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.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2012
MY 2011 KIA SORENTO DOWNSHIFTS WHILE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IT ALSO GETS STUCK AND WHILE THE RPMS ARE RACING, IT WILL NOT SHIFT UP. THE BLUETOOTH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND AM ONLY ABLE TO MAKE A CALL 30% OF THE TIME. BACKUP CAMERAS AND SENSORS ARE INTERMITTENT. WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FELL OFF HINGES WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILD IN THE BACKSEAT. MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. CAUSING MY CAR TO FILL WITH SMOKE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. MANY ISSUES WITH THIS LEMON! SHIFTER WILL NOT GO FROM DRIVE INTO PARK LEAVING ME STRANDED IN MY CAR. VEHICLE HAS NO POWER....POOR ENGINE. PAINT AND CHROME OF HANDLES ARE COMING OFF. PULLS TO THE LEFT AND ESC LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 16, 2012
1ST PROBLEM: I BOUGHT THE CAR, DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, DEALERSHIP DID NOT GET IT INSPECTED SO I HAD TO TAKE IT AT 10 MILES TO GET AN INSPECTION STICKER ON IT! 2ND PROBLEM: IMMEDIATELY AFTER BUYING THE CAR, I NOTICED ALL THE WINDOWS AND DOORS RATTLED. TOOK IT TO KIA IN KINGWOOD 5 TIMES AND THEY COULD NEVER HEAR THE SOUND AND/OR FIXED OTHER THINGS ON THE CAR THAT DID NOT NEED TO BE FIXED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. 3RD PROBLEM: ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, 3 VISITS LATER, I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, AT 13,000 MILES..SOMETHING WRONG WITH SENSOR THAT MEASURES FLUIDS?? 4TH PROBLEM: TAKING BACK AT 14,500 MILES ON MONDAY(3/18/12) TO GET DOORS CHECKED OUT NOW ELECTRONICS ARE MESSED UP AND LOUD NOISE EVERYTIME I LOCK OR ROLL DOWN WINDOWS. ALSO, CANT GET KEY TO TURN IN IGNITION ALOT!! WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Power train, Mar 8, 2012
SOMETIME IN OCT. 31, 2011, MY KIA SORENTO 2011 FAILED TO START UP. IT TOOK ME TO DIAL MY CELL AND CALL KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. AND NOW, MARCH 6, 2012, ANOTHER PROBLEM, WORSE THAN THE FIRST, OCCURRED. IT WAS TUESDAY MORNING, WHILE I'M EXCITED TO REPORT TO WORK EARLY FOR A SCHEDULED POST CONFERENCE WITH THE ASST. PRINCIPAL, ONE OF MY EVALUATORS, I JUST CAN'T WORK AND GET THE POST CONFERENCE DONE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF MY KIA SORENTO 2011 TO MOVE VIA D SHIFT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT HAPPEN BUT I DON'T SEE ANY OUTSIDE TROUBLE UNTIL ANOTHER DRIVER ASKED ME WHAT'S WRONG AND HEARD SOMETHING UNDERNEATH FROM MY KIA SORENTO 2011 THEN HE SAID --- TRANSMISSION. I CALLED KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAITED FOR ALMOST THREE HOURS UNTIL WE GET THERE AT ORR KIA-MITSUBISHI DEALER SHREVEPORT (SAME DEALER WHERE I GOT MY KIA SORENTO 2011). I WAS TOLD TO RENT A CAR FOR 2 - 3 DAYS SINCE THEY CAN'T PROVIDE ME A DEALER'S TEMPORARY CAR TO KEEP ME GOING AND DO WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO. AFTER 2 DAYS, I CALLED AND WAS TOLD THAT INDEED TRANSMISSION IS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2012
VEHICLE HAS A CONSTANT PULL TO RIGHT,EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT.RUINED A SET OF MICHELIN RADIALS IN 6K MILES. ALSO, RELATED OR NOT, VEHICLE HAS A VERY HARD RIDE FOR IT'S TYPE-HAVE EXPERIENCED REAR WHEEL HOP WHEN EXITING HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Suspension, Feb 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD, WINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IF THE NOISE BECAME MORE PROMINENT, THEN THEY WOULD BUY BACK THE VEHICLE AT FULL COST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 14,500.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 9, 2012
02/23/2011 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH. 10/14/2011 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; DEALER REPLACED BATTERY. 11/14/2011 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SHIFTER. 01/05/2012 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM, STARTED AFTER BATTERY JUMP. 01/29/2012 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; CALLED FOR TOW; VEHICLE STARTED AFTER 40 MINUTES OF NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. 02/07/2012 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; VEHICLE STARTED AFTER 30 MINUTES OF NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. 02/09/2012 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START; TOWED TO DEALER. SOMETHING IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG WITH THESE PUSH-BUTTON STARTERS! 5 TOWS WITHIN ONE YEAR PLUS OTHER NON-START TIMES?! KIA NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THEY HAVE A PROBLEM! *TR
Visibility, Feb 8, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE DEFROSTER (DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS) I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A ROCK HITTING MY WINDSHIELD, BUT SAW NO VISIBLE DAMAGE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I LOOKED AND DISCOVERED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A CHIP IN THE GLASS, ONLY IT WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS LOCATED NEAR THE VIN TAG AREA. SINCE THAT TIME SEVERAL SMALL CRACKS HAVE APPEARED, ORIGINATING FROM THE "CHIPPED" AREA. I HAD A GLASS REPAIR SHOP OUT AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE GLASS AND THAT IT IS EITHER A MANUFACTURER DEFECT OR CAUSED BY THE HEATING ELEMENT THAT RUNS UNDER THE GLASS. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE LOCAL KIA DEALER TO TRY AND GET THIS RESOLVED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WANTED TO GET A COMPLAINT IN IN CASE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. *TR
Power train, Feb 6, 2012
WHILE ON VACATION IN SOUTH FLORIDA, I WAS TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN MY 2011 KIA SORENTO SX (6 CYL, AUTO TRANS), WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN RACING (BUT NOT ACCELERATING), AND I FELT A HEAVY THUMP IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE, AS IF IT HAD BEEN STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR ME, AND NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER, 2010 AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE PROBLEM IN 12,000 MILES OF USE. I TELEPHONED MY KIA DEALER IN PENNSYLVANIA AND WAS TOLD THAT IF NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNLESS IT WERE DUPLICATED DURING A TEST DRIVE. THEY DID TELL ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO A KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Jan 27, 2012
I BOUGHT MY 2011 SORENTO SX AWD 2 MONTHS AGO AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE DEALER HAS ALIGNED THE CAR 3 TIMES FOR PULLING TO THE RIGHT, IT STILL DOES IT. MY BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE VIBRATION AND GROAN SOUND I GET WHEN DRIVING AT 57MPH. THE SOUND IS A RESONATING AND ANNOYING SOUND WHICH GOES UP AND DOWN AND SEEMS TO SUBSIDE AFTER 60MPH AND GET BAD AGAIN AT 80MPH. THE DEALER HAS BALANCED THE NEW TIRES 3 TIMES, SWAPPED THE DRIVE LINE WITH ANOTHER SORENTO AND IT DIDN'T IMPROVE IT AT ALL. THEY PLACED A NEW DRIVE LINE AND IT MADE IT WORSE. I HAVE OPENED A TROUBLE TICKET AND A CASE NUMBER WITH KIA CUSTOMER SUPPORT BUT THEY HAVE SAID THE ISSUE IS AN INHERENT CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS VEHICLE. NOT ACCEPTABLE BY ME. KIA CORP NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE. I AM WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD A SIMILAR ISSUE AND HAVE A FIX FOR IT. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MONDAY JAN. 9TH GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY. THEN THE CAR LOST POWER I HAD TO PULL OVER IT WOULD NOT DRIVE, I WAS PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. ALSO THE TACH QUIT WORKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO CALLED AND SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH OUR LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP. ON MY WAY HOME IT DONE THE SAME EXACT THING I HAD TO PULL OVER AGAIN, LUCKILY BOTH TIMES THERE WAS NOT A CAR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS AND SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE PICKED IT UP ON SUNDAY THINKING EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WE MADE IT HOME AND WENT TO THE STORE. ON THE WAY BACK COMING ACROSS THE POMEROY MASON BRIDGE IT JERKED AGAIN VERY HARD AND WE HAD TO COME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC! WE CALLED TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THURSDAY JAN. 19. ON MY WAY TO WORK TODAY JAN. 16 IT DONE THE SAME EXACT THING! I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS WITH MY 2 KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT. *TR
Suspension, Jan 16, 2012
