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, Jun 18, 2011
WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIES AND THE VEHICLE COASTS DOWN THE ROAD W/ SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 11K MILES ON IT; HAS DONE IT 3 TIMES IN 2 DAYS. ALL KIA SERVICE WOULD DO IS CLEAR THE HISTORY (RESET). *TR
Power train, Jun 14, 2011
PURCHASED A NEW SORENTO LX ON 5-2011, 4CYL, FWD, AUTOMATIC. ON THREE OCCASIONS DURING THE FIRST MONTH I OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNCOMMANDED DOWNSHIFT FROM 6TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR AT SPEED. TRANSMISSION THEN LOCKS IN 4TH GEAR UNTIL SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED. VERY VIOLENT EVENT WHEN IT OCCURS, WITH AN INSTANTANEOUS BANG AND CORRESPONDING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF SPEED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 14, 2011
WE PURCHASED/LEASED A NEW 2011 SORENTO V6 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED EXPERIENCING THE OCCASIONAL HESITATION PROBLEM WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. ON A COUPLE OCCASIONS IT PUT US IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WE WERE CROSSING 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO COURTESY KIA IN BRANDON FL. 4 TIMES, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THEY GOT US A 2012 NEAR IDENTICAL SORENTO V6, AND ON THE 3RD DAY HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE W/50 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WE NOW HAVE 500+ ON IT AND HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 7 SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I'M THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS AND THAT THEY AREN'T AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH I TALKED W/A CUSTOMER OF THEIRS W/A 2011 SORENTO AND HE SAID HE AND HIS WIFE HAVE THE SAME ISSUES W/THEIRS. WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SITUATION, BUT OTHER THAN THAT WE LIKE THE VEHICLE & GET LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS ON IT, BUT I AM ALSO LETTING OTHERS KNOW OF OUR EXPERIENCES. ITS OUR FIRST VENTURE FROM GM, AND IT WILL LIKELY BE OUR LAST. ADDITIONALLY, THE 2011 WAS GETTING THE ADVERTISED FUEL MILEAGE, THE 2012 HAS NOT GOTTEN ANY BETTER THAN 17.5 ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN. WHEN WE TURNED IN THE 2011 THEY CHARGED ME $2,500 (MONEY THAT WE WERE TO GET BACK FROM KIA IN THE DEAL) WHICH I THOUGHT WAS REALLY OUT OF LINE. I ADMIT WE PUT 5,000 MILES ON IT BUT $.50 PER MILE IS A BIT MUCH, PLUS I HAD ADDED HEAT & LUMBAR IN THE SEATS AND TINTED WINDOWS. THIS IS TRULY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND VERY DISAPPOINTING. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHAT KIA & THE DEALERSHIPS WILL DO WHEN SOME IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY CAN'T FIND OR EVEN ADMIT IS HAPPENING.!? JJ (NOTE: THE VIN PROVIDED IS FOR THE 2012 KIA SORENTO). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 2011
WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL FOR NO APPARENT REASON EVEN THOUGH THE DOWNHILL ASSIST SWITCH IS TURNED OFF, THE CAR STARTS BRAKING BY ITSELF AS IF THE HILL BRAKE ASSIST SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. THIS HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH FROM SOMEONE HITTING MY REAR END SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2011
GOING DOWNHILL IN OUR NEWLY PURCHASED 2011 KIA SORENTO EX V6, REACHING A 4 WAY STOP, OUR ENGINE QUIT. VEHICLE HAD ONLY 175 MILES ON IT AS IT IS BRAND NEW. CAR RESTARTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. TOOK IT TO DEALER, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM OR FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. I HAVE READ OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES WITH OTHER 2011 KIA SORENTO EX V6. I WILL FILE ANOTHER REPORT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 9, 2011
WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE DOWN-SHIFTED HARD AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO CUT OFF. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND P0748- PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID "A" ELECTRICAL FAULT. THEY PERFORMED A REPROGRAM OF TSM PER TSB# TRA038. DROVE OFF LOT AND IT SHIFTED HARD THREE TIMES ON WAY HOME. DEALER SAID IT WOULD TAKE 100 MILES FOR THE COMPUTER TO RE-LEARN MY DRIVING FOR BEST FUEL MILEAGE. DROVE TO WORK (SHIFTED HARD 5 TIMES) AND DROVE TO RUN ERRANDS. WHILE ON ERRANDS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED DOWN HARD AND ENGINE SPUTTERED WHILE SLOWING DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THEN, WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AND PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE RPM/ TACH WENT UP BUT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO. AFTER STEPPING BACK ON THE BRAKE AND WAITING 2-3 SECONDS I TRIED TO MOVE AGAIN AND IT DID. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER DIRECTLY AND WHILE STOPPING TO TURN INTO DEALER IT SHIFTED HARD, ENGINE SPUTTERED AND IT AGAIN WOULD NOT MOVE ( ONLY ENGINE RPM'S TURNED UP). IT DID FINALLY MOVE AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT. NOW THE MANUFACTURER IS REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE TO THEIR ADMISSION THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. NEARLY STRANDED ON A FIVE LANE 35 MPH ROAD COULD BE PHYSICALLY DANGEROUS BUT A HIGHWAY COULD BE FATAL. AN EVASIVE MANEUVER WITH THIS VEHICLE, REQUIRING STOPPING AND STARTING QUICKLY IS NOT AN OPTION IF YOU CAN'T DRIVE DURING NORMAL CONDITIONS STOPPING AND STARTING.
Power train, May 26, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING DIFFERENT SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD AND LOSE POWER. THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V258000 (POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT) BUT THE DEALER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,820.
Power train, May 22, 2011
BOUGHT MY KIA APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO ON 05/31/2010 IT IS A 2011 4CYL. WHILE DRIVING (SPEED DOESN'T MATTER) (THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES)THE VEHICLE WILL LOOSE POWER AND ALL GAUGES WILL GO UNFUNCTIONAL, PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR WILL NOT PROVIDE RESPONSE, VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE BUT ENGINE IS RUNNING. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON 05/12/2011 AND DEALERSHIP SAID THEY FIXED IT. HAD VEHICLE HOME FOR LESS THAN 1 WEEK WHEN WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 (ON 05/22/2011) AND VEHICLE AGAIN LOST POWER AND ALL CONTROLS. HAD TO FIGHT VEHICLE WITH NO POWER AND CONTROLS AND ROLLED TO A STOP.....ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT NO CONTROLS OR POWER WORKING....HAD MY 3 KIDS AND MY WIFE....VERY SCARY....VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY ADDRESSED....KIA DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 21, 2011
DISCOVERED SEVERAL DAYS AFTER ALMOST HAVING ACCIDENT, KIA WAS EQUIPPED WITH "SMART BRAKE" WITH NO WARNING FROM DEALER . IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE LIGHT PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR & BRAKE, YOU CANNOT ACCELERATE AGAIN UNTIL YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT COMPLETELY OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL . I DISCOVERED THIS ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO ENTER US 19 A 6 LANE HIGHWAY; LUCKY THERE WAS A CENTER TURN LANE OR I WOULD HAVE COLLIDED WITH A 18 WHEEL SAND TRUCK AND A SURE DEATH . TOOK ME SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING VEHICLE TO DIAGNOSIS PROBLEM .. I HAVE DRIVEN APPROX 55 YRS AND NO ACCIDENT SO MY METHOD OF DRIVING USING BOTH FEET HAS PROVEN SAFE FOR ME .. I REPORTED THIS TO KIA OF LAGRANGE, GA. AND ""TRIED TO GET THEM TO NOTE THIS PROBLEM ON SERVICE RECORD " AS I FEEL IT DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE ! I WANT THIS ON RECORD IN THE EVENT THIS SAFETY BRAKE CAUSES ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT .. AND REST ASSURED I WILL FILE A LEGAL SUIT WHICH I ALSO TOLD THIS DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Power train, May 18, 2011
POWERTRAIN ISSUE ON MY KIA SORENTO LX 2011, 4L, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL MY FAMILY ON IT. THIS CAUSES ME CONCERN BECAUSE WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE I HEARD SOME UNPLEASANT, LOUD AND REPETITIVE CLICKING NOISES UNDER MY CAR WHICH EVENTUALLY WENT AWAY AFTER A MINUTE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR 2 WEEKS AGO. I HAD TO CALL KIA AND WAS ADVISED ME TO GO TO ANY KIA AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WITHIN MY AREA TO GET IT FIX, BUT THEY DIDN'T OFFERED ME AN CAR LOAN OPTION WHILE HYPOTHETICAL REPAIR TAKES PLACE. MY MAIN CONCERN IS ABOUT THE SECURITY OF MY FAMILY AND RISK OF CRASH. ALSO I WAS SHOCKED WHEN KIA REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME MY CAR WASN'T LISTED FOR A RECALL. WHEN I HAVE ALL THE FORE-MENTIONED SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V258000. *TR
Tires, May 11, 2011
SINCE DAY 1 FROM WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY DID A TIRE ROTATION THAT HASN'T FIXED THE ISSUE. I HAVE TO KEEP CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID IT FROM PULLING RIGHT AND ENDING UP IN A DITCH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO SEE SPARKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND A FIRE BEGAN UNDER THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS ALSO FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 800.
