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.
Suspension, Nov 23, 2011
UPDATE TO COMPLAINT OF 6-2-2010: SINCE MY ORIGINAL FILING, I HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 5 ALIGNMENTS, 1 STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENING, 1 TIGHTENING OF ALIGNMENT SPECS, A FRONT TIRE SWITCH; ALSO 4 NEW TIRES WITH SPIN BALANCE WERE PUT ON THE SUV BY KIA. I HAVE GIVEN UP ON KIA BEING ABLE TO CORRECT THE SUV DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. THE NEW TIRES DID HELP SOMEWHAT, BUT MOSTLY THEY GAVE IT A BETTER RIDE. TOOK SORENTO IN ON TRANSMISSION RECALL FIX MAY 2011; SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE SUV WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO DEALER. BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED, AND SUV RUNS BETTER THAN EVER. THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE WAS REALLY A CHALLENGE, BUT THE SORENTO HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A GREAT VEHICLE AND I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE DRIVING AND HANDLING. I HAVE HAULED AT LEAST 1,000 POUNDS IN THE BACK AT ONE TIME WITH NO TROUBLE; THIS SUV IS A WORKHORSE. *TR
Power train, Nov 6, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE/PARK AT INTERMITTENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE MUST BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL, TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO SHIFT INTO PARK/REVERSE. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER. THE SERVICE TEAM STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ERROR. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 6, 2011
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED IN THE DOWN POSITION. IT WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE FUSE WAS CHECKED AND APPEARS TO BE OK. ALL OTHER WINDOWS FUNCTION PROPERLY. *TR
Visibility, Nov 5, 2011
DRIVERS POWER WINDOW WOULD NOT OPEN. HAD TO TAP ROCKER SWITCH MULTIPLE TIMES. WINDOW THEN WOULD NOT CLOSE AGAIN HAD TO TAP ROCKER SWITCH TO CLOSE. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON THE X-WAY AT ABOUT 65MPH AND FELT A HUGE JOLT AND HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE SAME TIME AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO LOSE CONTROL A BIT. I WORKED THE SHIFT GEAR TO TRY TO REGAIN CONTROL AND GOT OFF THE X-WAY, AND TURNED AROUND TO SEE WHAT I HAD HIT OR RUN OVER. NOTHING WAS IN THE ROAD. I MADE IT HOME AND MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP. I BARELY DROVE FOR 3 DAYS UNTIL THE APPOINTMENT ON TUESDAY, 10/25/11. DURING THAT TIME WE FOUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION RECALL ON THE NHTSA SITE (KIA SAFETY RECALL #SC089) THAT IS RELATED TO THE 2WD AUTOMATIC SORENTO. HOWEVER, THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS I EXPERIENCED ON MY AWD VEHICLE. KIA DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM DIDN'T PRESENT FOR THEM, THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG AND TO TAKE IT HOME. THE KIA SERVICE TEAM DIDN'T SEEM TO BE AWARE OF THE NHTSA RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA BY PHONE AND ALSO BY E-MAIL IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED. I AM WAITING ON A RESPONSE. I DON'T HAVE A BACK-UP CAR, AND I NEED TO DRIVE EVERY DAY TO KEEP MY JOB, ETC. PLEASE EXPAND THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE11010 - KIA SAFETY RECALL # SC089 TO INCLUDE THE 2011 AWD KIA SORENTO MODELS AND HELP ME GET THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED WHILE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND BEFORE A CRASH TAKES MY LIFE OR THAT OF SOMEONE ELSE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2011
DRIVING HOME ON RAINY DAY WHEN SUNROOF SHATTERED OUT OF NOWHERE. DID NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD NOR DID I HEAR ANYTHING HIT THE VEHICLE. I HEARD ONE LOUD POP AND NOTICED SUNROOF VISOR SAGGING SIGNIFICANTLY. CANNOT PROVE SOMETHING DIDN'T HIT IT, BUT DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF SOMETHING HITTING THE SUNROOF. CONTACTED KIA TO SEE IF ANY OTHER CASES HAD BEEN REPORTED WITH KIA REPRESENTATIVE STATING THAT SHE DID NOT BELIEVE THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEIR VEHICLES, BUT SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE DID NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO LOOK BACK AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANOTHER REPORT. SHE ALSO DECLINED TO LET ME SPEAK WITH HER SUPERVISOR ON THIS MATTER. DUE TO SAFETY PURPOSES, I BELIEVE KIA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS POSSIBLE ISSUE. IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE, PLEASE CONTACT KIA AND NHSTA IN ORDER TO HELP CORRECT THIS POSSIBLE PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Power train, Oct 23, 2011
