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.
Structure, Feb 15, 2018
ONE DAY WE WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND IT NO LONGER OPENED. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THE DOOR IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I CONTACTED KIA THEY DIDNT SEE IT AS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. IN MY EYES IT S AHUGE ISSUE IF MY GIRLS AND I WERE IN A WRECK AND SAFETY CREWS WOULDNT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE!
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. COOPER KIA (5056 COMMERCIAL DR, YORKVILLE, NY) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000. *TT *TR
Air bags, Feb 1, 2018
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT EXTINQUISH
Structure, Jan 31, 2018
IN SEPT 2017 THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR STOPPED OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE. NOW, JAN 2018 THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. BOTH DOORS OPEN PERFECT FROM THE INSIDE.
Engine, Jan 31, 2018
JANUARY 26, 2018 I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE MADE A THUD SOUND, AND IT FELT LIKE A DOWNWARD THRUST AS THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND DROVE HOME. WE TOOK IT TO OUR KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT THIS MORNING AND ASKED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TECHNICIAN SAID SINCE THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON, THE TEST WOULDN'T SHOW ANYTHING UNLESS WE HAD THE PROBLEM BEFORE. I WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HIS LACK OF CONCERN. ESPECIALLY AFTER I RESEARCHED SORENTO ENGINE FAILURES AND IT IS HUGE FOR SO MANY MODELS. THE 2011 WAS ABOUT THE ONLY ONE NOT ON THE RECALLS.. MY MODEL WAS THE FIRST MADE IN THE US AT THE GEORGIA PLANT. MY PRODUCTION DATE IS 12/19/09. WE BOUGHT OUR 2011 IN FEBRUARY 2010. WE WERE TOLD SINCE THE BODY WAS BEING CHANGED THEY MADE NO 2010 SORENTO'S AT THE GEORGIA PLANT. SINCE I SAW THE STALL PROBLEMS ON THESE 2009 MODELS WOULDN'T THAT MEAN IT WOULD APPLY TO MY ENGINE? VERY CONFUSING. I HOPE YOU CAN CHECK THIS OUT FOR ME.
Structure, Jan 30, 2018
THE DOOR WONT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE ON THE DRIVER BACK SIDE SO THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND STATIONARY
Structure, Jan 23, 2018
MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE(THIS IS MY CURRENT ISSUE WITH THE CAR). I HAVE BEEN IN NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR. I HAD TROUBLE WITH MY DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN LAST YEAR AND THAT WAS UNDER RECALL AND REPAIRED. BOTH ISSUES JUST STARTED ALL OF A SUDDEN.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jan 17, 2018
PURCHASED 2011 SORRENTO FROM DEALER IN 2011. AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED SINCE 70K MILES. ALSO, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO - TOOK IN FOR ABS RECALL WITH SET APPOINTMENT AND WAS TURNED AWAY AS DEALER DID NOT HAVE 'THE TOOL NEEDED '' TO PERFORM RECALL THAT DAY. ALSO, DBC AND ESC INDICATOR LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON FOR YEARS. FINALLY, WITHIN FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASE GEAR SHIFT WOULD JAM AND NOT INTO PARK. DEALER INSTRUCTED ME OVER THE TELEPHONE HOW TO MANIPULATE AND FIX WHICH WORKED.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 15, 2018
WAS DRIVING MY KIA AND SUDDENLY COULD NO LONGER DRIVE PULLED OVER N TRAFFIC AND COULD ONLY PUT THE E BRAKE ON. NOTHING ELSE WOULD GO IN TO GEAR DRIVE REVERSE AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SO PUT THE E BRAKE ON AND CALLED TOW TRUCK..TOOK IT TO MADE IN AMERICA MADE IN JAPAN..AND THE SAY ITS THE INPUT SHAFT..EXACTLY DESCRIBED ON RECALL FOR MY VIN # [XXX] . MANUFACTURE CALL#SC124. NHTSA# 15V626 .THIS HAPPENED ON 225 PLACERVILLE RD FOLSOM ON FRIDAY 1/5/2017 .ITS CURRENTLY STILL AT MADE IN AMERICA MADE IN JAPAN..PLEASE CONTACT. ME A.S.A.P [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Jan 13, 2018
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON VEHICLE ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED AND VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE IN MOTION. DRIVER PULLED VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD AND HAD TOWED TO AUTO SHOP. AUTO SHOP SAID THE ENGINE SEIZED BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY CAUSE OF SEIZURE. SHOP SAID OIL WAS FULL AND RECENTLY CHANGED. OWNER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO KIA DEALER WHO ALSO CITED ENGINE SEIZURE. KIA DEALER SAID OWNER WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE EXACT CAUSE. ENGINE SEIZURE MATCHED ENGINE SEIZURE ISSUE IN RECALLED 2012-2014 SORENTO VEHICLES. OWNER ASKED DEALER ABOUT REPAIRS UNDER SIMILAR RECALL/ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING DEALER COULD DO.
Air bags, Jan 8, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER GOING OVER A SET OF RAIL ROAD TRACKS.
Suspension, Jan 8, 2018
COIL SPRING FROM FRONT STRUT ON 2011 SORENTO BROKE IN THREE PLACES WHILE IN MOTION IN THE CITY (DRIVING STRAIGHT) AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 KM/HR AND PIERCED SIDE WALL OF TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE. NO INJURIES BUT VERY DANGEROUS INDEED.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2018
BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, I WENT ONLINE AND SEARCHED MY VEHICLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM. MIDDLE BACK SEAT BELT IS STUCK DOWN IN THE SEAT AND YOU CAN'T NOT GET IT OUT
Steering, Jan 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SHOTTENKIRK KIA OF WEST BURLINGTON IN WEST BURLINGTON, IA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON DECEMBER 20, 2017. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,563.
Engine, Jan 1, 2018
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE, NO NOISES, NO UNUSUAL ISSUES. WENT TO START IN THE MORNING AND RAN FINE. WENT TO MY DESTINATION. WHEN I CAME OUT 2-HOURS LATER, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. 108,000 MILES
Structure, Dec 17, 2017
MY FRONT DRIVER AND REAR DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND HAVE READ IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. I IT FIRST HAPPENED TO THE DRIVER DOOR THEN ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE THE BACK DRIVER DOIR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2017
COIL SPRING FROM FRONT STRUT ON 2011 SORENTO BROKE AND LEFT PIECE OF SPRING ON GROUND, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. SPRING CAN CUT TIRE SIDE WALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITH MAJOR INJURIES/DAMAGE TO PASSENGERS, DRIVER, AND VEHICLE.
Structure, Dec 10, 2017
WITH THE VEHICLE STATIONARY PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. CAN OPEN FROM THE INSIDE ONLY.
Air bags, Dec 9, 2017
KIA HAS BEEN SELLING CARS WITH FAULTY AIR BAGS. MY CLOCK SPRING WENT OUT, AND I HAD TO PAY WELL OVER $600 TO PASS INSPECTION, THAT VIRGINIA REQUIRES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE AIRBAG COULD HAVE WENT OFF WITHOUT EVEN HITTING ANYTHING.
Structure, Nov 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA OF GREENVILLE (424 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC)WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED PER A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Air bags, Nov 13, 2017
FOR NO REASON AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. CHECKED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TOOL- CODE B1481-DRIVER AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH(2ND STAGE) SHOWED UP. CAR HAS 84000 MILES. READING A LOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT AIRBAG PROBLEMS. SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Power train, Nov 1, 2017
THE CAR HAS A NO-STAR CONDITION, UNEVEN ENGAGEMENT WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. WHENEVER DRIVING AND IF I WANT TO SUDDENTLY SPEED TO AVOID AN OBJECT OR TO ADJUST TO TRAFFIC SPEEDS THE CAR HESITATES FOR A SECOND OR TWO. I ALMOST CRASH TODAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, PUTTING AT RISK MY WHOLE FAMILY... I BELIEVE THERE A SOME RECALLS ON SIMILAR VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST YET
Structure, Oct 29, 2017
PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY. ACTIVATOR PIECE IN DOOR LATCH BROKEN. MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS.
Air bags, Oct 24, 2017
AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON
Exterior lighting, Oct 18, 2017
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP SHORTING OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS.