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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2015
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT.IT IN STARTED AUG OF 2014. FRIST ONE HEADLIGHT THAN A MONTH LATER THE OTHER SIDE WOULD GO OUT. CHANGING THE BULB SEAMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN THE LEFT HEADLIGHT WOULD TURN OFF AND THAN BACK ON WHILE DRIVING. THEN LEFT LIGHT QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER SIX MONTHS AGO. RIGHT SIDE BULB BURNS OUT EVERY TWO MONTH. TODAY NO LIGHTS AND WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE PIGTAIL/ LIGHT SOCKET WAS HALF MELTED. THIS SEAMS TO BE A ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THERE IS FIVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE SAFERCAR.GOV SITE ABOUT THIS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THIER LIGHT AT NIGHT AND ARE HURT.
Seats, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT ADJUSTER WAS STUCK PAST THE UPRIGHT POSITION AND FAILED TO ADJUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2015
VIBRATION, KNOCKING AND THUMBING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE AND BOTH FRONT WHEELS. DEALER VERIFIED THUMBING NOISE AS LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE,REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINT. VIBRATION, KNOCKING AND THUMBING NOISE CONTINUES. RETURNED TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED REAR MOTOR MOUNT. PROBLEMS STILL REMAINS. I PHONED DEALER, STATING VIBRATION, KNOCKING AND THUMBING STILL REMAINS INCLUDING ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS. IN ADDITION TO THE VIBRATION, KNOCKING AND THUMBING NOISES... INSIDE THE CAR, UNDERNEATH DASHBOARD (GLOVE COMPARTMENT) CAUSING HUGE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOOR.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME ON THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PEELING AND CAUSED A PASSENGER TO SUSTAIN CUTS TO THE HAND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHICH DOOR HANDLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,200. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE, WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. UPDATED 11/05/15.*JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,800.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2015
I TURNED ON MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERS A WEEK LATER AND WAS TOLD THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A SHORTAGE AND IT WILL COST APPROX. $450 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS SERVICE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *CN
Seats, Sep 3, 2015
THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTABLE REAR SEAT BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO OPERATE SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW. FINALLY IT BECAME STUCK TO THE EXTENT THAT IT COULD NOT BE MOVED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THIS OCCURRED ONE MONTH AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED.
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2015
THIS ISSUE IS ONGOING AND LOOKING AT THE REPORTS ON THIS SITE, NEEDS IMMEDIATE RECALL CONSIDERING THE DEALERSHIPS WANTS TO CHARGE OVER 500.00 TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE HAD MY PASSENGER LOW BEAM BULB REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE WIRE CONNECTION IS OVER HEATING. NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE IS OUT. I CAN NOT AFFORD THESE 1000.00 ISSUE THAT APPARENTLY IS WIDE SPREAD. KIA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THIS ASAP. I AM ONLY DRIVING DURING THE DAY. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS NEEDED.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2015
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ACCORDING TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP THERE IS A MALFUNCTION THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WENT OUR OF WARRANTY IN EARLY JUNE 2015 AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR(APPROX $500.00). THIS STRIKES ME AS WRONG SINCE THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY VEHICLE AND THUS THE AIRBAG HAS NEVER DEPLOYED. HOW CAN THEY CLAIM THAT MY AIRBAG IS BROKEN SINCE IT HAS NEVER BEEN USED/ACTIVATED? HOW CAN IT NOT BE THE MANUFACTURER"S/DEALER RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION. CONSUMER EMAIL UPDATE ON SEPT 3, 2015: "THEY HAVE GIVEN US THE INFO TODAY REGARDING WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG: IT NEEDS A CLOCK-SPRING FOR THE AIRBAG THAT IS LOCATED SOMEWHERE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY HORN OR CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS, BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME." UPDATED 9/15/15*CW......UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/17/15. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED TO OPEN THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Air bags, Aug 27, 2015
UPON STARTING VEHICLE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED. TAKEN TO MECHANIC THAT STATES IT'S A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I'VE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR DEPLOYED THE AIRBAGS. IT IS SCARY TO KNOW THAT IF I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT I WOULDN'T HAVE THE SAFETY OF AIRBAGS DESIGNED TO SAVE LIVES. I'VE TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT 2000 TO FIX. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY SORENTO OWNERS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2015
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE HANDLE, AND THERE WAS NO INCIDENT TO CAUSE IT TO BREAK AND NOT OPEN. APPARENTLY THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR (INSIDE THE DOOR COMPARTMENT) IS BROKEN. SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON COMPLAINT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF THEN COME BACK ON AFTER BEING OFF FOR APPROX 2 SECONDS. IT ALSO OCCURS SOMETIMES WHEN CHANGING LANES AND USING THE TURN SIGNALS. I FEEL THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE TURN SIGNAL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER FRONT AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, MAKING A LEFT TURNED AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, A RIDDLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GO FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,700. MA 10/2 *CN
Air bags, Jul 31, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH LANES DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FRACTURES ON HER RIBS, NOSE, CERVIX, AND PELVIC BONE. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED RIGHT OPTICAL BONE AND SINUS BONE FRACTURES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A RIGHT LEG INJURY, HIP FRACTURE, AND SPINAL INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED FOR THE CONTACT AND THE TWO PASSENGERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
Power train, Jul 30, 2015
MY 2011 SORENTO LOST ALL POWER AFTER A HIGH PITCHED WHIRLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON A 55 MPH HIGHWAY. WE HAD IT TOWED AND LEARNED THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN APART, THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT WAS EXCESSIVELY WORN, WARPED AND OBVIOUSLY IN NEED OF REPAIR. QUICK RESEARCH ON YOUR SITE AND KIA'S SITE SHOWED THE RECALL CONCERNING RIGHT SIDED DRIVE SHAFT LEADING TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF AND THE MADE ON DATES WHICH INCLUDED MY CAR'S DATE (MARCH 16, 2010). MY CALLS TO KIA MOTORS, MY LOCAL DEALER, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER ONLY UNCOVERED THAT MY WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER VALID. I HAVE EXPLAINED TO EVERYONE I AM WELL AWARE OF THIS BUT WOULD LIKE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY MY VEHICLE WITH A MARCH 16, 2010, BORN ON DATE, WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE DRIVE SHAFT THAT LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A 55 MPH HIGHWAY JUST AS THE RECALL STATES (ALMOST TO A T) WAS NOT COVERED. NO ONE AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT IS NOT COVERED.
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2015
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT. REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. REPAIRED. TWO WEEKS LATER PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT WENT OUT. THIS TIME I EXAMINED THE LIGHT, REINSTALLED SAME LIGHT, AND IT WORKED. SHORTLY AFTER THESE INCIDENTS I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE SUMMER, BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. I DOUBT THAT THE FIRST TWO BULBS WERE ACTUALLY BURNED OUT.
Power train, Jul 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE ABNORMAL NOISE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V258000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. MA 10/22/2015 UPDATED 12/05/2017*CN
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2015
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED COMING ON BY THEMSELVES. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AS THE VEHICLE STOPPED 6 TIMES WITHIN A COUPLE OF HUNDRED FEET. I COULD FEEL THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES WORKING AS THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP, THEN THE BRAKES WOULD RELEASE AND I WOULD START MOVING AGAIN ONLY TO HAVE THE BRAKES COME ON BY THEMSELVES AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A SENSOR WAS REPLACED REGARDING THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS WORKED FINE SINCE, BUT ITS ONLY BEEN 5 DAYS SINCE IT WAS REPAIRED.
Air bags, Seats, Jul 20, 2015
DASH LIGHT WITH THE AIRBAG LOGO CAME ON AS I WAS STARTING UP TODAY, AND STAYED ON. WENT STRAIGHT TO KIA DEALERSHIP, THE ONE WE ALWAYS USE. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID HE'S SEEN A LOT OF THEM, SAME PROBLEM. HE AGREED THAT $2,000 WAS VERY EXPENSIVE FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS MALFUNCTION DISABLES ALL THE AIRBAGS. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, WE ARE TOAST. KELLY BLUE BOOK RATES THIS VEHICLE AT A VALUE OF $9500, IN MINT CONDITION, WHICH THIS IS. 21% OF THE VALUE FOR A REPAIR? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR SO MANY ( I DID CHECK THE INTERNET, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM) AND NO ONE CHOOSES TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. WE JUST WENT AROUND WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM, AND FINALLY THEY REPLACED THAT ON A RECALL, BUT WE HAD A BLOWOUT ON I-81 AT 70 MPH THAT COULD'VE ENDED OUR LIFE.....SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. I APPRECIATE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO.
Engine, Jul 20, 2015
ON 06/15/2015, DROVE MY CAR TO THE BARN, THEN IT WILL NOT START. I THOUGHT IT'S BATTERY PROBLEM. BATTERY IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD. SO I CHARGED THE BATTERY. DIDN'T WORK. SO I JUMPED IT, IT HAD A HARD TIME STARTING. IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS. I GOT A NEW BATTERY FOR IT. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER, GOT IT STARTED AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS.TOOK IT TO KIA SERVICE. THEY SAID OIL RING HAS SLOW LEAK. DEALER CHANGED O RING, AND THEN SEVERAL DAYS, IT HAD ISSUES STARTING. THE DEALER KEPT MY CAR FOR TWO DAYS TO LISTEN AND FIX THE KNOCKING NOISE. FINALLY ON FRIDAY 06/27/15, IT WON'T START AT ALL. IT HAS THIS GRINDING, HARD START. I CALLED THE # 800-333-4542. SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY HAD MY CAR TOWED FOR FREE, AND DEALER GAVE ME A LOANER CAR. I CALLED KIA AT # 678-385-8540 AND ASK WHAT'S GOING ON AS THE DEALER SAID THEY ARE WAITING FOR KIA SUPPORT TEAM APPROVAL TO TEST THE ENGINE. AFTER TWO WEEKS, KIA CALLED AND TOLD DEALER TO TEST ENGINE. IT HAS ISSUES WITH LOW COMPRESSION ON 2 CHAMBERS AND FINALLY THE DECISION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ON 7/11/2015, DEALER SUBMITTED AN ORDER TO HAVE KIA SHIP ENGINE. I WAS TOLD, NEXT WEEK, I SHOULD HEAR FROM THEM. NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED THE 678 # AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD BY MS. KUSHELL THAT SHE'S CONTACTING THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO GIVE PRIORITIES TO MY CASE.THAT IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BETWEEN 7/20 TO 7/25. THIS MORNING, 7/17/15, I GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALER THAT THE ETA FOR ENGINE ARRIVAL WILL BE 7/31/2015, AS THERE ARE NO ENGINES ANYWHERE IN THE U.S. TO DATE (7/17/2015), THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KIA DEALER SERVICE FOR ALMOST A MONTH NOW. I HAVE PENDING TRIPS THAT I KEPT POSTPONING TO ACCOMMODATE THE ISSUES. BUT THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND, AS I AM GETTING THE ROUND AROUND TALKS. MS. KUSHELL SAID, THEY CAN SHIP MY CAR TO THE PLACE I'M GOING, BUT WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, WALK THE 1500MILES?
Engine, Jul 20, 2015
ON 06/15/2015, DROVE MY CAR TO THE BARN, THEN IT WILL NOT START. I THOUGHT IT'S BATTERY PROBLEM. BATTERY IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD. SO I CHARGED THE BATTERY. DIDN'T WORK. SO I JUMPED IT, IT HAD A HARD TIME STARTING. IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS. I GOT A NEW BATTERY FOR IT. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER, GOT IT STARTED AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS.TOOK IT TO KIA SERVICE. THEY SAID OIL RING HAS SLOW LEAK. DEALER CHANGED O RING, AND THEN SEVERAL DAYS, IT HAD ISSUES STARTING. THE DEALER KEPT MY CAR FOR TWO DAYS TO LISTEN AND FIX THE KNOCKING NOISE. FINALLY ON FRIDAY 06/27/15, IT WON'T START AT ALL. IT HAS THIS GRINDING, HARD START. I CALLED THE # 800-333-4542. SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY HAD MY CAR TOWED FOR FREE, AND DEALER GAVE ME A LOANER CAR. I CALLED KIA AT # 678-385-8540 AND ASK WHAT'S GOING ON AS THE DEALER SAID THEY ARE WAITING FOR KIA SUPPORT TEAM APPROVAL TO TEST THE ENGINE. AFTER TWO WEEKS, KIA CALLED AND TOLD DEALER TO TEST ENGINE. IT HAS ISSUES WITH LOW COMPRESSION ON 2 CHAMBERS AND FINALLY THE DECISION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ON 7/11/2015, DEALER SUBMITTED AN ORDER TO HAVE KIA SHIP ENGINE. I WAS TOLD, NEXT WEEK, I SHOULD HEAR FROM THEM. NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED THE 678 # AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD BY MS. KUSHELL THAT SHE'S CONTACTING THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO GIVE PRIORITIES TO MY CASE.THAT IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BETWEEN 7/20 TO 7/25. THIS MORNING, 7/17/15, I GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALER THAT THE ETA FOR ENGINE ARRIVAL WILL BE 7/31/2015, AS THERE ARE NO ENGINES ANYWHERE IN THE U.S. TO DATE (7/17/2015), THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KIA DEALER SERVICE FOR ALMOST A MONTH NOW. I HAVE PENDING TRIPS THAT I KEPT POSTPONING TO ACCOMMODATE THE ISSUES. BUT THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND, AS I AM GETTING THE ROUND AROUND TALKS. MS. KUSHELL SAID, THEY CAN SHIP MY CAR TO THE PLACE I'M GOING, BUT WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, WALK THE 1500MILES?
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2015
THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS IS FROM THE INSIDE. FIRST IT WAS DRIVERS SIDE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER IT WAS THE BACK DRIVERS PASSENGER DOOR. NOW IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR. MAKES NO SENSE I HAVE ONE DOOR TO GET INSIDE MY CAR. PLEASE HELP.
Power train, Jul 16, 2015
WHEN SLOWING DOWN, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BANG FORWARD. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL THE TIME THE CAR'S SPEED IS REDUCED. WE HAVE COMPLAINT TO DEALER MANY TIMES. THE LAST TIME WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICING THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE ADJUSTED IT BACK TO FACTORY START, WHAT EVER THAT MEANS. WE ARE STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM TO THIS DAY.