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.
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2014
WHEN THE SORENTO REACHES A SPEED ABOVE 60 IT HESITATES BEFORE ABRUPTLY JUMPING INTO THE NEXT GEAR, CAUSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND ALL PASSENGERS TO JERK FORWARD. THE JUMPING OF THE GEAR IS SO FORCEFUL THAT IT SOUNDS AS IF THE ENGINE IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE EACH TIME IT'S PLACED IN GEAR. *TR
Air bags, Mar 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT, NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000...UPDATED 12/29/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE MILEAGE SHOULD NOT BE A FACTOR WITH THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE. UPDATED 9/28/2015*JS
Power train, Engine, Mar 20, 2014
WHEN SWITCHING FROM PARK TO DRIVE A LOUD POP WILL BE HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE USUALLY OCCURRING (LOUDEST) DURING COLD MOIST DAYS. IN THE SAME CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE CAR BEGINS TO STUTTER AND VIBRATE WHEN SWITCHING GEARS (THIS IS USUALLY FELT INITIALLY DRIVING OFF OR DURING HARD BRAKES AT LIGHTS). CAR AT ONE POINT STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN GOING TO DEALER THEY SAID SOFTWARE UPDATES SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM SIMPLY PERSISTS (THOUGH THE CAR DID NOT STALL THUS FAR). *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Mar 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A COUNTY ROAD, LOUD CLICKING NOISE CAME FROM DASHBOARD, SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF, AND HEADLIGHTS FLASHED OFF ALL AT THE SAME TIME. HEADLIGHTS REMAINED OFF FOR 1-2 SECONDS, CAME BACK ON, AND WENT OFF AGAIN, AND ON AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES SINCE THEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND ALSO A FEW TIMES DURING THE DAYTIME (I HEAR THE CLICKING AND SEE THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT). MECHANICS AT KIA DEALERSHIP SAID THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" AND MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (60-70 MPH). IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TWICE AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND MAKES ME AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT! *TR
Visibility, Structure, Mar 11, 2014
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. MY HUSBAND DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN SUNROOF MADE A LOUD BANG. LUCKILY THE SHADE WAS DRAWN AND PROTECTED HIM FROM FLYING GLASS. THE FLYING GLASS TOOK OUT THE ANTENNA. *TR .. UPDATED 08-20-14 *BF UPDATED 08/25/2014 *JS
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED FROM THE EXTERIOR, ONLY FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Air bags, Feb 25, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT, CURTAIN AND SEAT CUSHING AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BECOME STARTLED AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE MANUFACTURER INVESTIGATED THE AIR BAG FAILURE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE CONTACT HAD SHIFTED INTO TWO-WHEEL DRIVE AND CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY AND THE PASSENGER SUFFERED A CHIPPED TOOTH AS A RESULT OF THE ERRONEOUS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND REVIEWED THE EVENT DATA RECORDER, WHICH INDICATED A LOW BATTERY BUT DID NOT SPECIFICALLY INDICATE AN AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,447.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 18, 2014
PUSH BUTTON START NOT STARTING VEHICLE. BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON UPON DEPRESS OF BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE ONLY STARTS AFTER HOLDING BUTTON 10-15 SECONDS.
Structure, Jan 22, 2014
1ST INCIDENT 10/2010 - OUTSIDE RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE SNAPS OFF (CHILD LOCK ON INSIDE OF CAR ENGAGED SO YOU CANNOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GET A CHILD OUT OF THE CAR). 2ND INCIDENT 01/17/2014 CAR HAS 35000 MILES NOW - OUTSIDE LEFT REAR DOOR HANDLE SNAPS OFF (CHILD LOCK ON INSIDE OF CAR ENGAGED SO YOU CANNOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GET A CHILD OUT OF THE CAR). I THOUGHT THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED IT WOW I HAVE NEVER HAD THAT HAPPEN BEFORE ON ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW WITH ONLY 15 MILES ON IT, IT IS GARAGE KEPT. NOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE I QUESTION THE QUALITY - AND HAVE READ ONLINE OF OTHERS HAVING SAME ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Jan 13, 2014
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION ON ALL 2011 KIA SORENTO CARS. THE SUSPENSION IS VERY BAD ON ROUGH ROADS. THE VIBRATION AND NOISE IN THE CABIN IS NOT NORMAL. IT IS VERY HARD ON YOUR BACK AND SHOULD BE MODIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 10, 2014
DURING EARLY MORNING STARTUP, VEHICLE ACCELERATED PAST 3000 RPM FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS. AFTER DECELERATION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE, A LOUD THUMP WAS HEARD AND A FORWARD THRUST WAS FELT. NO FORWARD MOTION OCCURRED BECAUSE OF BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSION. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 2, 2014
I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BEFORE ENTERING TRAFFIC. I FOUND THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD TO PUSH WITH VERY LIMITED BRAKING POWER. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED OR A TRAGIC ACCIDENT COULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE. I DROVE CAREFULLY AND WAS ABLE TO GO VERY SLOW AND PULLED INTO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE AND DEATH ISSUE SHOULD FAILURE OCCUR. I AM AWAITING FINAL DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY FEEL THE MOST LIKELY PART IS A BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE OR THE BRAKE BOOSTER. *TR
Steering, Engine, Dec 31, 2013
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A 2 LANE ROAD WITH PEOPLE BEHIND ME. MY CAR MADE A SOUND LIKE A ROCK ROLLING AROUND IN AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE THEN ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TURNED ON AND THE ENGINE DIED. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITH A GREAT DEAL OF STRENGTH APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I CALLED KIA IMMEDIATELY AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WITHIN THE HOUR. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW CLAIMING I HAD A COOLANT LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO OVERHEAT BUT I HAD NO INDICATIONS PRIOR THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. THEY SAID THIS IS PROBABLY NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY SINCE ITS A LEAK AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED EARLIER. *TR
Visibility, Dec 23, 2013
2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE AUTO FUNCTION OF THE HEATER/AC NOT WORKING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUTO FUNCTION WORKED FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS, AND THEN IT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT FOR THE SECOND TIME. SHORTLY AFTER, IT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AND IT WAS WORKING, BUT WAS TOLD IT WASN'T FIXED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO STOP WORKING.
Visibility, Dec 16, 2013
REAR SUN ROOF EXPLODED. TRAVELING ALONG I-4 ABOUT 55 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A LARGE GUN SHOT SOUND SO WE LOOKED AROUND FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT MIGHT HAVE MADE THE NOISE BUT THERE WAS NO CAR WITHIN 50-60 YARDS BEHIND OR IN FRONT. THEN WE HEARD SOMETHING RUMBLING ON ROOF WHICH WAS GLASS. LUCKILY THE ROOF WAS INTACT BUT THE VERY SIDES OF THE GLASS ROOF WERE BREAKING UP IN A LONG SLENDER LINE. NOW AFTER A FEW MILES GETTING HOME THE CENTER IS STARTING TO BREAK UP. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR 7 WEEKS WHILE I WAS IN THE UK AND ONLY TOOK IT OUT OF GARAGE. I HAVE BEEN IN THE UK MOTOR TRADE 50 YEARS AND NEVER SEEN GLASS GIVE WAY LIKE THIS. IT APPEARS AS IF SOMEBODY TRIED TO PUSH THE TWO SIDES OF THE CAR INWARDS CAUSING THE ROOF TO EXPLODE. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE AT ALL AND NO DEBRIS HIT MY ROOF. UPDATED 1/7/14*CN UPDATED 01/09/14*LJ UPDATED 01/09/14
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2013
THE SEAT BELT LIGHTS WILL FLASH AND THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE LEFT SIDE B-PILLAR GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH ALL THE PASSENGERS BUCKLED IN. THE HEADLAMPS WILL FLASH ON AND OFF AFTER DARK AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT LIGHT EVEN IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE KIA DEALER IN CHATTANOOGA TN. AND THEY SAID IF THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE ACTION THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I CALLED KIA CORP. AND THEY ALSO STATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES IF THE SEAT BELT LIGHT IS FLASHING THEN THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 11, 2013
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, USUALLY ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL SLOPE, THE VEHICLE ENGINE DIES COMPLETELY. IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BE DRIVEN FOR 10-15 MINUTES, PARKED FOR 10-15 MINUTES THEN DRIVEN AGAIN FOR TEN MINUTES. ONCE IT DIES I AM ABLE TO START IT UP RIGHT AWAY. IT IS A PUSH START "KEY" AND THE CAR DIES AFTER I APPLY THE BRAKES AND AM VERY NEAR TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASE AND OCCURS RANDOMLY, EVERY FEW MONTHS. IT HAS HAPPENED SIX TO TEN TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND THE COMPUTER COMES BACK WITH NO CODES. THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO FIX. TODAY, THE DEALER INSTALLED A MONITOR FOR ME TO USE FOR TWO WEEKS TO SEE IF IT HAPPENS AND WE CAN CAPTURE THE INFO IN REAL TIME. KIA MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS ABOMINABLE. I AM TRYING TO GET A FIELD TECHNICIAN TO LOOK AT IT AND COMMUNICATE WITH THE DEALER. *TR
Air bags, Dec 8, 2013, crash
DRIVER ON SIDE-STREET TRIED TO CUT ACROSS MAIN ROAD DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING ME TO SWERVE TO AVOID HER. MY KIA SORENTO THEN HIT A BRICK WALL AND A 2,000+ POUND CAST IRON ENTRANCE GATE. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT THE CAR, FOR SAFETY FOR MY NEW FAMILY. BY THE LOOKS OF THE DAMAGE AND WHERE THE IMPACT WAS, THE OFFICERS AND I WERE ALL SURPRISED THAT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD I HAD A PASSENGER OR WAS NOT WEARING MY SEATBELT, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SOME SERIOUS INJURY AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. PICTURES CAN BE FURNISHED TO DOCUMENT THE IMPACT AND DAMAGE TO THE 2011 KIA SORENTO LX AWD. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2013
WHEN I PRESS ON OR LET OFF OF THE BRAKE THERE IS A POPPING NOISE. MY EX ALSO HAS A 2012 SORENTO AND HERS DOES THE SAME.
Power train, Nov 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LOW. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUID WAS FILLED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V258000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 18, 2013
WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW FOR A STOP SIGN, MY 2011 SORENTO TURNED OFF. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE MOVED CROSS COUNTRY DAY AFTER THE DEALERSHIP RELEASED THE CAR. IN OUR NEW STATE, THE SORENTO SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES, IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. IN TRAFFIC, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, PARKING LOTS, ETC. THE CAR IS ALWAYS MOVING WHEN IT SHUTS OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NO ISSUES. I HAVE NOW, SINCE JANUARY 2013, TAKEN THE SORENTO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES. I AM TAKING IT IN TODAY FOR THE FIFTH TIME, AFTER THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF TWICE THIS PAST WEEKEND. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. I HAVE HAD A CASE OPEN WITH KIA, BUT THEY CLOSED IT AFTER THE DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. ON THREE OCCASIONS, I CAME QUITE CLOSE TO HITTING PEOPLE WHILE TURNING IN PARKING LOTS, BECAUSE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT WHEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF. THIS MORNING, THE CAR SHUT OFF IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT DURING DROP OFF, WITH KIDS WALKING THROUGH THE LOT. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2013
KIA SORENTO INFREQUENT AND UNPREDICTABLE LOSS OF POWER DURING MODERATE ACCELERATION. DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH HAVE INCLUDED MODERATE UPHILL CLIMBS, HIGHWAY DRIVING AND CITY UNDER 50MPH AND AT MODERATE ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER, FAIL TO UPSHIFT WHEN NEEDED, OR SHOW NO SIGNS OF POWER, FOLLOWED BY ERRATIC SHIFTING AND A LOUD CLUNK. AT OTHER TIMES ON HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE CAR WILL, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, DOWNSHIFT ON FLAT SECTIONS WHEN SPEEDS ARE BETWEEN 45-65MPH. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALER: 1/8/13, 95,035 MILES- DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE, INHIBITOR SWITCH BRACKET INSTALLED, DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE 7/26/13, 106,574 MILES-ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND ABS LIGHT COME ON, SIMILAR TO STOP LAMP SWITCH, DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE, DID SEE ERROR CODES BUT DID NOT PROVIDE THEM TO CUSTOMER, RESET THE COMPUTER. NOT RESOLVED. 10/3/13, 107,842-TRANSMISSION STILL JERKING, DEALER TRIED REPLACING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. TOOK TO ALTERNATIVE DEALER-ROAD TEST WITH CUSTOMER-ADVISED THE PROBLEM WILL NEED TO BECOME WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT TO DIAGNOSE. THIS IS LEADING TO UNSAFE CONDITIONS DUE TO UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 13, 2013
WILL INTERMITTENT TURN ON DURING DRIVING AND STAY ON. IF YOU STOP AND TURN OFF CAR AND THEN RESTART MAY OR MAY NOT RETURN ON. CAR AS A BIT OF A SHAKE TO IT SOME TIMES. HAD CRUISE CONTROL NOT TURN ON. ELECTRICAL SEEMS WACKY IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAD IT BEEN STUCK IN PARK OR TIMES COULD NOT MOVE THE SHIFTER TO PARK OR REVERSE. SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED. ALL THESE ISSUES HAPPEN INTERMITTENT AND NEVER WHEN NEAR THE KIA DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE 90% OF THE TIME HAS BEEN WONDERFUL, HOWEVER THERE ARE ISSUES THAT NEED INVESTIGATED AND CORRECTED FOR EXAMPLE ALL THE ABOVE I HAVE LISTED. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2013
I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND AS I WAS BACKING THE CAR GOES OUT OF REVERSE AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE R INDICATOR ON THE DASH DISAPPEARS AND THE CAR REVS REAL HIGH THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR AND LURCHES FORWARD AND MAKES A SOUND AS IF I HAVE HIT SOMETHING. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2012 AND THE DEALER DIDN'T DISCLOSE THIS. I'VE HAD IT IN 2XS TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY CANT DUPLICATED HE ISSUE. AS TIME GOES ON IT HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2013
I WAS AT CAR WASH TO WASH CAR TURNED OFF CAR. COULD NOT GET IT TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WITH PUSH BUTTON START. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED BRAKELIGHT SWITCH.. STILL HAVING ISSUES TO THIS DAY WITH INTERMITTENT NO START.. JULY 3 BRAKELIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AGAIN SECOND TIME NOW ALONG WITH 11 CAMPAIGN ISSUES WITH CAR. STILL HAVING NO START ISSUES REPLACED SAME PART AGAIN! ON AUGUST 8TH 2013. STILL HAPPENING OFF AND ON . WAS TRYING TO DEAL WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS THEY ARE NO HELP. GOT TOLD IT HAD TO NOT START AGAIN AND NEED TO BE TOWED IN TO DEALER BEFORE THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING. THIS IS VERY UNFAIR. ENOUGH ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO FIX AND SEEING OTHER OWNERS HAVING SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP. *TR