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
1,518 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2022
Intake manifold runner control actuator on 2.4L engine has an inherent defect. The plastic coupling that connects the runner male connection on the side of the intake manifold to the runner control actuator has cracked twice, requiring several replacements of the runner control actuator at a cost of approximately $300 (part and labor) each repair. The coupling can't cost more than 25 cents to manufacture but once it cracks, you can't just buy the plastic coupling; you have to replace the entire runner control actuator. Suggest Hyundai/Kia manufacture the coupling from a metal capable of high temperature application and make just the coupling available for purchase.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to open the passenger’s side door from the outside, the door handle was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Suspension, Apr 8, 2022
Vehicle front k frame is severly rusted causing concerns with front suspension stablilty.
Structure, Apr 2, 2022
The paint is peeling off down to the metal. On the roof (front and back) and on the hood.
Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 28, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at 35 MPH, the a white smoke began to emit from the vehicle the oil and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. A fellow motorist then alerted her that her vehicle was on fire and urged to to pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Her granddaughter called the authorities as the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed; no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a junk yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was a case was filed. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was electrical. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E041000 (Equipment) which she linked to her failure. The failure mileage was a approximately 192,000.
Seats, Mar 8, 2022
The base of the driver's seat broke. A tube along the bottom of the backseat broke
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated when she first started the vehicle in the morning, while seated in the vehicle she started to smell fumes inside the vehicle; however, after the vehicle had warmed up the fume’s odor went away. After transporting her children to school, while driving back to her residence at approximately 25 - 30 MPH, she noticed that there was smoke coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. A passing motorist then informed her that the rear bumper of the vehicle was on fire. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The State Police also arrived on the scene. A fire report and police report were filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
Door does not open Steering wheel is stiff when turning.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior front driver side door handle had malfunctioned and the door could not be opened from outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were both notified. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under a manufacturers TSB for the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
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.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
The engine seized and needed to be replaced. The cost would be $11000 and there was only ONE available in the entire country. We were given $100 for the car. The KIA Corporation knew that this engine was defective and did not recall it or warn us that the engine could seize while driving or catch fire causing catastrophic injuries.
Service brakes, Feb 11, 2022
ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, HAD BRAKES REPLACED AND LINES CHECKED, ALWAYS HAVE A CONSTANT BURNING SMELL, BUT CAN NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM
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
Power train, Jan 20, 2022
I have owned a 2011 Kia Sorento AWD since 2010, and I am reporting an issue with a specific recall and the safety risk the remains with this vehicle. I have been in contact with Kia Motors America since Sept 2020 with no resolution. KMA has not been responsive to my issues and concerns since the Case was opened in Sept 2020 especially with issue associated with the recall. The following details provide the background and current status with the vehicle; Aug2010 - Kia Sorento repaired via recall notice (SC082) to correct an issue with the right front intermediate shaft (grease applied. misaligned shaft. Apr2011 - Kia amends SC082 to SC082A following evidence that Sorentos continued to experience wear and symptoms associated with shaft misalignment (I did not receive a notice of the amended technical service bulletin despite the amended recall SC082A specifically identifying 4WD vehicle repair procedures Aug2019 - Kia Sorento begins to experience intermittent shuttering and vibration from the right front axle (Sorento remaining under Kia's 10 year powertrain warranty) Sept2019 - Kia dealer unable to identify root cause(s). - No repair work performed. Intermittent shuttering, vibration and "whirring" sound continues to present date. Sept 2020 - Kia dealer unable to identify root cause(s) - problem continues. Contacted KMA. Case openned. Jan2021 - Another Kia dealer unable to identify root cause(s) - problem continues Dec2021 to present - In continuous contact with KMA to resolve issue. Issue remains unresolved My specific position is that my 2011 Kia Sorento 4WD is within the scope of Kia recall SC082A (SC082 was amended to correct/revise repair procedures). Kia's position is that the amended SC082A recall does not apply to my vehicle despite the fact that SC082 was initially performed. Additionally, Kia documentation clearly points to revised repair procedures for both 2WD and 4WD Sorentos. KMA is not responding to my calls or emails at this time. In the
Engine, Jan 9, 2022
When you check oil, the dip stick shows no oil. I have had the oil changed several times and after about a week the dip stick shows no oil. There is no oil leak coming from under car or from looking at engine under hood. Also, when I start the car, a big plume of smoke comes out of the muffler, but then no smoke. I scheduled an appointment for Kia Dealership about 6 months ago and they said they could not find a problem.
Engine, Jan 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Structure, Jan 5, 2022
Both front and rear passenger side doors do not open from the outside. Both failed within days of each other. There have been no incidents that would have caused this. This appears to be a widespread issue with Sorentos that has been going on for years.
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.
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
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
The engine on my 2011 Kia Sorento has failed and the mechanic at the Kia dealership told me it was because of the rod bearings. My car was serviced at the Kia dealership in April 2021 and apparently 2 weeks later an ECU update recall was placed on my vehicle. I did not receive anything notifying me of this update. In November of 2021 my engine started making a loud noise and then failed to turn on. The mechanic at the Kia dealership told me had I had the sensor updated prior to the noise starting it would have alerted us to the rod bearings causing damage but since the update had never happened the rod bearings caused my engine to fail. According to the dealership I should be covered under the recall but Kia headquarters are denying to cover it since I am over my mileage warranty. I have tried for the last month to get a supervisor to return my call at the Kia headquarters and no one will speak to me or call me back. I have been without a vehicle since November 22, 2021 and no resolution since no one will call me back.
Structure, Dec 14, 2021
Hello I would like to report that my 2011 Kia Sorento driver side door wont open from the outside and has been this way for almost a year it will cost me almost 400.00 to get this fixed myself that's a lot of money when I didn't break this ; however I looked online and this is a nationwide issue with this vehicle. This isn't safe and I just want Kia to do a recall to fix this issue I have to climb over seats to unlock from outside and I just wish they would recognize that this is definitely a world wide issue and not to overlook it. Thank you for taking the time to listen and or read what I've wrote.
Power train, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, an abnormally loud banging sound was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then started to lose motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the contact was informed that the new transmission was also defective. A used transmission was installed, and the failure was remedied. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
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).
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.