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, Mar 7, 2023
When vehicle slows down to a stop, the engine fails. No check engine light is illuminating. Have taken it to a Kia dealer who does not know what is wrong with it. The car is still available for inspection. The vehicle has done it several times. The Kia dealer said it was unsafe to drive and so they have kept it. Kia is unwilling to look further because the mileage is 4,000 over warranty. There are several recalls for this problem yet, Kia states that they are not for my VIN number therefore I don't qualify. The recalls are for my year, make and model of my vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that she was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 5, 2023
I just got this car and it haseven been 30days I read the NHTSA Action Number: DP21003 and it is exactly same problem. It started with spark plugs weak and changed them out then AWD check engine light oil and the battery light came on. And the car wouldn’t move as fast and had a code of P0336 which was the Cranckshaft sensor got that changed and I’m still having issues with accelerating and rpm’s going up without pressing the gas pedal hard and suddenly speeding
Structure, Feb 22, 2023
3 out of 4 doors will not open from the outside, only one that works is front passenger side. So I am forced to crawl in lean across open drivers door shove it open then get out run around to drivers side to get in (hoping the wind does not blow it closed before I get there) I have injured my back doing this, I am vey upset. I called Taylor Kia in Lima twice and no one will call me back. I have read on line this is a frequent problem with the 2011 model but no recall??? This is in deed a safety hazard, as if I had my grandchildren with me and something happened I would be unable to get the doors open to get them out! There were no warnings, the 2 back doors happened a couple weeks ago within a few days of one another, Drivers door just happened 2 weeks ago. This is the second time I have written/emailed you. My car has just under 90,000 miles. I should not have to pay out of my own pocket for something that is faulty by manufacturer! Thank you, I would appreciate a response.
Engine, Feb 21, 2023
This vehicle has a antifreeze in oil tank and the gasket is going. the dealer said this was fine when they sold it to us and it is not fine. i would like this fixed and i paid over 10 thousand for this car. they said they changed the oil and the 2 weeks after i got i had an oil change and it was mixed with antifreeze in the oil pan
Structure, Feb 20, 2023
My two driver side doors will only open from the inside when unlocked. The handles are not damaged
Engine, Feb 19, 2023
Timing chain tensioner is defective and should be recalled. On cold start ups, the engine has a really loud rattling noise for a few seconds and goes away. Has been recalled on other Kia models except for the Kia Sorento why Kia chooses not to include the Kia Sorento should be of concern. Kia should be held responsible for their mistake. I have called the dealership and they do not take responsibility.
Steering, Power train, Feb 16, 2023
Same issue with the whining and pulling as the recall. Kia will not help. Two dealerships and the manufacturer will not recheck the repaired recall.
Engine, Feb 8, 2023
The engine will not turn over. It was leaking oil. We refilled the oil. Then it stopped running. We had to tow it to our home. All maintenance and regular scheduled repairs were kept up to date.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 3, 2023
The rear driver side door will not open from outside or inside and I have children who ride in the back seat in children's car seats. This is a definitive safety hazard. KIA issued a recall but just extended the warranty to 10 years for that part. It is obviously a known defect that is the fault of KIA. Since my car is now outside that 10 year extended warranty I have to pay $800 dollrs at teh dealership to have it fixed, This is unnacceptable.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jan 10, 2023, fire
My 2011 Kia Sorento caught fire while parked outside in parking lot overnight while I slept the police an fire department said my vin had two active recalls on it it started fire on its own without even being driven now I’m out of a car
Other or unspecified, Dec 25, 2022
When I quired about vehicle recall was told to contact nhtsa to get a recall fixed with my vehicle
Engine, Nov 3, 2022
The contact's significant other owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was making abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure would occur upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt had failed and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and had released metal shavings in the engine oil, which caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC147. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as his significant other had failed to complete a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update; however, a notification was never received regarding the software update. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2022
The air bag warning lamp is on caused by the malfunction of the clock spring in the steering wheel. None of the functions on the steering wheel work as well due to this malfunction. The air bag according to multiple sites may deploy at any given time
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
While driving with family or clients in my Kia Sorento since I bought it brand new in 2011 has had ongoing gear shifting, speed increase and decreasing, stalling while driving at highway speeds almost causing accidents we were just lucky we weren't but it is very unsafe to drive. repairs have been more than the car is worth. This is just a short list estimate of repairs, but keep in mind on 3 occasions I would leave the Kia Service Department in Eugene Oregon after Transmission was replaced the first at 134, 000 miles and it would stall at highway speed and have to have it towed and replaced again this went on as you can see more than a couple times. 2 catalyst converters replaced 4 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED 1 manifold replaced 1 Alternator 1 Serpentine Belt 1 Power steering rack from leaking
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2022
When accelerating either on the freeway, or from a stop, the car “traction control” light comes on and the car loses power and cannot shift into the next gear. I have been driving 70 on the freeway when this happened and it dropped me down to 25. Having children in the car, you can imagine my complete stress. The engine light comes on and throws a crankshaft code. This is extremely dangerous. I have had the vehicle have an episode, and then complete shut off while trying to accelerate at a green light.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 1, 2022
First the driver door won't open from the outside. I called Kia and they said the vehicle was inspected and they didn't find anything wrong at the time, this was before I purchased the vehicle. Second while driving the vehicle, I noticed when making a left turn the headlights would turn off while driving. I turned the headlight switch from auto on to the on position they came back on then kept on blinking on and off when I hit a bump in the road. I noticed they flicker when I'm behind another vehicle at a stop light. This is a very dangerous situation if someone doesn't see you making a turn or something.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2022
I own a 2011 KIA Sorrento that is now 11 years old. The paint has started peeling off the roof of the car. There was no prior damage to this area that could have caused the peeling. There is no way that an 11 year-old vehicle that is kept garaged should have paint that is peeling. In my search for answers as to why this is occurring, I have found that many other people are experiencing this with their KIAs. There needs to be an investigation as to what is causing the peeling and, if found to be a problem with the paint itself or the painting procedure, KIA should be required to repaint these vehicles.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
Time chain tensioner is faulty and camshafts have been updated the 2011 model. I just purchased a 2011 Sorrento Ex and it will cost 5000 to do the upgrade. The air bag has caused problems in the electrical systems of the horn. This cost 400 to replace airbag.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, after applying the turn signals, the headlights and instrument panel lights became inoperable. The contact related the failure to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Engine, Aug 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the oil seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the oil switch needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Structure, Aug 29, 2022
The clear paint is peeling off. My paint began peeling in a tiny spot, it looked like a tiny chip of paint the size of a piece of rice but rapidly began peeling all over.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the failure recurred three years later. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided warranty information but never received a copy as promised. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN and no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2022
The vehicle stalls and I lose all power while driving. This starts with interior dash lights flashing and going off along with radio and all other lights. This also has happened while sitting in running car. I have replaced two alternators and 3 batteries. Please help.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 27, 2022
My headlights are randomly going off and back on while driving. It was just happening under the auto setting while turning, then on auto only at anytime. Remained on in the “on” mode. Last night went off on the highway under the ON mode so getting worse.