE KEY TO KILL THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO MY DESTINATION AND PARK. I CHECKED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE BY SEARCHING KIA SORENTO STALLING AND FOUND A DOZEN OR MORE VIDEO'S FROM PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT I JUST EXPERIENCED. SOME OF THE DRIVERS FOUND THAT IF YOU USE THE CAR IN THE MANUAL SHIFT MODE THE STALLING DID NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN. THIS IS A REAL POTENTIAL DISASTER. YOU LOOSE POWER AND HAVE NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY WHEN YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY...LIKE RIDING IN A 'DEATH WISH CAR'. THE VIDEO'S ALSO STATING THAT THEY EXPERIENCED THE STALLING MANY TIMES AND ONCE IT STARTED IT GOT WORSE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT KIA DEALERSHIPS WERE OF LITTLE HELP SINCE THEY NEED TO REPRODUCE THE STALLING AND SINCE IT'S JUST RANDOM THAT IS NOT EASY. THE VIDEOS WERE TAPED WHEN THE ISSUE WAS ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE AND SHOWED THE TACH AT ABOUT 15 RPM'S ALL THE ENGINE LIGHTS LIT BUT NO STEERING RESPONSE OR POWER TO MOVE THE CAR. I AM HOPING THIS CAN BECOME A RECALL AND KIA WILL FIX THIS STALLING PROBLEM AND KEEP THE PEOPLE IN THESE KIA SORENTO'S SAFE! IF THIS IS A COMPUTER PROBLEM THEN THERE SHOULD BE AN ERROR LOG TO SHOW WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER FOR NO REASON. KIA NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS DEFECT AND FIX THIS POTENTIAL DEADLY PROBLEM. *TR