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, Jun 1, 2016
ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. BOUGHT USED AND RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR. THEY COULD NOT GET LIGHT TO GO OFF. DEALERSHIP CALLED KIA DEALERSHIP FOR INFO AND DID ALL THAT WAS TOLD TO TRY INSTALLING ACTUATOR TO REPAIR BUT TO NO AVAIL. I PURCHASED MASTER TECH WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. WILL A KIA DEALERSHIP ACCEPT MASTER TECH AS REPAIR PAYMENT OTHER THAN $100 DEDUCTIBLE?
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK MANUALLY OR WITH THE KEY FOB. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT OR REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Structure, May 31, 2016
PASSENGER REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE NO MATTER WHAT I TRY. I COULDN'T GET MY CHILD OUT, HAD TO CRAWL THROUGH CAR TO DO THIS. THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK IS ENGAGED BUT DOES NOT EXPLAIN BEING UNABLE TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. I'M GOING TO THE DEALER TO GET IT TAKEN CARE OF TOMORROW. BUT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTEE. IT SHOULD BE A NO BRAINER THAT THIS IS A RECALL ITEM. I'VE SEEN OTHER'S COMMENTS AND THERE IS NO WAY I SAVED UP MY MONEY TO SPEND IT ON A REPETITIVE $400 REPAIR AS I HAVE SEEN OTHERS DO. I HAVE A FIVE YEAR OLD AND ANOTHER ONE ON THE WAY THIS AUGUST. I AM LIVID BECAUSE FRANKLY I FEEL LIKE DRIVING MY BEATER CAR IS SAFER THAN DRIVING THE SORENTO. BUT I WORKED MY BUTT OFF TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE SORENTO BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SAFER. I WAS SO WRONG.
Structure, May 28, 2016
CAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE, WILL OPEN FROM INSIDE BUT NOT OUTSIDE. NO CHILD SAFETY LOCK IS NOT ON. I SEE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID OF NOT BEING ABLE TO REACH MY CHILD OR PET IN CAR. KIA REPAIR MAN SAID IT IS FAULTY PART BUT NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.
Structure, May 27, 2016
THIS IS COMPLAINT NUMBER TWO FOR MY SORENTO. ON MAY 20, 2016 MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS THE SECOND DOOR ON THE SAME VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT OPEN. KIA HAS USED A DEFECTIVE PART THAT BREAKS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING, AND NOT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2016
MY DRIVER SIDE 2011 KIA SORENTO DOOR HANDLES STOPPED WORKING ON 05/27/2016. THIS IS REALLY FRUSTRATING, AS I COULD OPEN THE DOOR FROM INSIDE BUT NOT FROM OUTSIDE. I THINK IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF AN A ACCIDENT/FIRE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD FOR MY FAMILY. KIA HAS TO REALLY STEP FORWARD AND REPLACE THIS FAULTY MECHANISM. MY CAR IS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE ESTIMATE TO FIX IT IS $400.00. I URGE THE KIA COMPANY TO REALLY FIX THIS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT AND/OR RESULT INTO FATALITY. THERE TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, May 26, 2016
THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. THIS ACCRUED WHEN I RETURN TO MY CAR IN HALF AN HOUR. THIS IS POSING A HAZARD DUE TO INABILITY OF FIRST RESPONDENTS TO OPEN DOOR, IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. I HAD MY KIA DEALER REPAIR IT. IT DID NOT FALL UNDER ANY WARRANTY, THE FAILURE MILLAGE 99,000. HOWEVER, DUE TO MANY COMPLAINS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM FROM OTHER OWNERS, I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING LATCHES AND MAKING A RECALL.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 25, 2016
TAKATA RECALL KIA SORENTO 2011 MY DRIVER SIDE AND BACK PASSENGER DOORS DON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE WHEN NOT IN MOTION OR IN MOTION. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AS WELL. I CALLED KIA AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $500.00 DOLLARS FOR A DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE I AM OVER MY WARRANTY. I TRIED CONTACTING THE KIA'S HEADQUARTER AND ALL I GET IS A RECORDING. THIS ILLEGAL AND ITS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF I GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. I HAVE CHILDREN AS WELL. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET KIA TO FIX THIS MATTER. I WHEN ON THE WEBSITE AND READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS MATTER NOT A RECALL. KIA IS PUTTING PEOPLES LIFE IN DANGER. I NEED MY DOORS FIXED. I HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE RIGHT PASSENGER CAR TURN ON THE CAR BRING THE WINDOW DOWN AND THEN WALK AROUND AND OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. KIA SHOULD NOT BE CHARGING OWNERS OF THERE VEHICLE FOR THIS SINCE ITS A SAFETY MATTER. PLEASE WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS MATTER FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE?
Latches/locks/linkages, May 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCHES FOR BOTH DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,566. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. UPDATED 07/20/16.*JB
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2016
MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. I CAN HEAR IT WHEN IT LOCK AND UNLOCK BUT IT WILL NOT OPEN. I TRIED TO USE THE KEY AND IT STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAVE TO GO AROUND TO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. THIS REALLY WORRIES ME. THE "WHAT IF" IS CONCERNING. TO ME, THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE EMERGENCY PERSONS CAN NOT GET MY DOOR OPEN TO GO ME OUT. OR TO HAVE MY GRANDSON STUCK IN THE CAR AND ME NOT BE ABLE TO GET HIM OUT. I CALLED MY KIA REPAIR SHOP TODAY AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I'M CURIOUS TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND WHAT THEY PLAN TO DO ABOUT IT. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 61K MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND NO EXTENDED WARRANTY. HENCE, ANOTHER CONCERN. KIA DEALERS SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND REPAIR WHAT IS CAUSING OUR DOORS TO NOT OPEN. WE CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE DIES.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2016
THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE, PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. POSING A HAZARD, BECAUSE FIRST RESPONDERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR DUE TO A REOCCURING DEFECT. MANY OTHER CONSUMERS REPORT THIS IN BLOGS AND FORUMS SO THIS IS KIA'S PROBLEM TO FIX AND MAKE A RECALL.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOORS LOCKED AND FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 18, 2016
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE DOORS. IT STARTED WITH MY FRONT DRIVERS DOOR AND NOW IT IS THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR. YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE DOOR APART TO FIX IT. HOWEVER, I CAN'T OPEN MY BACK DOOR AT ALL BECAUSE MY CHILD SAFETY LOCK IS ON, SO I CANNOT OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE LIKE I DO WITH MY DRIVERS DOOR. I AM UNABLE TO GET MY KIDS IN OR OUT OF THE CAR, WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT THEM ALL IN THROUGH ONE DOOR AND OVER CAR SEATS. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE. HERE IS THE LINK TO THE COMPLAINTS HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T37046_DS615605. IF THERE WAS EVER AND EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY CHILDREN OUT IN A TIMELY MANNER.
Structure, May 18, 2016
THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON DRIVER'S DOOR STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Structure, May 17, 2016
THE DRIVER'S SIDE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN A PARKING LOT
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2016
REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS IS A 2011 KIA SORENTO WITH 70,000 MILES
Structure, May 16, 2016
DOOR LATCH FROM OUTSIDE OF DRIVERS DOOR DECIDED TO STOP WORKING. A REASONABLE PERSON WOULD UNDERSTAND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. KIA DOES NOT. THEY KEEP EXTRA PARTS ON HAND TO COMPLETE THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. APPARENTLY, IT HAPPENS OFTEN. THIS IS NOT PROPER OR JUST. OTHERS HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Structure, May 14, 2016
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE
Structure, May 13, 2016
FRONT DRIVER SIDE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN THE DOOR WHEN UNLOCKED WITH EITHER KEY OR REMOTE. DOOR OPERATES FROM THE INSIDE AND NOT OUTSIDE. DOOR WAS WORKING EARLIER SAME DAY AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF WEAR OR BREAK BEFORE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE STOPPED WORKING.