Power train, Apr 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. AFTER EACH FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,200.
Steering, Apr 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED TWICE YET FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO IN ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Power train, Apr 22, 2011
DRIVING APPROX 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND NOISE THEN THE CAR STARTED GRINDING AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. NO GEARS, CAR LOCKED UP AND CAME TO A HALT. COULD NOT GO BACKWARD OR FORWARD WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, JUST HAD A LOUD GRINDING SOUND. SOUND WAS SO LOUD I THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FALLEN OUT. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I NOTICED THAT WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR A WHILE THEN STARTED AND PUT INTO REVERSE THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND, ALMOST AS IF YOU HAD TRIED TO PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR WITHOUT PUTTING YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE FIRST AND IT WOULD LEAP INTO GEAR.
Air bags, Apr 20, 2011
AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR IS ON WHEN FRONT PASSENGER (160 LB) IS SEATED ON A CUSHION. AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR IS OFF WHEN FRONT PASSENGER (160 LB) IS SEATED WITHOUT A CUSHION. *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2011
IN OCTOBER OF 2010, I WAS DRIVING MY 9 MONTH OLD 2011 KIA SORENTO. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HEARD A VERY LOUD BOOM SOUND. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I TRIED TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND IT MADE A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED INTO KIA AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY GONE INCLUDING THE DRIVE SHAFT. THEY HAD TO TOTALLY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT. TODAY IS APRIL 19, 2011 AND FOR THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS MY CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING LIKE I AM RUNNING OUT OF GAS, AT SOME POINTS THE CAR ACTUALLY JERKS. I AM TAKING THE CAR IN TO BE SERVICED TODAY. *TR
Power train, Apr 16, 2011
2011 KIA SORENTO EX V6 PURCHASED 04-10.OCCASIONAL LOUD NOISE AND JOLT FORWARD DURING START.WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED SOMETIMES VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN FOR SECOND OR TWO AND THEN SURGES FORWARD. *TR
Power train, Apr 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVE TRAIN AND TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE RECALL SPECIFICS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. UPDATED 05/31/11
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2011
THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT BUT A REPORT OF DEFECTIVE KIA SORENTO. WE PURCHASED AN LX V6 SORENTO ON APRIL 3RD. CAR WAS SOLD AS NEW WITH 250 MILES ON IT (WE WERE TOLD THAT MILEAGE WAS RESULT OF TEST DRIVING WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE UNTRUE). WITHIN 17 HOURS AND WITHIN 25 MILES AND ONLY THE 2ND TIME BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE CAR, WE EXPERIENCED SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TOTAL OF DRIVING (ACTUALLY FIVE MINUTES AFTER HAVING PARKED TO PICK UP KIDS) AND AFTER 1 RED LIGHT, THE CAR STALLED AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD VIOLENTLY, REPEATEDLY. IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BACK UP INTO THE GARAGE FOUND THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED DEALER AND SALESPERSON CAME TO HOME AND OBSERVED PROBLEM, THEREAFTER TAKING CAR TO SERVICE. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP, SERVICE CLAIMED THAT PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY COMPUTER AND WAS FIXED. WE RETURNED THE CAR WITHIN 17 HOURS OF PURCHASE AND REFUSED TO TAKE IT BACK. AFTER MUCH WRANGLING (AND DENIAL BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT HAD EVER HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM), CAR WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER NEW CAR. WE HAVE NOT OBSERVED PROBLEM IN NEW CAR BUT FROM COMPLAINTS, I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED. PROBLEM IS AN IMMEDIATE AND SERIOUS THREAT TO SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS MY HOPE THAT NHTSA WILL ACT IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN CAR AT TIME AND ON MY WAY TO PICK UP 4 MORE. HAD THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A FREEWAY OR CONDITIONS WHERE THERE WERE MANY ON THE ROAD, I BELIEVE THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD HAVE BEEN DIRE. *TR
Power train, Apr 8, 2011
I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH IN CLEAR LANE ON HIGHWAY ON 04/08/11 WHEN A VERY LOUD "BANG" WAS HEARD IN ENGINE, SUV LURCHED VIOLENTLY AND ENGINE WHINED NOTICEABLY. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTICEABLE THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOSING ACCELERATION POWER AND I PULLED OVER. WHEN STOPPED, I PUT SUV INTO PARK AND NOTICED IT LURCHED. THE VEHICLE LURCHED WHENEVER THE SHIFTER WAS MOVED FROM P TO R TO N TO D AND BACK. IT WAS READILY APPARENT THE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. 2011 KIA SORENTO WAS PURCHASED NEW, AND HAD 10,000 MILES ON IT AT TIME OF OCCURRENCE. VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT OR DRIVE CORRECTLY AFTERWARDS. *TR
Parking brake, Apr 7, 2011
I WAS PARKING MY 2011 KIA SORENTO TO GET TO WORK AND TRIED TO PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE. THE GEAR WOULD NOT GO PAST NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO PARK BUT HAD TO KEEP THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE MANUAL BRAKES. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2011
2001 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATES ALL LATE MODELS VEHICLES SOLD IN AMERICA TODAY BY DEFAULT FLASH SIDE LIGHTS UPON EACH REPEATED DEPRESSION OF THE KEY PAD EXCEPT HIS NEW KIA SORENTO *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED FLASHING UPON FIRST DEPRESSION OF THE KEY PAD WAS INSUFFICIENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO FIND THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT IN A LARGE DIMLY LIT PARKING LOT. *JB
Power train, Apr 5, 2011
AFTER STOPPING TO PAYING BRIDGE TOLL, HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FEEL OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE OUR 2011 KIA SORENTO. FROM THAT POINT ON THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY COAST. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC WERE MERGING AND LUCKILY THERE WAS A PARKING LOT JUST BEFORE GETTING ON THE BRIDGE. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND TRANSMISSION IS BEING REPLACED. A RENTAL CAR WAS PROVIDED, BUT IS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS...THE REPAIR IS SUPPOSED TO ONLY TAKE A WEEK...NOT SURE HOW I FEEL ABOUT THE VEHICLE NOW.....THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 2011
DRIVING FROM PALM SPRINGS TO LOS ANGELES ON HIGHWAY 10, A VERY LOUD CLUNK HEARD BENEATH THE DRIVERS SEAT AND VEHICLE LOST POWER BUT CONTINUED TO REV. SLOWLY RECOVERED. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, AT SPEED OF 65 IN TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY, ANOTHER LOUD GRINDING CLUNK HEARD SOMEWHERE BENEATH DRIVER'S SEAT. VEHICLE AGAIN LOST POWER BUT CONTINUED TO REV. BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IS THAT IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS SUDDENLY DROPPING FROM 5TH GEAR TO 1ST GEAR. BUT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS NOT TOUCHED. THIS HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I SEE THERE ARE DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGISTERED ON THIS SITE. PLEASE TAKE ACTION BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. *TR