2011 Kia Sorento Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Sorento, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine31617.1%
- Body & structure26814.5%
- Electrical24713.4%
- Powertrain (other)22712.3%
- Airbags1839.9%
- Brakes1337.2%
- Exterior lighting1015.5%
- Driver assistance884.8%
- Suspension563.0%
- Interior & seats542.9%
- Steering532.9%
- Transmission392.1%
- Visibility291.6%
- Fuel system191.0%
- Other / unspecified160.9%
- Seat belts120.6%
- Tires & wheels60.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.
Intake manifold. A previously repaired recall that is still causing issue. Rough idle and check engine light.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.
Opening car door and whole handle fell off.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.
My 2011 Kia Sorrento caught fire while parked in my garage. Kia is saying it's not due to any recall they have and that it was an electrical fire store behind the steering wheel and they're refusing to take any responsibility financially for it or otherwise due to it being through previous owners and an older vehicle
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is shifting weird out of first, knocking sound. A code of p1326 skds is showing on diagnostic. This was supposedly repaired by kia a few months ago from a recall. I am questioning if they corrected and inspected the recall appropriately, due to this being the issue. The car is now unable to be driven because I do not want to do more damage.
My KIA Sorrento spontaneously engulfed in flames approximately 200 yards from my home. This is not a vehicle crash the car had flames coming from the vents and floor boards. I was the driver my daughter was the passenger and my granddaughter was in the rear car seat we barely escaped with our lives before it exploded and we were steps away as car debre was flying past us.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver Airbag light is illuminated
In a letter dated August 14, 2019, KIA advised that the warranty coverage for the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly was extended to 15 years. the clock spring is an electrical connection which rotates with the steering wheel to maintain proper functioning of the airbag unit. If the airbag light stays on, and the car continues to be used without repair, the driver's airbag may eventually not deploy in a frontal impact. This is a safety issue, since the airbag may not work, KIA knew about it in 2019!! The 2011 KIA that I own is now 16 years old, and of course KIA refuses to pay for the repair. Now I am faced with an approximately $500.00 repair bill to make sure I'm safe in case of an accident. This should be investigated, and KIA should pay for the repair since it is an airbag safety issue.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I tried months ago to have my 2011 KIA Sorento LX 3.5L v6 AWD to get the recalls fixed @ KIA in Yorkville,New York. They said they couldn't fix the recalls that were on the vehicle because supposedly the suspension is unsafe. But I already had the vehicle on a lift 4 times since,6 times total to get parts installed from my mechanic. If it was so unsafe,how could my mechanic lift the vehicle without any issues. I needed to get the underbody sprayed to stop rust and corrosion but KIA refused me.The recall for the ABS module needed fixing,they refused me. Having problems with the ABS and my subframe/crossmember broke. I feel the spray could've helped
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I tried months ago to have my 2011 KIA Sorento LX 3.5L v6 AWD to get the recalls fixed @ KIA in Yorkville,New York. They said they couldn't fix the recalls that were on the vehicle because supposedly the suspension is unsafe. But I already had the vehicle on a lift 4 times since,6 times total to get parts installed from my mechanic. If it was so unsafe,how could my mechanic lift the vehicle without any issues. I needed to get the underbody sprayed to stop rust and corrosion but KIA refused me.The recall for the ABS module needed fixing,they refused me. Having problems with the ABS and my subframe/crossmember broke. I feel the spray could've helped
there are eight recalls on my car I do not trust dealerships I do not trust mechanics I work on my own car I have very bad experience with mechanics I would rather return my car to the dealership I want to sell my car do the dealership eight different recalls is too much
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I tried months ago to have my 2011 KIA Sorento LX 3.5L v6 AWD to get the recalls fixed @ KIA in Yorkville,New York. They said they couldn't fix the recalls that were on the vehicle because supposedly the suspension is unsafe. But I already had the vehicle on a lift 4 times since,6 times total to get parts installed from my mechanic. If it was so unsafe,how could my mechanic lift the vehicle without any issues. I needed to get the underbody sprayed to stop rust and corrosion but KIA refused me.The recall for the ABS module needed fixing,they refused me. Having problems with the ABS and my subframe/crossmember broke. I feel the spray could've helped