BRAND NEW KIA SORENTO (4,000 MILES) NEEDS TO HAVE A COMPLETELY NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FILTER PLACE IN THE ENGINE WAS NOT UP TO STANDARDS AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 19, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION AND CIRCLED AROUND THE SIDEWALK AND THEN UNCONTROLLABLY TRAVELED ONTO THE LAWN, CRASHING THROUGH A PLASTIC FENCE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED, BUT THEY WERE NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,410. UPDATED 12/28/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/12/12
Power train, Oct 16, 2011
TRANSMISSION ISSUES. DRIVING AT 30MPH WHEN I NOTICE SUDDENLY THE TRACTION CONTROL AND DOWNHILL ASSISTANCE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF BUT I COULDN'T, IT JUST WOULD GO AWAY. AT THE NEXT STOP SIGN I PUT THE CAR ON PARK WHEN IT FOR MY SURPRISE IT GOT STUCK, WOULD NOT GO FW OR REVERSE. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES WHEN I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO WORK. THE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK A FEW TIMES BEFORE AND WHEN I INQUIRED THE DEALERSHIP THEY RAN SOME TESTS AND SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THIS IS COMMON ISSUE ON 2011 KIA SORENTO. SEVERAL CUSTOMERS HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED ONCE, TWICE AND EVEN 3/4 TIMES AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN OVER AND OVER. IT SEEMS TO ME KIA DOES NOT CARE, IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND A RIP OFF FOR A $25K CAR WITH LESS THAN 17K MILES. *TR
Visibility, Oct 14, 2011
2011 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL CONCERNING VEHICLE SUNROOF *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN NOVEMBER 2010. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH EITHER A WATER LEAK OR NOISE SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH 2010 AND UP UNTIL THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE SUNROOF. ON JUNE 7, 2011, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A SCHEDULED ONE HOUR REPLACEMENT OF THE GLASS PANEL IN THE SUNROOF. IT DID NOT FIT PROPERLY, WITH A SIGNIFICANT GAP AROUND THE GASKET SUCH THAT ONE COULD INSERT A DOLLAR BILL OR PIECE OF PAPER INSIDE, WITHOUT BENDING IT, AND PRONOUNCED WIND STARTING OCCURRING AT AROUND 25 MPH. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE REPAIR FACILITY TWICE IN THE SAME DAY FOR FURTHER ADJUSTMENT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE REPAIR FACILITY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ANOTHER GASKET. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED FOR HIS SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, HE WAS INFORMED THERE WOULD BE A $300 CHARGE TO REPLACE THE SEAL, AND ONLY THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2011, fire
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY, WITHOUT WARNING, THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE CAUSING ONE OR TWO OF THE CONNECTING RODS TO BLOW THROUGH THE OIL PAN AND START A FIRE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BACK UNDERNEATH THE CARRIAGE. THE FLAMES CAME UP THE SIDES AND BACK OF THE CAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE OF THE CAR I NEVER EXPECTED THEM TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS CAR YET THEY DID. THE CAR WAS DOWN FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS, THE SECOND ENGINE AND POWER STEERING FAILED BEFORE WE EVEN DROVE THE REPAIRED CAR OFF THE LOT. KIA STILL DID NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING BUT REPAIR THE CAR AGAIN. THEY SAID, "THESE THINGS HAPPEN THATS WHY YOU HAVE A WARRANTY". THESE THINGS HAVE NEVER HAPPENED TO ME OR ANYONE I KNOW IN THE 30 YEARS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING. YOU BUY A NEW CAR TO AVOID SUCH PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN RETURNED TO ME AND IT IS STILL NOT RIGHT. I JUST TOOK IT IN FOR THEM TO BLOW OUT THE VENTS AND FILTERS. THERE WAS STILL REMNANTS OF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMING OUT WHEN YOU TURNED ON THE AIR. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE A SALVAGED TITLE. I WAS FORCED TO PUT IN A LAW SUIT. *KB
Power train, Oct 9, 2011
