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.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THEIR VEHICLE STOPPING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 98,122 MILES.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at nighttime, the front headlights turned off independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 15, 2021
My 2011 Kia Sorento headlights blink on and off when I’m drinking it’s very scary driving at night because I don’t know when it may happen it’s been happening on and off
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2021, crash
SUA July 3, 2020, driver was exiting a Kroger fuel station located at 7380 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 in the subject 2011 Kia Sorento SUV vehicle. Suddenly and without warning, the subject Kia vehicle began accelerating without throttle input from the driver. The Kia Sorento then struck the rear of a 2014 RAV 4, pushing it across the street and into a Waffle House parking lot. The 2011 Kia Sorento continued accelerating and gained significant speed before striking a nearby curb and fencing, colliding with an embankment of a retention pond, and ultimately coming to rest in the base of the retention pond. The injured driver was transported from the scene by ambulance, where they began receiving the first portion of many treatments for her injuries. Driver believes they are victim to a runaway throttle control malfunction that caused a sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA). Manufacturer notified. NHTSA has received 54 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), aka U.S. consumer complaints to DOT, regarding Vehicle Speed Control problems with the 2011 Kia Sorento; including NHTSA ID No. 10473983: On August 19, 2012, in Iowa/Missouri, state police footage showed Lauri Ulvestad’s, 47, of Ames, Iowa, 35-minute ride of terror after the accelerator of her Kia Sorento jammed, causing her to careen down a highway at speeds up to 120 miles per hour for 59 miles. The accelerator in this other 2011 Kia Sorento SUV became stuck. A dash-camera video captured by the Missouri State Highway Patrol officers who soon began following her shows the 35 minutes of terror that Ulvestad endured as her car traveled 59 miles at speeds as high as 115 mph. Apparently Kia "technicians were unable to duplicate the issue and this appears to be an isolated incident," per the South Korean company’s statement. "KMA will continue to investigate and analyze the facts of this situation." Source: ABC News. Petition for Defect Investigation. Special Crash Investigation.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 8, 2021, fire
Passenger low beam kept burning out. I kept replacing. This morning, on my way home from work (I work nights on an ambulance) I could smell burning, and saw that the light was out once again. Got home, and the entire connector/wiring to the bulb was completely melted and sizzling, with a small flame at the base of the plastic connector. This is outrageous. There were recalls for this EXACT issue for other Sorentos, but mine was not included. This could have started a major vehicle fire, and I cannot afford a vehicle electrician. Kia should be replacing this.
Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2021
Tail light continues to blow. Changed both bulbs twice in a week. The left socket has burn mark, and light blows immediately after replacing bulb. This has been continously over the past 2 years.
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2021
When driving at night my headlights flicker off and on for about 3 seconds, also when I attempt to use my turn signal, the lights will blink out and I have to jiggle the handle to get the lights to come back on. Sometimes when I turn the corner the head lights will blink off and then come back on and this takes about 3 scary seconds. Unable to drive in an unfamiliar or dark area because the lights are subject to go out. There is no warning light, message or other symptom to address the problem. I was told that there might be a recall on this issue. Is there any technical service bulletin addressing this issue. Please advise as this can be a very dangerous situation
Structure, Sep 13, 2021
Hood opened twice on me while I was driving.
Structure, Aug 31, 2021
One of the 2011 KIA SORENTO door can't open from outside or inside. This is really frustrating, as I couldn't open a door where my chiled seat. I have 5 year old and I have to sneak one of them into the other door. I am really frightened if what will happen if the child door is locked and child is in the car seat and I am not able to go inside my car. This is a potential hazard for my child. I heard from people is very common problem with Kia, Kia has to really step forward and replace this faulty mechanism. The cost my kia dealer estimates is $1200, I urge the Kia company to really fix this asap before someone gets hurt and/or result into fatality.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine, Aug 12, 2021
Unknown. I have been having oil loss since 2018 and have extensively reported the issue to my local kia dealership where I receive certain. I was instructed to do an oil consumption test that the service department later had no idea what that would have done. Twice the engine has nearly ran out of oil with no warning and I have to regularly monitor the oil level between service. At times it is very low. If I accelerate too quickly it smokes white smoke and smells of burning oil. This is a safety issue if I am merging into traffic and I am unable to accelerate fast enough to not cause an accident. This has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle.
Structure, Aug 5, 2021
Paint is chipping really bad. Rust spots
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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while, driving at an undetermined speed at night and making a turn the headlights became inoperable without warning for a few seconds. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Jul 31, 2021
Purchased the vehicle new and never sustained any damage to the affected areas of pearl white paint peeling.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 25, 2021
I was driving on the freeway, my car just stopped, it wouldn't start I had to have it towed.
Air bags, Jul 21, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT ... FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG FAULT / CURTAIN AIRBAG FAULT
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.
Power train, Jul 13, 2021
I have had a oil temperature sensor P0711 go out twice on my vehicle. The first time back in 2018 and had it replaced. And now again just this month. This has got to be something wrong to keep this not working and keeping the transaxle oil temperature normal on long rides. I would greatly appreciate if this could be fixed this time at no cost to me. This needs to be a recall.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
There was a recall to add a engine knocking warning device. When I got the recall in June of 2021, my engine was already knocking. I took the car into Rapid City Kia Dealership for repair on June 24th. I still do not know if it has been approved for repair. The recall stated there was a warranty extension to provide lifetime coverage due to bearing damage. A knock sensor detection system was to be installed caused by worn connecting rod bearings. They ran the diagnostic test for trouble code P1326 and said the noise only got worse. The service department in Rapid City told me the engine needed to be replaced. I still have not heard the decision of Kia and was told it could be the end of July. I need help getting the service my car requires and I need a rental vehicle to drive until my vehicle can be repaired.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2021
Kia motors sent a letter about 2011-2015 sorento occupant detection system (ODS) Sensor pads new vehicle limited warranty extension If the airbag warring light is on the airbag system is not functioning properly, it may or may not deploy in an accident(which should be considered a safety issue) I have already had the diagnostic done by my dealer who said the problem is covered by the warranty but because my car is salvaged which makes it not apply for warranties does the fact that my airbags may or may not deploy not seem like a safety issue?
Engine, Jul 10, 2021, fire
Engine has a loud knocking noise also had flames coming from under the hood. No check engine light came on. I was so terrified for my life. Kia has a recall on 2012 - 2019 engine and not 2011 Kia Sorento engines and it’s causing the same issue.. this is not Safe for anyone.. so can you’ll look into this matter and make Kia accountable for the repairs.. total of 187 complaints on the 2011 Kia Sorento engine and nothing is being done… Please help us
Structure, Jul 8, 2021
I have a 2011 KIA SORENTO and the rear back door handle has stopped working on 7/7/2021. This is safety issue as I can open the door from inside but not from outside. I have a small child and another on the way and not being able to open the door to let her out of the car is unacceptable. I am really frightened if what will happen if my child is inside and I am not able to get inside my car. This is a potential hazard for my child and my future infant child. Kia has to really step forward and replace this faulty mechanism. I urge the Kia company to recall and fix this asap before someone gets hurt and/or it results in a fatality.