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2011 KIA SORENTO IN 3 OR 4 TIMES TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION. THEY DID A VISUAL INSPECTION AND SAID ALL LOOKS GOOD. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO MY VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC AGREED WITH ME, ON THE ROUGH RIDE. THE VEHICLE BOUNCES ALL OVER THE ROAD. KIA DID CHANGE THE SUSPENSION IN OCT OF 2011 ON ALL NEW SORENTOS. WHICH TELLS ME THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLD ONES. ALSO IF YOU LOOK ONLINE IT APPEARS A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT SORENTOS IN THE BEGINNING ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE ROUGH RIDE. KIA NEEDS TO DO RECALL ON ALL OLDER MODELS AND UP GRADE THEM. (THIS IS FROM AUTOBLOG.COM: KIA NOTICED THIS RIDE QUALITY ISSUE AND DECIDED TO TAKE THE COSTLIER DFD DAMPERS AND EMPLOY THEM NOT JUST ON THE NEW SX MODEL, BUT ACROSS THE MODEL'S ENTIRE RANGE BEGINNING IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. WHILE KIA OFFICIALS WE SPOKE WITH AT AN ATLANTA PRESS EVENT THIS WEEK STOPPED SHORT OF ADMITTING THAT THE SORENTO'S RIDE QUALITY HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, THEY DID NOTE THAT ONCE ENGINEERS SAMPLED THE DFD SETUP ON THE SX, THEY LIKED THE RIDE SO MUCH THEY DECIDED TO INSTITUTE THE NEW UNITS ON ALL SORENTOS.) *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 AT APROX. 65 MPH AND FELT A SEVERE JOLT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER LIKE EITHER OF MY KIDS TO LOOSE CONTROL. I INITIALLY THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD HIT THE REAR OF MY CAR. THERE DIDN'T SEEM TO BE ANY OTHER VEHICLES CLOSE ENOUGH TO HAVE HIT ME, SO I PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER TO SEE IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING. EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE SO I PROCEEDED TO GET BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND THEN NOTICED IT WAS NOT SHIFTING GEARS. AS I CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE THE ENGINE RPM CONTINUED TO CLIMB SO I HAD TO DRIVE BELOW 45MPH.WHEN THE SHIFTER WAS MOVED TO THE MANUAL SIDE IT WAS IN 4TH GEAR. I PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER AGAIN AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND DRIVE A FEW TIMES BUT IT WOULD ALWAYS GO BACK TO 4TH GEAR WHEN IN DRIVE. I HAD TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY, ABOUT 20 MILES AT A SLOWER SPEED WITH THE FLASHERS ON. THIS MORNING I CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND IT WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. I WILL BRING THE VEHICLE TO KIA, BUT WILL NOT LET OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS DRIVE THE CAR UNLESS I AM CERTAIN IT IS CORRECTED. I NOW SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ON EDMONDS. COM. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS? I COULD NOT FIND ONE ON YOUR WEB-SITE. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2012
KEYLESS IGNITION SWITCH WHICH IS ATTACHED TO BREAK HAS DEFECT. UNABLE TO START CAR, CALLED AAA WHO COULD NOT START. CALLED HOT LINE AND THEY SAID HAVE BEEN HAVING A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS. CALLED LOCAL DEALER WHO VERIFIED HAVIN A NUMBER OF FAILURES ON THIS AND NEED TO REPLACE. AGREED PROBABLY NEED TO SEND A BULLETIN TO OWNERS AND RECALL. THE SWITCH STICKS AND WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO START THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO LODGED A COMPLAINT AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/01/12
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Dec 29, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE STARTS TO COME TO A STOP AS IF THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT BEING APPLIED. I HAVE TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESS IT AGAIN FOR THE SORENTO TO RESPOND AND CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A SHOPPING PLAZA, GOING ABOUT 15MPH,THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING THE LOSS OF ALL POWER ASSIST FUNCTIONS AND ELECTRICAL OPERATION. THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK ON-LINE RIGHT AWAY, BUT THE CAR HAD TO BE RESTARTED. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, 4 DAYS LATER. THE CAR WAS COASTING AT ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 17, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO MISS/SKIP GEARS! IT FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STOP ALTOGETHER, AND I DEFINITELY LOST ACCELERATION ABILITY. NEXT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IT HAS NOT GONE OFF. I AM GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER ON 12/17/2011 TO SEE WHAT MAY BE CAUSING A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED THE FOLLOWING DAY AND TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD INADVERTENTLY SOUND. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,990.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2011
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE "PUSH TO START" FAILING IN OCT. '10, THAT WAS FIXED. DEC. 12, 2011 AM I COULD NOT START MY CAR. THE PUSH TO START DID NOTHING. AFTER TRYING VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR 15 MIN I TRIED AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTED WITH THE PUSH BUTTON AND BRAKE APPLIED. I CALLED KIA TO REPORT IT AND HAD THE DEALERSHIP CHECK IT OUT THAT MORNING, THEY FOUND NO ERROR CODES. I STARTED MANY MORE TIME WITH NO INCIDENT UNTIL THE NEXT PROBLEM. DEC. 14, 2011AM, AGAIN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I COULD HERE A SMALL "TIC" AS I PRESSED THE START BUTTON. I REMOVED MY PHONE AND EZ PASS FROM THE AREA AS SUGGESTED BY THE DEALER, NOTHING. I GOT A DIFFERENT FOB FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE, NOTHING. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR, STANDING NEXT TO IT AND THE CAR STARTED BY ITSELF, NO ONE PRESSING THE BUTTON. THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE IMPOSSIBLE AS YOU MUST PRESS THE BRAKE AND BUTTON FOR THE CAR TO START. NO ONE WAS IN THE SEAT AND THE KEY WAS IN MY POCKET BY THE OPEN CAR DOOR. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60-70 MPH WHEN THE STEERING BEGAN TO VEER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Dec 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 2 MPH OVER A DITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,980.
Visibility, Dec 3, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 KIA SORENTO. AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW RANDOMLY WOULD STICK WITH THE WINDOW DOWN OR NOT GO DOWN AT ALL. I TOOK IT TO THE KIA STORE EAST IN LOUISVILLE KY AND EACH TIME THEY WOULD SAY "WE COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS". AFTER THE THIRD TIME (JULY 2011) THEY DECIDE TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. WORKED ABOUT 6 MONTHS. THE PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT IN AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND NOW SAYS THE MOTOR IS GETTING HOT AND IS PROBABLY DUE TO MY TINT. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS THE SAME TINT ON IT. WHICH WAS MATCHED TO THE MANUFACTURER TINT ON THE BACK WINDOWS. THEY SAY THEY HAVE TO CALL THE NATIONAL TECH SUPPORT TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY PROBLEMS IN THE PAST. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL. I FEEL A LITTLE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT LOOK DEEPER INTO THE PROBLEM WHEN I CAME IN BUT DID WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITHOUT HAVING A DIAGNOSED FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Power train, Nov 24, 2011, crash
MY 2011 KIA SORENTO 2.4 L W/ AUTO TRANNY FWD WAS FIXED ON RECALL ALMOST TWO MONTHS AGO.AFTER DRIVING 26 DAYS I HAD BAD ACCIDENT. FROM MY HOUSE TO WORK I STOPPED AT MCDONALD REST. TO BUY BREAKFAST. I GOT ON, STARTED MY VEHICLE, STEP ON MY BRAKES TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE START SHAKING, REVERSED, SPAN 360 DEGREES, HIT THE RAILINGS AND RAMP OF THE RESTAURANT AND DRIVE FORWARD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT. IT STOP BECAUSE THE TWO CONTROL ARM/AXLES WERE DAMAGED. I WAS SHAKEN AND IT WAS HARD TO REMEMBER WHAT REALLY HAPPENED WHAT I EXPLAINED WAS THE SAME AS WHAT THE WITNESS SAW WHILE LINING UP ON THE DRIVE THRU TO ORDER HER BREAKFAST. THE WITNESS CAME OVER AND HELPED ME. THE DAMAGED WAS SO EXPENSIVE THAT I HAVE TO FIX THE DAMAGE THRU MY INSURANCE. I HAD THE VEHICLE FIXED BY RELIABLE SHOP NOT BY KIA DEALERSHIP IN ORDER FOR ME TO VERIFY IF THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE RECALL REPAIR. I ALMOST FORGOT THAT ON THE EARLY MORNING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE REVERSED FROM MY GARAGE @ UNREASONABLE SPEED THAT I HAVE TO CONTROL BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR SOME PARTS FROM KIA. DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY KIA WHAT HAPPENED OR WAIT UNTIL THE PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN. WHAT IS YOUR ADVISE. AS OF NOW I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE PHOBIA EVERYTIME I BACK UP, AT LEAST I AM AWARE WHAT HAPPENED. THANK YOU *TR