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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2025, fire
My KIA Sorrento spontaneously engulfed in flames approximately 200 yards from my home. This is not a vehicle crash the car had flames coming from the vents and floor boards. I was the driver my daughter was the passenger and my granddaughter was in the rear car seat we barely escaped with our lives before it exploded and we were steps away as car debre was flying past us.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed to work as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The check engine and ABS warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the buttons on the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be connected to the diagnostic machine. The contact stated that the dealer refused to update the antitheft system or perform the recall repairs linked to the VIN. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Engine, Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the axle popped out of the transmission, and fractured the lower ball joints and steering system. There was an abnormal burning electrical odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Engine, May 30, 2025
see attached documentation
Engine, Apr 11, 2025
Head gasket blew due to head bolts losing threads or stretching not sure exactly why but many people has reported this issue
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 7, 2025
The ABS, down hill light, and swaying light came on. As I was pulling into a parking space slowly with my foot on the brakes, the car sped forward knocking over a post and shrubs.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the engine power was reduced, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact was forced to pull over onto the side of the road where the vehicle was left idling for a while. The check engine, and the oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and was not worth the effort to replace the engine, as the cost would significantly outweigh the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine, Feb 27, 2025
The contact’s son owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 25, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that, upon reaching her destination and turning the vehicle off, she smelled smoke in the interior of the vehicle. She then observed flames jutting up from underneath the driver's side seat, prompting her to evacuate immediately. Within minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames following what the contact described as an explosion. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames, later determining that faulty vehicle components caused the fire without human intervention. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, but injuries were reported. The contact suffered various minor burns to her hands but did not seek medical attention, choosing instead to attend to her injuries herself at home. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, and parts were available. However, the contact stated that previous attempts to schedule the vehicle for repair had failed due to parts availability and a months-long waiting list. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and a third-party engineer was sent to examine the vehicle, but a final report had yet to be provided to the contact. The failure mileage was 223,000.
Power train, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact research and was became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V626000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence; the contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an undisclosed part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Service brakes, Jan 19, 2025, crash
I was approaching a stoplight, applying my brakes ahead of time, got down around 45 mph and then the brakes locked up suddenly and took me across the road into a guardrail. Thankfully no other car was involved. The speed limit is 55 mph on that road and I was still a ways away from the stoplight. I was never notified of the recalls on the vehicle.
Engine, Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and unknown recall repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and pulling into a gas station, the vehicle stalled and rolled next to a gas station pump. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to Firestone, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the long block, the head gasket, and the bolts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the brake fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 6, 2025
My car has been in the Kia shop for engine. We just stopped on the freeway and for the module recall and my safety bag is just constantly on since I’ve gotten it and now I’m noticing electrical issues that shouldn’t be someone told me. Hey you need to file a complaint because your car can catch on fire And I don’t know what else to do but to do a paper trail just in case but it’s been recalls after recalls
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2025
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Engine, Dec 31, 2024
Engine light flashes fast then Kia will slow down to about 30 mph when going up a hill, I've make claims on this Kia for the fire loss, transmission, brakes and now it won't run unless I pay $85 to have the sensor reset which lasts a short time and the light starts flashing again. Was told it doesn't qualify for a new engine because the mileage is over 150,000.
Service brakes, Dec 31, 2024
Rear brakes failed, had to replace them. This is the 3rd repair not covered by Kia.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2024
Transmission, shocks and struts had to be replaced. Kia was having a hard bump knock when it changed gears driving down the highway, we had it looked at several times by the Kia dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. Eventually had to replace the parts above.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 31, 2024, fire
Engine fire, extinguished by the fire dept. Car was parked at the time. Dealer informed us that the fire recall was completed on 10-29-2021 and now we are over the 150,000 mileage warranty so no repair can be done by Kia. I will submit 2 more claims for transmission and brakes for the same Kia.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2024
Kia states that they do not have the parts for the current recall. Not sure if this has anything to do with any recalls but my check engine light went on in 2023, after paying for diagnostic testing, the mechanic cannot find any emissions leak. And after spark plugs were changed in Feb 2024, the light went off. Then Nov 2024, the light went back on again. Although there is a code stating there is an emissions leak again. I am scared to drive the car without knowing what is wrong. Is the part available for the current recall?
Power train, Engine, Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked with the transmission slipping gear with an engine misfire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and a code for the knock sensor failure was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had replaced the spark plugs on the vehicle. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the knock sensor had failed. The dealer related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer cleared the code, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different certified mechanic who confirmed the diagnostic result and cleared the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,750.
Engine, Oct 30, 2024, fire
No oil after filling up with 4qts. Engine over built compression and blew hole through bottom of the block which caused a fire underneath
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 25, 2024
3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
Power train, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2024
1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in the tire wheel letting me know something was wrong in the wheel. They repaired it, and I had no more problems until recently. It is doing it again. A hard jerk when I'm driving. 3. Other, passenger front and rear and drivers side rear doors locked up and I could not open them. This happen about two years ago. Took car to a certified electrical repairman and it cost me a fortune to get repaired. The clips that lock and unlock doors had to be replace. The repair was very costly.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2024
This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.
Structure, Aug 23, 2024
Non working door handles which is a KNOWN issue with Kia! Extremely dangerous obstruction in an event of an emergency where occupants need to get in and out of the vehicle. The ineffective door handles also makes the car less secure because someone who is not authorized can access the safety measures that the vehicle has. This is not right that Kia customers have to spend hundreds for an ongoing issue! This is two out of the four doors now. I replaced one door handle already for well over $300.00! Now will need to spend ANOTHER three hundred plus dollars for the same issue! Again, this is a KNOWN Kia issue! I was originally told there was a recall but only for the back handles and not the front handles in 2020. Now, I am being told it was a warranty and it expired in 2021/2022. A warranty was never relayed to me in any way. No email or mailed letter explaining this. If under "warranty" and again, a known Kia issue why were the backs covered but not the front if they are the same handles? Why not replace all four handles under the said "warranty"? This is a major issues for Kia owners like myself. Also having an issue where when it rains, water will come in from the passenger side panel and back trunk panels. Kia said it was the drains. Kia cleared the drains for well over $200.00. Next rain fall and the SAME issue still remained. Kia then said it was the moonroof assembly and would NOT get back to me with a remedy to solve the issue. I reached out again and I spoke to the general Manager who said he would call me back and NEVER did. I took it to another company who handles moonroofs/sunroofs and has said it is due to the paint separating in the grooves where the assembly sits and is a manufactural issue.