Structure, May 13, 2016
DRIVER DOOR INOPERABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVER NIGHT - NO WARNING OF ANY IMMINENT FAILURE.
Structure, May 13, 2016
"DOOR LOCKED FROM OUTSIDE" ON APRIL 27, 2016 I NOTICED THAT ON MY LR PASSENGER DOOR ON MY SORENTO THAT I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. AFTER REVIEW MANY COMPLAINTS I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE SORENTOS, SPECIFICALLY THE 2011 YEAR. I FEEL THIS IS MOST DEFINATELY A SAFTY CONCERN FOR THE PASSENGERS IN MY VEHICLE. I WILL BE TAKING THIS TRUCK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP TODAY TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON REPAIR. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM A DEATH ?!?!? PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THIS FAULT.
Structure, May 12, 2016
THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE WHEN THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED. IT WILL ONLY OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE DOOR. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN A WRECK. THIS IS POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND A SAFETY HAZARD.
Power train, Engine, May 12, 2016
AT 68,000 MILES THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR (PART #94750-37100) FAILED AND CAUSED A SUDDEN AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL. IN THE HALF MILE IT TOOK US TO SAFELY PULL OVER THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ACTIVATED AND THE DIP STICK READ BONE DRY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA'S, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO REPLACE THE PART WITH A BETTER ENGINEERED VERSION. HAD WE NOT BEEN ALERT / AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON THE ENGINE COULD HAVE SEIZED AND ALL POWER COULD HAVE BEEN LOST WHILE IN MOTION.
Structure, May 11, 2016
DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, POSES A SAFETY HAZARD IF CHILD IS IN CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE OPEN THE DOOR. MEANING A HOT CAR AND A BABY IN THE CAR SEAT. FOR A KIA SORENTO 2011, HOWEVER, IT'S BEEN REPORTED THROUGH MULTIPLE FORUMS ABOUT THIS DEFECT KIA CHARGES THE CUSTOMERS WHO ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2016
SUBJECT: KIA SORENTO 2011 DOOR LATCH PROBLEM COMMENTS: WHEN MY 2011 KIA SORENTO DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE (BUT WORKS USING THE INSIDE LATCH), I AT FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM, PROBABLY A BROKEN PLASTIC PART OR A BENT ROD, ETC. BUT AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I SEE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME ONE DOOR AT A TIME UNTIL ALL FOUR DOORS BREAK. APPARENTLY, KIA MAINTAINS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM, NOR IS THERE ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION. THIS POSITION IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE, AS EVIDENCED BY COMMENTS FROM OWNERS CONCERNING EXITING THE VEHICLE UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS SUCH AS FIRE, ACCIDENTS, IMMERSION IN WATER, ETC. SOME OWNERS MENTIONED EXTRA DIFFICULTY WHEN TRANSPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN, ETC. THE ONLY VIABLE SOLUTION OTHER THAN PAYING UNREASONABLE CHARGES TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLIES REPAIRED BY KIA, WHICH APPEAR TO AVERAGE $400-$500 PER DOOR IS FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED, REQUIRING DEALER REPAIR AT NO CUSTOMER EXPENSE. I UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE LATEST MODELS HAVE DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS WHICH HAVE BEEN RE-ENGINEERED TO ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM, WHICH DOES NOTHING TO HELP THOSE OWNERS WHO WILL BE DRIVING THE EARLIER MODELS FAR INTO THE FUTURE. THERE CERTAINLY SEEMS TO BE A GREAT ENOUGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THIS RECURRING PROBLEM TO AT LEAST WARRANT A CAREFUL INVESTIGATION BY YOUR AGENCY, NOT CONCENTRATING ON THE FRUSTRATION EXPERIENCED BY AFFECTED OWNERS, BUT INSTEAD SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING ALL THE POSSIBLE SAFETY CONCERNS RAISED THUS FAR. A DEATH BY FIRE OR DROWNING CAUSED BY A SEAT BELT PROBLEM IS NO MORE IMPORTANT THAN ONE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE DOOR OPENING MECHANISM.