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, Aug 19, 2014
THE CAR HAD PROBLEMS STARTING AND THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS FINE. THE DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A SWITCH AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM KEPT HAPPENING ON OCCASION (2-3 TIMES) IN THE LAST YEAR AND LAST TIME THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I BELIEVE THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM AND DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 19, 2014
AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT OR ALL DAY, WHEN BACKING UP THEN GOING FORWARD THE CAR ACTS LIKE THE ABS IS STICKING AND WONT MOVE FORWARD, PULLS TO THE LEFT. YOU HAVE PUT CAR IN PARK, TURN IT OFF, THEN TURN BACK ON FOR IT TO STOP. *TR
Air bags, Aug 18, 2014
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROXIMATELY 70000 MILES, RESET AND REMAINED OFF FOR A WHILE. BACK ON AT 72000 MILES. DIAGNOSED BY DEALER THAT IT IS RELATED TO FAULTY PASSENGER SIDE OCS SENSOR MAT, WITH REPAIR COST OF APPROX. $2000. CONTACTED KIA AND THEY CHECKED WITH DISTRICT MANAGER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING REGARDING THE ISSUE (FIX, DISCOUNT, ETC.) AND WAS INFORMED THEY WOULD NOT. UNFORTUNATELY OUT OF STANDARD WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE...WHICH TO ME A SAFETY SENSOR BECOMING FAULTY WOULD HAVE NOTHIN TO DO WITH MILEAGE AND IS NOT REALLY THAT OLD. EXHUBERANT COST FOR MOST PEOPLE TO REPAIR, WHICH WE CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE FINANCES TO DO. IN RESEARCHING, AFTER THE FACT, APPEARS KIA HAS HAD A LONG LINE OF ISSUES WITH AIRBAG AND OCS SENSORS. MAKES ME WONDER IF ISSUES STILL EXIST IN THIS MODEL, BUT MOST ARE STILL BEING COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR IF WE HAPPENED TO JUST GET A "LEMON". (NOT ONLY ISSUE WE HAVE HAD WITH CAR, BUT BEING RELATED TO SAFETY WANTED TO SHARE.) *TR
Structure, Aug 18, 2014
FRONT DRIVER EXTERIOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR - CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM INSIDE . *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2014
2/12/14 WAS THE DATE THAT I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT SINCE. IT KEPT SOUNDING LIKE STUFF WAS FALLING OFF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR. I TOOK IT IN AND HERE BOTH THE FRONT STRUTS ARE OUT. THEN TO FIND OUT THEY WHERE OUT BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT THE VEHICLE! I HAVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS FOR KIA TO GET THE PARTS IN THIS COUNTRY TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED! SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN STUCK DRIVING MY NEW/USED VEHICLE WITH NO STRUTS. WITHOUT THE STRUTS WORKING THAT ALIGNMENT IS OFF WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL. I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE PLUS I DRIVE 25 MILES TO WORK AND 25 MILES BACK EVERY DAY. I CALL KIA AND THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON THE PARTS ORDER AND ALL THEY CAN SAY IS THEY ARE BACK ORDERED.....WELL, IF IT IS A 2011 AND PARTS ARE BACK ORDERED SO FAR I HAVE TO WAIT MONTHS TO GET THEM, SOMETHING IS WRONG. STRUTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON ON A CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2014
CPSC: I1470147A. 2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR HAS TURNED OFF ON THE HIGHWAY ON THREE OCCASIONS. ALSO STATED ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BATTERY AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT DOWN. *LN THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Tires, Wheels, Jul 22, 2014
I FOUND THAT THE REAR LEFT TIRE WAS SERIOUSLY WORN ON THE INSIDE TO THE POINT THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NEVER BEFORE SEEN A REAR TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE EDGE WHILE THE REST OF THE TIRE WAS STILL GOOD AT 32000 MILES. WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE WEAR? *TR
Air bags, Jul 19, 2014, crash
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, I WAS BROADSIDED ON DRIVERS SIDE BY ANOTHER SUV TRAVELING AT 35MPH. NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE SIDE HEAD RAIL BAG TO DEPLOY, PARTICULARLY THE ONE RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVERS HEAD. IT DID NOT. ACCORDING TO THE IIHS, THIS AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THIS TYPE OF SIDE-IMPACT CRASH. I HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY RESCUE SQUAD AND AM SUFFERING WITH SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN AS WELL AS SEVERE HEADACHES FROM THIS COLLISION...UPDATED 10/08/14 *BF *TR UPDATED 3/24/2015 *JS