I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOPLIGHT, AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT ENGAGE, AND VEHICLE SEIZED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS A LOUD GEAR GRINDING NOISE WHEN GEAR WAS ENGAGED, BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE. CAR STARTED FINE AFTERWARD, BUT SAME GEAR GRINDING OCCURRED WHEN PLACED IN GEAR, WITH NO VEHICLE MOTION. *TR
Power train, Oct 6, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO CHILDREN WERE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL WHEN IT WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD UNTIL CRASHING INTO BUSHES. BOTH CHILDREN SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED TO ITS SPECIFICATIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT ALL VEHICLES MADE BY THIS MANUFACTURER COULD BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Oct 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2011
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR SLOW SPEED THE ENGINE WILL OCCASIONALLY BOG DOWN AND ALMOST DIE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC OR ACROSS ONCOMING LANES OF TRAFFIC. IT HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. SOMETIMES FROM A FULL STOP AND SOMETIMES FROM LOW SPEED (LESS THAN 10 MPH). I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK OVER TO US WITHOUT ANY COMMENT. THE THIRD TIME, AFTER I COMPLAINED ABOUT IT NOT BEING FIXED THE TWO TIMES BEFORE, THEY FINALLY ADMITTED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE DRIVEN ANOTHER 2011 SORENTO WHICH DID THE SAME THING AND THEY CLAIM TO HAVE CONTACTED KIA WHO TOLD THEM IF THERE WAS NO CODE ON THE COMPUTER (THERE WAS NOT) THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. AND BY THE WAY, YOUR SYSTEM WILL NOT ACCEPT MY E-MAIL, I GUESS BECAUSE IT HAS A DASH (-) IN IT SO I AM USING MY WIFE'S E-MAIL. *TR
Power train, Sep 20, 2011
PLACING THE CAR IN REVERSE RESULTED IN A LOUD "CLUNK" FELT IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME (ABOUT 4 MINUTES). AFTER ENTERING A HIGHWAY AND BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC, THERE WAS A MUCH LARGER "CLUNK" FORM THE TRANSMISSION AREA, FOLLOWED BY A METALLIC WHINING/WHIRRING NOISE FORM THE SAME AREA, AND LOSS OF SPEED. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE MAIN ROAD, AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE CAR INTO THE "PARK" GEAR SO I COULD TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 18, 2011
EVER SINCE BOUGHT NEW (SORENTO SX 6CYL.) IN APRIL 2011, THERE HAS BEEN A INTERMITTANT ISSUE WITH NO ENGINE RESPONSE FROM STOP FOR 2-3 SECONDS. RPM'S STAY AT IDLE SPEED, THEN IT SUDDENLY TAKES HOLD AND RUNS FINE. ONLY HAPPENS FROM STOP, AND ONLY ABOUT ONCE OR TWICE EVERY 2-3 DAYS. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NO CODES. DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. I CANNOT DUPLICATE IT UNDER ANY DRIVING CIRCUMSTANCES. ALSO, IF I APPLY BRAKE DURING THIS "HESITATION" THERE IS NO ENGINE ACCELERATION WHILE I HOLD THE BRAKE. I FEEL SURE IT IS IN THE "FLY BY WIRE" SYSTEM, BUT DEALER HAS NO CLUE. I HAVE TO "FEATHER" THE ACCELERATOR FROM STOP WHENEVER I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TT
Power train, Sep 14, 2011
THIS 2011 KIA SORENTO LX IS A V6, KEY START WITH 13,000 MILES PURCHASED NEW IN DECEMBER 2010. THE PROBLEM STARTED AS A CLICKING NOISE OCCURRING BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THEN THE CLICKING BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN I PUSHED ON THE BRAKE. IT DID NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT ENOUGH TO BE ANNOYING AND CAUSING CONCERN OF WHAT THE NOISE MEANT. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ASKED ME TO SHOW THEM THE PROBLEM. THE NOISE WAS ESPECIALLY LOUD BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND DRIVE. THEY REPLACED A DEFECTIVE SHIFTER. THIS FIXED THE CLICKING. *KB
Power train, Sep 11, 2011
DELAY IN ACCELERATION AFTER APPLYING BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS FROM A DEAD START AND ALSO WHILE MOVING. ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP A GRADE. (EX.) WHILE BACKING UP A GRADE SUCH AS A DRIVEWAY TO THE GARAGE I BACK UP AND THEN HIT MY BRAKE TO STOP. I THEN REALIZE I NEED TO BACK UP A LITTLE FARTHER. I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PUSH THE ACCELERATOR. INSTEAD OF GOING BACKWARDS I DRIFT FORWARD. IN MY MIND I AM THINKING I DON'T HAVE THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED DOWN SO I PUSH HARDER AND ABOUT THAT TIME THE ACCELERATOR KICKS IN AND I GO FLYING BACKWARDS TOWARD THE GARAGE DOOR. (EX.2) I AM TRYING TO BACK A BOAT INTO THE RIVER. I BACK UP AND HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I NEED TO PULL BACK OUT OF THE WATER SOME SO I QUICKLY RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND PUSH THE ACCELERATOR. NOW INSTEAD OF GOING FORWARD THERE IS A DELAY IN ACCELERATION AND I DRIFT FURTHER INTO THE RIVER. (SOMEONE IS GOING TO HAVE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT) MULTIPLY THIS OCCURRENCE AT EVERY STOP SIGN. ESPECIALLY WHERE THERE IS A GRADE INVOLVED. IN MY OPINION I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN IN THE COMPUTER FOR WHAT EVER REASON AND IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS ONE. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 9, 2011
I WAS IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH I REAR ENDED A STOPPED VEHICLE AT 40MPH. UPON LOOKING AT KIA'S OWN WEBSITE AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THE 2011 KIA SORENTO, I CAN SEE THAT THE IMPACT TOOK PLACE ON THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY & THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT & FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO 'LOCK'. THIS RESULTED IN MY 92 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER HITTING THE DASH WITH HER FACE, AND I AS THE DRIVER, HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL SUSTAINING A CONCUSSION & WHIPLASH. I AM STILL SUFFERING SEVERE PAIN THAT I HAVE TO BE MEDICATED FOR WITH NARCOTICS, AND SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. MY GRANDMOTHER, LUCKILY ONLY SUSTAINED FACIAL BRUISING. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX PANEL UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT DETACHED COMPLETELY, EXPOSING THE WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND THE FUSE BOX PANEL WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEFECT WAS A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2011
VEHICLE SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFTS USUALLY AT APPROX. 65 MPH. TIRES SQUEAL SENDING ME LURCHING FORWARD. WHIPLASH! RPM SHOOTS UP TO 6000 AND STAYS THERE UNTIL I EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND SLOW DOWN BELOW 40MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE 4 MONTHS I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. ONCE I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE! I HAD RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC COMING AT ME FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS. DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MY FAMILY IS GOING TO BE VERY WEALTHY WHEN I DIE IN THIS DEATH TRAP. *TR
Power train, Aug 28, 2011
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 KIA SORENTO FROM KIA. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY AND SUDDENLY I FELT LIKE I HIT A BRICK WALL AND A MY SORENTO RPM GUAGE JUMPED TO 6000 RPM. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR ANY VISUAL DAMAGE WHICH I COULD NOT FIND, I THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND I NOTICED THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 1ST GEAR. AGAIN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY I YEAR OLD. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANT FOR THE 1ST TIME IN MY LIFE AFTER OWNING OVER 20 NEW CARS. MY CAR WAS TOWED AND MY FAMILY WAS STUCK OUT OF TOWN WITH NO VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS. THE DEALER LOOKED AT MY CAR AND SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE NOT! I CALL KIA CORP AND THE JUST TOOK MY NAME AND PROVIDED ME WITH A CASE #. WHAT ABOUT BEING STRAINDED WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 DAY AND LUCKLY I HAD FAMILY NEAR BY FOR A PLACE TO STAY. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP INFORMING ME THAT KIA HAD ISSUED A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADE, SO AFTER THE UPDATE MY CAR WAS DRIVING LIKE NEW AGAIN. THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER ON MY WAY TO WORK I FELT THAT SAME FEELING LIKE HITTING A BRICK WALL. THE DEALER STILL HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE CONCERN AND THEIR ONLY SOLUTION IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS WILL BE MY SECOND KIA THAT I HAVE OWNED AND THE LAST!!!! 6YR 100,000WARRANTY IS NOT WORTH THE DRAMA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Steering, Aug 22, 2011
2011 KIA SORENTO SX STEERING CONSTANTLY WANDERS YOU THE RIGHT, NO REPAIR. WANDERS OFF ROAD IF I DON'T CATCH IT WANDERING. *TR