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: other or unspecified
213 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2022
The car will not always go in park and will click into gear a few seconds afterwards. The car rolled out of my driveway in reverse and caused over 5000.00 dollars in damages. Also the seat settings will get stuck moving and not moving. The air bag light is also on and the fuel cap sticks and won't open unless forced opened
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2022
The car intermittently smells like burning rubber after being driven. This has been an ongoing and unresolved issue for about a year, and is of serious concern to me. The car has approximately 130k miles, and is in excellent condition otherwise. Two mechanics have tried to troubleshoot this issue without being able to find the problem. I have tried to eliminate certain potential causes i.e. turning the air or heat off, etc., but it does not affect it. The car does not read "hot". No warning lights come on. There are no signs of leaking fluids, etc. as my garage floor is clean. With Kia having a history of some engines catching fire, it is of even greater concern, although my particular vehicle does not appear to have a recall for that issue.
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2022
Was driving and came to a red light. Then proceeded to get on the highway when all of a sudden it got 65 mph then off of a sudden lost power and rpms would go past 3000. Had to pull over and shut the SUV off and turn back on and drive 30 mph all the way home. Did I mention I almost got hit by a semi and not to mention my child was in the freaking car!!! Plz kia help
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2022
Airbag light stays on and the controls on steering wheel don't work
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2022
My rear doors are locked and will only open from the inside. This is very frustrating and I believe very dangerous
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2022
Both rear door latches on my 2011 Kia Sorento have failed. I previously had to have my mechanic replace the driver door latch which failed, now both rear door latches have failed making it impossible to open either door from the inside or out. Having researched this issue I have found numerous people who have listed this as an issue they have experienced. A technical service bulletin was issued, I believe around 2016, extending the warranty on the door latches to 10 years from the first date of service. I only found this service bulletin while searching for solutions to the problem and the 10 year period has expired. Not being able to open either rear door is a safety hazard. I transport my grandchildren who are all under 5 years of age, and should I be involved in an accident or caught fire while transporting them, or anyone who is riding in the rear seats, it would be difficult to get them out of the vehicle quickly. I do not understand why a recall on this has not been issued as I believe this is an extreme safety issue and it is well documented that this is an issue with many Kia Sorento owners. My cost to repair the driver door latch was just over $800.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
Door does not open Steering wheel is stiff when turning.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
ON 2-7-2022 MY 2011 KIA SERENTO began to boggle out while driving it merging onto the freeway I was having a hard time speeding up to even 20mph then out of no where it was just fine again, well I went to pick my children from school about 1 1/2 hours later and the car started out driving fine until out of no where I was unable to accelerate to a higher speed once more but this time it was smelling like smoke but there was no smoke
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
This car won’t go into park at times I have to put it with my emergency brake to park it and sometimes it won’t go into reverse. Called Kia dealership said it’s common at 150,000 for the interpreter switch/shift cable to get jammed up and to fix it would cost $550. I am afraid to drive this car but I need to go to work, if this is a common issue there should be a recall to fix it as that is a safety issue and it’s dangerous.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2021
I have contacted the manufacturer Kia-ConsumerAssistanceCenter@kiausa.com. I notified them first on September 8,2021. I was given a generic response of to contact a dealership about lights being on that won’t cut off, the hatch falling on its own , the windows gets stuck and the door handle not working and more recently November 3, 2021 that the car will just stop accelerating when driving and then resumes by itself. I also followed their instructions and attempted to make and appointment with Kia of Orange Park 6373 Blanding Blvd Jacksonville, Florida 32244 (904) 771-6078 and was told each item to LOOK AT it was $159. I informed them of my warranty that would cover Cost and was denied that option but payment would be needed upfront and then they would bill my warranty and apply the cost. This was for a diagnostic check. Not repair at all. Which means fees needed to paid whether I got the work done or not. My car was there in June for a recall with the engine and that was covered by Kia due to a system update. I tried again in October just for the car acceleration and have not received a response back from [XXX] GENERAL SALES MANAGER [XXX] on the cost to look at the vehicle to see what it’s accelerating on its on. I sent a follow up request again today to Kia the manufacturer and the dealership. I want it documented that I am driving a car that will stall on its own and then accelerates again. I have two kids and if we are killed due to the vehicles stopping in traffic on its own. Or the other mechanical problems it’s now having they should be sued for our deaths. To just look at my vehicle [XXX] states I must pay because his guys need to get paid too. Not for any work just to look at the vehicle and tell me the cost of repairs. Also they will not submit rose cost to my warranty company who states they will cover the repairs unless they are given money upfront. Sounds illegal to me. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2021
There was a recall on the passenger doors (all of them) actuators. All have been replaced by Kia. They are ALL BROKEN AGAIN and will not lock.