Structure, Jul 1, 2014
PURCHASED 2011 KIA SORENTO - NEW- FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 5/13/2011. IN ONE YEAR (5/17/2012) RIGHT-REAR PASSENGER DOOR STARTED STICKING. ENDED UP BEING THE DOOR PANEL STICKING ON THE WEATHER STRIPPING, BUT THIS REQUIRED TWO SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR, ON 6/6/2012 (WEATHER STRIP REPLACED) AND 9/5/2012 (DOOR PANEL REPLACED) (COVERED BY WARRANTY). THIS FINAL SOLUTION OF REPLACING THE DOOR PANEL WORKED, UNTIL 6/19/2014. SAME ISSUE, WITH THE SAME DOOR, RECURRED. THE DOOR PANEL CLIPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE DEALER SHIP OPENED A CASE WITH KIA AT OUR REQUEST AND ADJUSTED THE DOOR STRIKE PLATE. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE FIXED, BUT WITHIN TWO DAYS, WE ARE READY TO TAKE IT BACK TO RE-ADDRESS THE ISSUE. AT THIS POINT THE MILEAGE HAS PLACED THE CAR OUT OF WARRANTY, THUS THE CURRENT COST OF THE PART (THE DOOR PANEL) BEING $675, PLUS LABOR, IS ON US TO BEAR AND LIKELY, BASED ON THE PREVIOUS RECORD WILL NOT BE THE FINAL REPAIR REQUIRED FOR THIS ROUND. WE FULLY EXPECT THIS SAME DOOR TO FAIL IN ANOTHER TWO YEARS. WE FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS WHEN SOMEONE TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR, FORGETTING IT IS BROKEN, AND DOES NOT PUSH HARD TO CLOSE THE DOOR, IT IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED. THERE IS AN OPEN CASE WITH KIA DIRECTLY TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM (K2738522). THEY ONLY MENTIONED ASSISTING WITH THE REPAIR, NOT REPAIRING IT AT THEIR COST, FOR WHAT IS LIKELY A QUALITY AND SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND DOOR. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE LIMITED TO THE 2011 MODEL YEAR AS I DID FIND ANOTHER INSTANCE OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON A 2012 MODEL IN THE WILD: HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/KIA/SORENTO/2012/CONSUMER-REVIEWS/REAR-PASSENGER-DOOR-WON'T-OPEN.HTML?STYLE=101388024&SUB=&REVIEWID=964955855. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER ACTIVATING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE KEY FOB, ENGINE MODULE, WIRING HARNESS AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Power train, Jun 27, 2014
I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING SPOT, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT, WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT IN DRIVE IT WOULDN'T SHIFT PAST NEUTRAL. IT HAS DONE THIS SIX TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. THIS LAST TIME, THE SAME THING OCCURRED EVERY TIME I PARKED (FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY). ALSO THE ESC AND DBC LIGHTS COME ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BECAUSE ON THIS SAME DAY, AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE ESC AND DBC LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 21, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2011 KIA SORENTO APPROXIMATELY 1 YR AGO AND MY INTERIOR LIGHT IN FRONT OVER DRIVER AND PASSENGER COMES ON AND OFF DURING DRIVING. THIS DID IT IN THE BEGINNING THEN STOPPED, NOW IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME WITH THE ILLUMINATING DOOR OPEN SIGN ON DASH. THEY STAY ON MUCH LONGER AND HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE WITH MY GRAND CHILDREN IN CAR, NOT SURE IF SAFE ANYMORE. DEALER NEVER EXPRESSED AT TIME OF PURCHASE THAT THERE WHERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. FRONT MAKES NOISE EVERYTIME I PLACE FOOT ON BRAKES, PEOPLE LOOK OVER WHEN I HIT BRAKES. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM AS WELL(RECALL). I AM UNEMPLOYED NOW FOR 15 MONTHS NO MONEY TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THESE ARE PART OF ANY RECALLS. I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM SANSONE JR., ROUTE 66, NEPTUNE, NJ. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 10, 2014
2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SMD THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE AIR BAG, AT A COST OF $ 1200.00*JB
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 9, 2014
1) THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT SIX (6) TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP. THIS HAS OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOUR OF THE SIX TIMES BY STOPPING, PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND PRESSING THE "START" IGNITION BUTTON. TWO OF THE SIX TIMES THE GEAR WAS LOCKED INTO DRIVE AND NEUTRAL ONLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO NOT SHUT OFF. BOTH TIMES 911 WAS CALLED FOR CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED AS I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY. THIS OCCURRED ON 2/20/14 AND 6/03/14. ON 5/17/14 THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY FOR THE 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE AND PASSED WITH NO ISSUES. 2) THE BACKUP CAMERA FLUTTERS INTERMITTENTLY (ABOUT 10-15 TIMES A MONTH) MOSTLY IN THE MORNING ON START UP AND SOMETIMES AT NIGHT. KIA OF CERRITOS HAD REPLACED THE NAVIGATION/RADIO MODULE 3 TIMES, BUT OFFICIAL RECORDS SHOW IT WAS REPLACED ONLY TWICE. THIS HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL PERSISTS. 3) THE RADIO INCONSISTENTLY (ABOUT 2-5 TIMES A MONTH) DOES NOT START FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE UP. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE ISSUES ARE RESOLVED AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND ALL WHO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE. THE KIA CAR PROS CARSON FACILITY REPLACED THE DRIVE ASSIST PART AND CLEANED THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT IN FEB 2014. I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ON 6/03/14, I WAS TOLD A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU (ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT) WAS PERFORMED, BUT THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I WANT THE FACILITY TO RETAIN MY VEHICLE AND PERFORM A FULL DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY CAN GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL NOT STALL AND LOCK UP ON ME AGAIN. CORPORATE KIA SAID THE VEHICLE CAN BE RELEASED AND THE FACILITY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE ANY FURTHER. I DO NOT BELIEVE KIA IS TAKING THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Jun 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO PARK AND ROLLED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, May 23, 2014
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2011 SORENTO NOT STARTING AT ALL OR ONLY STARTING WITH THE FOB IN THE CHARGER SINCE DECEMBER 2013. MORE RECENTLY I HAVE HAD ISSUES WHERE THE VEHICLE WON'T LOCK OR IT LOCKS AND THEN WON'T UNLOCK UNTIL I AM ABLE TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH MANUALLY AND THEN THE FOB WILL UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS. YESTERDAY I WAS AT A GAS STATION AND MY FUEL DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN (NO CLICKING SOUND OR ANYTHING) UNTIL I STARTED THE CAR WITH THE KEY FOB IN THE CHARGER AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE FUEL DOOR WHILE IT WAS RUNNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WON'T START WITH THE FOB IN THE CHARGER, I HAVE EITHER HAD TO USE THE "UNOFFICIAL" START METHOD WITH MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND HOLDING IN THE START BUTTON FOR 15 SECONDS OR IF THAT DOESN'T WORK I HAVE HAD TO JUMP START THE BATTERY. MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CAR BATTERY BUT I REALLY DON'T FEEL THAT IS THE ISSUE BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME DAYS THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AT ALL. I AM SCARED THAT AT SOME POINT I WILL BE LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN INSIDE OR THAT I WILL BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. AT THIS POINT I HAVE ONLY ONE WORKING FOB - I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THAT ONE OF THE FOBS WASN'T WORKING BUT THEY TOLD ME (AFTER WORKING ON ALL OF THE RECALLS FOR 7+ HOURS) THAT THE FOB WAS FINE. SO, I DON'T EVEN HAVE A BACKUP KEY. *TR
Service brakes, May 21, 2014
DRIVING OUT OF PARKING LOT INTO STREET PUT FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL AND IT STUCK TO FLOOR. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND ENGINE WAS RUNNING. TRIED PUMPING BRAKE BUT NO GOOD. TRIED GAS PEDAL BUT NO GOOD. TRIED SHIFTING INTO DIFFERENT POSITIONS BUT NO GOOD. ONLY AFTER TURNING CAR OFF AND ON DID BRAKE PEDAL COME BACK. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN STREET OR HIGHWAY WOULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Structure, May 20, 2014
DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE AND THE GAS DOOR WANT OPEN. IT STARTED WITH THE PASSENGER DOOR THEN THE BACK DRIVER DOOR AND NOW DRIVER DOOR. SAFETY ISSUE WHEN CHILDREN IS STRANDED IN CAR AND PARENT CANT GET IN. *TR
Air bags, May 7, 2014, crash
SIGNIFICANT SIDE IMPACT ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, BUT SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS BROKEN, AND PASSENGER RECEIVED BROKEN RIBS, PUNCTURED LUNG, FRACTURED VERTEBRAE. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Air bags, May 7, 2014, crash
FRONTAL COLLISION AT 55 MPH, FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT INSTANTANEOUS SIDE IMPACT FROM OTHER VEHICLE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE, BROKEN SEAT, RIGHT SIDE INJURIES (RIBS, BACK, PUNCTURED LUNG), AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT OPEN (FAILED TO DEPLOY) WITH THIS SIDE IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT 55 MPH, AND WAS STRUCK BY A WESTBOUND TRUCK TRAVELING 35 MPG...UPDATED 10/08/14 *BF *TR UPDATED 3/24/2015 *JS
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 25, 2014
OCCASIONALLY AND MORE THAN ONCE, THE REMOTE KEY FOB WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR AND WHEN IT DOES WILL NOT START THE CAR. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE FOB HOLDER IN THE CONSOLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. IT HAS HAPPENED NOW MORE THAN 5 TIMES TO MY FAMILY AND I. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Apr 22, 2014
ON TWO DIFFERENT DATES ABOUT A WEEK APART WE HAD TWO TPMS FAILURES. ON THE FIRST ONE THE TPMS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM SENSOR LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CRACKED AND WAS LOSING AIR. TPMS SENSOR WAS REPLACED. AROUND A WEEK LATER WHILE MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TPMS SENSOR RETAINING CAP FELL OFF DUE TO CORRODED THREADS AND THE SENSOR FELL INTO THE TIRE CAUSING A HIGH SPEED DEFLATION. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE SECOND FAILURE AS WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEALER SERVICED SINCE NEW AND HAS ALL REQUIRED SERVICE DONE. *TR
Visibility, Apr 16, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATE THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE HE DROVE AT 35 MPH THE FRACTURED GLASS FELL INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE SUNROOF FRONT BAR FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A CUT TO HIS SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 04-29-14 *BF
Power train, Apr 7, 2014
THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY JERKS OR CHANGES GEARS WHEN REDUCING SPEED. WHEN TAKING THE FOOT SLOWLY OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE JUMPS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST STOP. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE. SOMETIMES IT JUST TURNS OFF BY ITSELF. CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS AND A HALF OLD AND IT'S ALREADY HAVING SIGNS OF BREAKING DOWN AND HAVING PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. KIA SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY, BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AGAIN, STILL WAITING FOR SOLUTION. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WHERE KIA JUST WON'T DO ANYTHING. ACTUALLY I FOUND THIS WEB PAGE AS A RECOMMENDATION FROM ONE OF THE FORUMS. HOPE YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 1, 2014
I EXPERIENCED REPEATED HEADLAMPS BULBS BURNING OUT. I FOUND THE SITE REPAIRPAL.COM AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE ISSUE, BUT RECEIVE ALERTS FROM REPAIR PAL WHEN OTHERS REPORT THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUES -- I STILL RECEIVE ALERTS. I AM GLAD I FOUND THIS MEANS TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I WAS STOPPED BY THE POLICE ONCE AND GIVEN A WARNING. THE FOLLOWING IS WHAT I WROTE ON REPAIRPAL.COM. THE LINK TO THIS SITE IS: HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/HEAD-LAMPS-057 HAVE HAD 3 LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLOW OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. TODAY THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY TO THE TUNE OF A $400 PART AND ABOUT $250 LABOR. NOT COVERED BY THE MAXIMUM WRAP COVERAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY. ARGHH! HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER KIA. FOLLOWUP: THIS IS MY NOTE TO THE KIA: "THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO CASE # [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR RETURNING MY CALL AFTER I SENT THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR