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.
Air bags, Jun 13, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AT 70000 MILES. DEALER RAN A SCAN AND WE WERE TOLD THE PASSENGER OCS MAT WAS BAD. THEY QUOTED US AT $1600 TO FIX. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE NOT HAPPY AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2018
REAR SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON I5 NEAR EVERETT, WA. DID NOT SEE ANY TRUCKS OR OBVIOUS SOURCE OF FLYING DEBRIS. UPON EXAMINATION LATER GLASS WAS BULGED OUTWARD. WITH A 6 INCH HOLE MISSING. THE INTERIOR SUN SHIELD KEPT GLASS FROM ENTERING THE CAR OVER OUR GRANDDAUGHTER.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 9, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG HAS DRAINED AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO GO DEAD. ALSO HAS MESSED UP THE CONTROLS IN THE STEERING WHEEL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 9, 2018
HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS BECOME OVERHEATED AND MELTED CAUSING ME TO REPLACE ONE HEADLIGHT AT $900. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN I SPLICED THE NEW HOUSING YET THE BULB KEEPS BLOWING NEEDING REPLACED. THERE IS KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE THAT GETS WORSE WHEN MY SPEED INCREASES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH OIL. THE HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT STILL SEEMS TO BE BURNING OR LOSING OIL. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ALL RANDOMLY COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SEEMED TO LOSE POWER AT TIMES THEN WOULD DIE AT A STOP LIGHT. THIS ALL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS OR MORE. IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE PAID $1900 PLUS ON RANDOM REPAIRS
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2018
WE HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR.
Structure, Jun 2, 2018
DOOR LOCKS ARE BROKEN AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2018
I WANT TO KNOW IF THEIR ANY RECALL
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2018
BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2013 AND SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN STOPPED. IT'S NOT ALL THE TIME, BUT MOST IF THE TIME. I ASKED THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND HE SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND GOING TO GET LOUDER WHICH IT HAS, BUT GAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT IT WAS OR WHY IT WAS HAPPENING.
Power train, May 26, 2018
TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WHEN TRANS KICKS IN TO HIGHER GEAR IT HAS A LOUD BANG FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS GONNA FALL OUT . SOMETIMES IT LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING
Structure, May 25, 2018
FRONT DOOR HANDLE LATCH ASSEMBLY CONSTANTLY BREAKING AND I AM UNABLE TO OPE THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE
Engine, May 23, 2018
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 75MPH. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR APPROX 65 MILES WHEN MY VEHICLE LOST ALL ENGINE POWER WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO TOW THE VEHICLE 65 MILES BACK HOME AND TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC HAS STATED THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE ENGINE LOCKING UP. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED ON TIME AND IN FACT JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION BEFORE TAKING THIS TRIP. THERE HAVE BEEN NO LOUD NOISES OR NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AT ALL NOR WERE THERE ANY NOISES PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE OCCURRING.
Structure, May 23, 2018
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE BUT WILL OPEN FROM THE INSIDE
Power train, Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 21, 2018
CAR SHIFTER IS NOT ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO PLACE CAR IN PARK. THIS ISSUES WAS A RECALL BEFORE HOWEVER; THE FIX DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND KIA HAS NOT OFFERED A NEW FIX. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATING AFTER RECALL FIX. AGAIN KIA REFUSE TO FIX AND ISSUE COULD CAUSE AIR BAG NOT TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, BACK REAR PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO KIA IN SIOUX CITY, IOWA) DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE DOORS NEEDED ACTUATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Air bags, May 16, 2018
AIR BAG ILLUMINATION LIGHT CAME ON & STAYED ON AT 65450 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATES AIR BAG WON'T DEPLOY AS SYSTEM IS RENDERED INOPERABLE. NEEDS SOP CLOCK SPRING & OCS MATT. TOTAL ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR IS $2000. & IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY KIA SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
Electrical system, May 15, 2018
POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT LOCK, BY DOOR BUTTON, BY REMOTE KEY FOB OR MORE IMPORTANTLY WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. DOORS DO SUCCESSFULLY UNLOCK VIA REMOTE, DOOR BUTTON AND WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO THE PARKED POSITION. DOORS CAN ONLY BE LOCKED MANUALLY.
Structure, May 8, 2018
MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2018
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF APPARENTLY EXPLODED WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED. THE WAS A CIRCLE ABOUT 3' AROUND THE CAR WITH SMALL PIECES OF GLASS, GLASS OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, METAL PIECES FROM HE SUNROOF WERE ON THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD, THE HEADLINER WAS RIPPED FROM THE CEILING WITH A LARGE HOLE RIPPED OUT OF THE MIDDLE AND PIECES OF GLASS WERE PILED THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED ONE DAY. NO ONE WITNESSED THE EXPLOSION.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2018
THE SHIFT GEARS WONT MOVE. THE GEAR WILL STAY IN DRIVE. WON'T GO INTO REVERSE OR PARK. WHEN I HAVE TO PUT VEH IN REVERSE I HAVE TO HOLD GEAR IN REVERSE. THERE HAS BEEN TIMES WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION, LEAVE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND HAVE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOWN. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS KIA CLAIM THEY FIXED THE ISSUE, BUT I'M STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Power train, May 1, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY JUMPS FORWARDS AND I FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. THE SAME THING HAPPENS WHILE ROLLING DOWN A HILL OR SLOWING DOWN WITH OR WITHOUT APPLYING THE BREAKS. IT FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO SHIFT AND SOMETHING IS HOLDING IT BACK FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND. ON SPORTS MODE, WHEN MANUALLY SHIFTING FROM 2 TO 3 I CAN EXPERIENCE THE SAME RESPONSE. ON GEAR 5 SPORTS MODE, YOU FEEL THE SUDDEN JERK. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE MORE SIGNIFICANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLDER. I NOTICED THE HESITATION LASTED LONGER BEFORE THE JERK IN THE WINTER. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY MECHANIC SHOPS AND THEY TELL ME THE CAR IS SHIFTING FINE AND THAT THEY AREN'T TO FULLY REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HOPE THIS ADDS TO THE MILLIONS OF COMPLAINTS AND GETS KIA TO DO SOMETHING. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN PERSISTENT FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2018, fire
LOW BEAM ASSEMBLY WIRING ON BOTH LOW BEAMS HAS MELTED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN NUMEROUS CAR BLOGS AS A KNOWN ISSUE.
Suspension, Apr 22, 2018
I MADE A APPOINTMENT FOR KIA SERVICE COMPLAINING THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENTION R MAKING A NOISE. KIA REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINTS AND SAID THE REAR AND LEFT FRONT SUSPENTION ARE WORKING FINE THE CAR STILL SOUNDS VERY LOUD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS.
Air bags, Apr 21, 2018
AT 100,900 MILES MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, CAR BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS INFORMED BY AIR BAG SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. IN ORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM I WILL NEED TO PAY $1900 TO GET ENTIRE DRIVERS SEAT REPLACED. I CURRENTLY AM DRIVING WITH NO AIR BAGS IN THE ENTIRE CAR.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Apr 20, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (JIM ELLIS KIA OF KENNESAW, 1221 AUTO PARK DRIVE NORTHWEST, KENNESAW, GA 30144) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED, BUT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS NOT ALSO REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE HEADLIGHT BULBS HAD BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE SAME DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THERE WAS ALSO A FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEATS WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2018
3 DOORS THE FRONT PASSENGER AND THE TWO BACK PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.THE DOOR LATCHES ARE BROKE. THEY REPLACED THE INSIDE LATCHES BECAUSE OF THE CHROME COMING OFF WELL IT IS CUTTING HANDS AGAIN LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE CHROME IS COMING OFF AGAIN. THIS SEEMS T BE A GROWING PROBLEM WITH SORENTOS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE YOUR CAR TO FAIL INSPECTION. KIA HAS WEKLL OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND MANY DONT COMPLAIN THEY JUST FIX THEM AT 400 A DOOR IS WHAT KIA DEALERS WANTS TO FIX THEM. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THESE 2011 SORENTOS AGAIN THIS WILL BE THE 7TH TIME CAN I GET A CAR THAT ACTUALLY DRIVES MORE THAN IN THE SHOP....CAR HAS 110000 MILES ON IT THEY ALL BROKE AFTER THE KIA 60,000 WARRANTY ON DOOR LATCHES