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.
Structure, Oct 17, 2023
Exterior pearl white paint is rapidly delaminating and causing severe rusting of the body in many places. This is NOT due to any scratches, dents or crashes. Kia corporate is aware of the defect and it appears to be a serious manufacturing defect in the primer or paint. I understand there are hundreds, if not tens of thousands, of Kia vehicles affected who have reported this. A recall needs to be issued as this is a major defect and body shops insist that the only fix is a complete paint strip and repainting of the entire car. The paint is bubbling up and/or coming off in sheets. New places pop up all the time and the rust is damaging the body. This started about 2 years ago and is continually getting worse.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2023
Anti theft features need Kia anti theft logic
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 25, 2023
Rear passenger door will not open from outside. Have been told other Kias have had recalls due to this. Also radio will not work and stays on a static screen. And makes driving at night worse by being blinded by the radio screen( gets bright white)
Engine, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,250.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon depression of the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal became stuck, causing the vehicle to unintendedly accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
When I started out with the car it drove alright then I had to take it back and forth for the wiring smelling like it was burning but have never caught on fire thank goodness had to get a tuneup spark plugs and it still doesn’t work right
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
On 4 l’âne Highway travelling the 70 miles per hour speed limit. My car felt like it ran over something in the road - there was a big jolt and my car shook. It was the engine / transmission slipping. There was NO WARNING. Very SCARY and DANGEROUS especially at 70 miles per hour. Immediately the CHECK Engine light illuminated. This engine / transmission problem is all over the Internet for the 2011 Kia Sorento. Kia has not taken responsibility for the issue with this year’s model. Yes - it has been duplicated e we hen i was driving around town - same jolt. The service center has stated that the engine / transmission is probably failing. Not fair for a consumer who takes good care of their car and my car is in very good condition.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
BELOW ARE ALL OF THE CASE NUMBERS............BUT, STILL AFTER over FIVE (5) MONTHS............no FOLLOW-UP what so ever!!!!! https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs We have received your submission and your case number is 15331861. A representative will be notified and will follow up accordingly. sent feb. 15, 2023 4:57PM Kia Customer Care - Case#15331861 Your case number is ' 15339854 ' new message PLUS above sent 2/20/2023 Fri, May 12 at 4:27 PM your case number is 15519248. Wednesday, February 15, 2023 your case number is 15331861 Your case number is ' 15339854 ' new message PLUS above sent 2/20/2023 Thu, May 18 at 4:42 PM your case number is 15532767 Sat, May 27 at 8:53 PM your case number is 15553905 Fri, June 1, 2023 8:56 PM Your case number is ' 15565066 Thu, Jun 1 at 8:57 PM your case number is 15565066 Tue, Jun 13 at 4:40 PM our case number is 15593923. Sun, Jun 18 at 7:50 PM your case number is 15605783. Fri, Jun 23 at 1:42 PM your case number is 15621230. Wed, Jun 28 at 9:59 PM your case number is 15633181. A representative will be notified and will follow up accordingly.??????????? OH YEAH?? WHEN?? I have taken the 2011 Kia Sorento in for 2 recalls on the door locks. THEY WERE NEVER FIXED. Then I took the Kia in for the connecting rod bearing recall. AND, AT THAT TIME I TOLD "THEM" AGAIN THAT THE DOOR LATCH PROBLEMS was NEVER FIXED, and I would like to have it fixed. When I got the Kia back I was told that yes the door latch problem needed to be fixed. BUT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY........... When is a RECALL NOT done because the warranty has ended?? DOOR LATCH TWO (2) RECALLS AND NEVER FIXED. WHEN WILL I GET IT FIXED at no charge AS IT IS A DEFECT!!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2023
My car is stuck in Limp mode and saying " Glow Relay Stuck On". When I googled it there's a recall for this issue for 2012-2014 Kia Sorento, but not 2011. I just wanted to make sure it was noted Incase mine was able to be added to the list.
Power train, Jun 9, 2023
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 I Have been having this issue with my car and its getting worse and i just bought this car and i need it to be recalled due to high risk of an accident
Power train, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate into the HOV lane, the contact became aware that the vehicle failed to accelerate however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the lane and restarted the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was first experienced on May 9th, 2023, and again on May 30th, 2023. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, May 31, 2023
Both rear doors do not open from the outside and only the passenger rear door will open from the inside, leaving the driver side rear, not accessible from the inside or the outside. The middle row of seats do not adjust backwards or forwards. The controls on the steering wheel do not work at all.
Air bags, May 26, 2023
I took this car, my mom’s car, to a Kia dealership yesterday for a diagnostic. I was told it had no air bags. I was really upset to find that out. I am not certain if we knew this when purchased years ago. This car was previously in an accident and we were told all the airbags were cut out. I wanted to to voice that I think it should be illegal to drive a car with no air bags. I think that information should be listed under a persons drivers license number and or VIN number. I called the Driving Safety Unit with the DMV yesterday and they said they couldn’t do anything for me and to contact the Department of Consumer Affairs for a complaint or the Governor’s Office. I am leaving my comments here instead. Thank you
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2023
Pearl white paint peeling all over vehicle. Common problem noted for Kia vehicles with Pearl White paint
Exterior lighting, May 20, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEADLIGHTS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO Started a while ago. Haven’t driving it since fall.
Air bags, May 18, 2023
Airbag light is on and i need to know if that is a recall since there was a recall for many makes of cars due to air bags.
Electrical system, May 17, 2023, fire
Mechanical failure in the wiring harness, caused smoke to come out of vents (melted wires). No evidence of rodent damage. Safety was put at risk, immediately dialed 911. As a result several electrical features do not work. Air/AC/heater, power windows nor headlights. Two mechanics & insurance claims representive deemed it "mechanical" failure despite the vehicle being inspected two months prior. Only symptoms that occurred prior were a fused being tripped; interior lights and radio didn't work when this happened.
Power train, Engine, May 7, 2023
My vehicle engine chatters uses oil with out leaking and going up hills the transmission stays in 1st gear
Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023, fire
The vehicle was parked in a parking log unattended and suddenly caught on fire. The vehicle was driven 15 - 20 minutes before the car was noted of being on fire. The vehicle was known to be leaking oil.
Structure, May 3, 2023
Paint is flaking off
Structure, May 1, 2023
None of my doors will open from the outside all of them have broken. How will someone get me out of the car if I am in an accident and unconscious or hurt and can’t open the car myself. Why has not been recalled yet
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2023
Paint peeling across the front of vehicle. Common problem noted for Kia vehicles with Pearl White paint
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 25, 2023
Item- Down hill accent light came on, traction control light came on, Not sure if caused by brake stop lamp switch defective. Item- bugler alarm will not shut off. resetting the alarm failed three different ways. The battery cable was removed to reset alarm, the fuse was removed, and procedure using the key fob to reset alarm also failed to deactivate system. This happened same time as above. Vehicle is non-moveable at present because of the anti-theft system cannot be shut off. Item-driver side seat belt buckle will not latch or must be repeatably latched to be engaged. This vehicle is equipped with Kia remote start accessory. See this NHTSA SC098
Engine, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted off the roadway, stopped the vehicle, and shifted to park(P). The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for five minutes before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Communication: SC106 (Engine Control Module). The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 19, 2023
Having Transmission problems. I just bought this car and have had allot of problems with it right now I’m having as I’m accelerating the gear gets stuck and rpm’s rav up and suddenly the gear goes into place and the car just goes fast suddenly this is a really dangerous situation I can’t accelerate right the fluid is good but just wanted to let you guys know of this problem