Other or unspecified, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jul 19, 2021, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, a UPS truck veered off into her lane causing the contact to crash her vehicle into a curb. The contact stated that the next morning, she saw that her vehicle was leaking an immense amount of oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then stated while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the contact saw smoke emerging from the engine compartment. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact opened the hood to fire behind the engine. There were no injuries. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted but did not extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed back to the repair shop. The repair shop informed the contact that they do not specialize in fires and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was then diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was 132,685. The consumer stated the dealer was ceased by Federal Agents for selling vehicles with damaged parts and finance companies fraudulent withdrawal money from the consumer and other accounts.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2021
The left rear passenger quit working. The door cannot be opened from inside or outside. Now the driver door will not open from the outside, but will open from the inside. I have ready many complaints about this problem. We have small grand children that are taken in this vehicle and the concern is that both rear doors quit working before the afore mentioned repairs are made. This has repeatedly happened to doors that have been fixed as well from all the complaint I've read. This has just recently happened to my vehicle. What are the chances of the other doors quitting after these repairs are made. Looks to be above average. This car has not been taken to a dealer yet as the driver door just broke.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2021
The Pearl White paint is peeling off of my 2011 Kia Sorento. The dealer is aware of this and had no response. I was told by other individuals with the same problem to file this information in anticipation of a recall. This has been happening over the past year and a half.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2021
I have replaced the drivers side low beam headlight three times and it is out again. I have replaced the passenger side low beam headlight two times.
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2021
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE POPPED AND I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO THE REAR DOOR AND I NEEDED A DOOR LATCH KIT AND ALSO ON THE FRONT DOOR LATCH KIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SAFETY OR IT IS NOT SAFE WHEN YOU CANNOT OPEN YOUR CAR DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2021
THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN.
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 3, 2020
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2020
DOORS FAIL TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS WILL MELT WIRING FOR THE LIGHT BULB AND KILL THE LIGHTBULB. DRIVER SEAT FEELS LOOSE, HOWEVER THE BOLTS ARE AS TIGHT AS THEY WILL GO.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 27, 2020, fire
I WAS LEAVING MY MOM HOUSE AROUND TEN O'CLOCK AT NIGHT. AS I WAS FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM MY APARTMENTS MY CAR MADE A LOUD SOUND AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. I STOP MY CAR AND PUT IT UN PARK AND I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOOD. I GET OUT THE CAR AND GRAB MY SON AND , I KNOCK ON SOMEONE'S DOOR FOR HELP AND AFTER THAT FIRE STARTS. I CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME IN ABOUT 3-5 MINUTES AND THEY FORCED MY HOOD OPEN DUE TO MY HOOD LATCH MISSING . AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT I FOUND PIECES OF METAL ON THE GROUND FROM MY KIA.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2020
DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR MY VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2020
DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.NOT WITH KEY FOB OR WITH THE KEY.CAR HAS 46,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS LIGHTLY USED.DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST 413.00 TO REPAIR.AFTER LOOKING ON LINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.CANT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON IT. *TR