Subframe, in the rear, where lateral arms are connected completely rusted off from the rest of the subframe. The control arm has broken off and is now rubbing against fuel tank. Car is unrepairable and undrivable.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed to work as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The check engine and ABS warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the buttons on the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be connected to the diagnostic machine. The contact stated that the dealer refused to update the antitheft system or perform the recall repairs linked to the VIN. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key fob, the contact heard the doors unlocking, but the rear doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure initially started after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
1-The front air bag sensor will nor register if a person is sitting in the sear, no matter the weight. 2-The modem keeps direction the vehicle to steer right. No matter how many alignments and parts are replaced, the ECM will not correct itself 3-KIA dealers will only repair the problem if the customer pays $$$$$$$$
3/11/24 The first thing I noticed was that my cruise control shut off with a couple of jerks to my vehicle. Then a few minutes later, I lost all steering, put in it park. There was smoke coming from under the hood, but not fire. It is sitting at my house still. A couple of months or so ago, when I received the letter of the recall, I called the dealership I bought my vehicle from and inquired about it. I was told that the part was not available but when it does, I will receive another letter. Also wanted to note, that right before I made that call, my engine light came on the day before that. Today, I called the same dealership to let them know what happened yesterday and they told me there was a cost for a tow truck to come get my vehicle. I was given a phone number to Kia, to which I called and started some kind of process. But it stopped when she told me it was going to be over $200 for a tow truck to come get my vehicle. I am not able to pay that nor feel as if I should due to Kia knowing about the recall and danger of same. Right when I lost steering and a red lamp popped up. I immediately parked it.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR CAMERA GOES BLACK OCCASIONALLY WHEN PUT IN REVERSE
FOUND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 85,000 MILES ON IT. NOW MY VEHICLE HAS ALMOST 100,000 MILES AND THE WIPERS ONLY WORK ON HIGH AND OCCASIONALLY DON'T EVEN WORK AT ALL WHEN IT RAINS WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAS MADE THE CARE SCARY TO DRIVE AND WE DON'T DRIVE IT WHEN IT RAINS. BROUGHT THE CAR IN THE KIA AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AS WELL.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car dash lights flashed and car shut down
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 40 MPH an abnormal burning smell entered the cabin and no warning lights were illuminated shortly afterword's smoke was being emitted from the front end of the vehicle, the contact immediatley proceeded to pull over and exit the vehicle. The origin of the fire was front engine compartment. The vehicle was occupied during the fire however the contact was successful in exiting the vehicle. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by the local fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police department report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at 35 MPH, the a white smoke began to emit from the vehicle the oil and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. A fellow motorist then alerted her that her vehicle was on fire and urged to to pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Her granddaughter called the authorities as the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed; no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a junk yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was a case was filed. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was electrical. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E041000 (Equipment) which she linked to her failure. The failure mileage was a approximately 192,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
MY SEAT BELT KEEPS LOCKING ON ME. FORTUNATELY, THUS FAR I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EVENTUALLY GET IT TO COME LOOSE. SOMETIMES IT IS A LITTLE DIFFICULT TO FASTEN. I'M AFRAID SOMEDAY I WILL NEED TO GET OUT FAST AND WON'T BE ABLE TO. I AM PARKED AND THE CAR IS TURNED OFF ON A CITY STREET AND SOMETIMES IN MY DRIVEWAY AND STORES.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I FOUND THAT THE REAR LEFT TIRE WAS SERIOUSLY WORN ON THE INSIDE TO THE POINT THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NEVER BEFORE SEEN A REAR TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE EDGE WHILE THE REST OF THE TIRE WAS STILL GOOD AT 32000 MILES. WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE WEAR? *TR
ON TWO DIFFERENT DATES ABOUT A WEEK APART WE HAD TWO TPMS FAILURES. ON THE FIRST ONE THE TPMS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM SENSOR LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CRACKED AND WAS LOSING AIR. TPMS SENSOR WAS REPLACED. AROUND A WEEK LATER WHILE MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TPMS SENSOR RETAINING CAP FELL OFF DUE TO CORRODED THREADS AND THE SENSOR FELL INTO THE TIRE CAUSING A HIGH SPEED DEFLATION. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE SECOND FAILURE AS WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEALER SERVICED SINCE NEW AND HAS ALL REQUIRED SERVICE DONE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .