Kia Sorento 2011 problems
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
First generation (BL; 2002)
2002–2006
Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
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Common Kia Sorento 2011 problems
The 2011 Kia Sorento has faced several engine problems, as reported by owners.
Another engine problem is the check engine light turning on, with 8 complaints recorded. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty sensors or internal engine problems. Oil leaks have also been reported, with 4 complaints filed, which can lead to further engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Loud ticking noises, rough starts, and engine surging have been reported by owners as well. These issues can be indicative of various engine problems, such as worn-out components, faulty fuel injectors, or ignition system malfunctions. Additionally, oil sensor failure and camshaft issues have been reported, further highlighting the engine problems experienced by 2011 Kia Sorento owners.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 245 complaints related to the engine, 59 complaints about vehicle speed control, and 28 complaints about engine and engine cooling. These issues can potentially affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
The 2011 Kia Sorento also has a history of recalls, with six recalls issued by the NHTSA covering various problems such as faulty wiring harnesses, potential rollaway, bad brake calipers, and an electrical short that can result in a fire. Consumers have reported engine knocking and damage leading to fires in some 3.5L models. Other potential problems include randomly cracking sunroof glass, peeling Pearl paint, and random engine stalls.
In late 2021, the 2011 Kia Sorento was the subject of a new NHTSA investigation focusing on a defective electronic throttle control system, which can lead to sudden surging, runaway throttle conditions, and stalling.
In summary, the 2011 Kia Sorento has experienced numerous engine problems, recalls, and investigations, which can significantly impact its performance and safety. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the costs and risks associated with owning this vehicle.
What is the issue with a 2011 Kia Sorento?
Kia's 2011 Sorento suffers from six recalls, seven investigations, and nearly 1,300 complaints over malfunctioning headlights, unintended acceleration, defective electronic throttle control system, and random engine stall.
Is 2011 Kia Sorento reliable?
How Long Will the 2011 Kia Sorento Last? Longevity is a weak point in the 2011 Sorento compared to other midsize SUVs. Engine failures are common on vehicles with under 100,000 miles. Based on ownership data, we can only expect one to last about 100,000 miles with proper care.
What is the biggest problem with Kia Sorento?
The common issues include engine problems, electrical problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, lights problems, and body/paint problems. The worst issue that plagues these Kia Sorento models is engine failure. This occurs when most consumers have accumulated an average of 62,000 miles.
Is there a recall on 2011 Kia Sorento engine?
(Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You'll need your car's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.
Kia Sorento 2011 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sorento problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Sorento 2011 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Kia Sorento 2011
The NHTSA has received 1472 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Sorento 2011. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Sorento 2011 vehicles.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5XYKUDA29BG
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: 5XYKT3A18BG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in the tire wheel letting me know something was wrong in the wheel. They repaired it, and I had no more problems until recently. It is doing it again. A hard jerk when I'm driving. 3. Other, passenger front and rear and drivers side rear doors locked up and I could not open them. This happen about two years ago. Took car to a certified electrical repairman and it cost me a fortune to get repaired. The clips that lock and unlock doors had to be replace. The repair was very costly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
- VIN: 5XYKU4A27BG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
- VIN: 5XYKW4A21BG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Non working door handles which is a KNOWN issue with Kia! Extremely dangerous obstruction in an event of an emergency where occupants need to get in and out of the vehicle. The ineffective door handles also makes the car less secure because someone who is not authorized can access the safety measures that the vehicle has. This is not right that Kia customers have to spend hundreds for an ongoing issue! This is two out of the four doors now. I replaced one door handle already for well over $300.00! Now will need to spend ANOTHER three hundred plus dollars for the same issue! Again, this is a KNOWN Kia issue! I was originally told there was a recall but only for the back handles and not the front handles in 2020. Now, I am being told it was a warranty and it expired in 2021/2022. A warranty was never relayed to me in any way. No email or mailed letter explaining this. If under "warranty" and again, a known Kia issue why were the backs covered but not the front if they are the same handles? Why not replace all four handles under the said "warranty"? This is a major issues for Kia owners like myself. Also having an issue where when it rains, water will come in from the passenger side panel and back trunk panels. Kia said it was the drains. Kia cleared the drains for well over $200.00. Next rain fall and the SAME issue still remained. Kia then said it was the moonroof assembly and would NOT get back to me with a remedy to solve the issue. I reached out again and I spoke to the general Manager who said he would call me back and NEVER did. I took it to another company who handles moonroofs/sunroofs and has said it is due to the paint separating in the grooves where the assembly sits and is a manufactural issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: 5XYKUDA29BG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento used from a dealership. The Air Bag Warning light was on & I insisted that they inspect car before I buy it, which they did. I go to pick the car up & the Air Bag Warning light is still on. When I questioned it, I learned that, for SOME REASON, a car's #1 safety feature, the Air Bags, is NOT part of PA's Safety Inspection!! A couple months go by and 1 by 1 the Bluetooth/Audio controls on the steering wheel stop working. So, after reading the Owner's Manual & finding that there is no fuse for the steering wheel controls, I go online to see if I can find the cause &/or how to fix it. That's when I run across hundreds of posts/blogs from other 2011 Sorento owner's saying the exact same thing happened to them and all the replies say that it's caused by the Clock Spring and upon replacing it, all their Bluetooth/Audio controls on steering wheel worked again. I then remember the letters regarding the Clock Spring in with the car's Owner's Manual. I have 2 letters, 1 from 2017 & 1 from 2019 saying that Kia Extended the Warranty on the Clock Spring to 15 years. To take the car to a Kia dealership and have the Air Bag Warning light diagnosed & if it's determined that the Clock Spring is reason it's illuminated, Kia will pay to fix it. What I don't understand is if Kia saw fit to issue TWO identical letters TWO years apart from each other, why didn't they just issue a recall? They obviously knew it was a problem that effected most, if not all of the 2011 Sorento's manufactured. And the real reason I'm writing? Since my research on the internet TWO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS things have happened. 1)my horn no longer works! At 1st it worked when it wanted to but now it doesn't work at all! I've almost gotten in 3 accidents because of it & my car will NO LONGER PASSES INSPECTION and 2) Now the Air Bag system cannot detect when someone is in the passenger seat, so their Air Bags never turn on!! The Extended Warranty expires in 2024 & NO RECALL!????
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-19
- VIN: 5XYKUDA28BG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the “Low Oil Pressure” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was engine oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic where it had been diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V388000 (Electrical System). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall or in the Technical Service Bulletin with the manufacturer ID number 026 and NHTSA ID Number: 10235099 (Electrical System). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 170,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-14
- VIN: 5XYKU4A25BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- VIN: 5XYKTCA17BG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When I place my vehicle in park it lurches forward several times
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-11
- VIN: 5XYKUDA25BG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The door latch behind the driver side of the vehicle does not work. It will not open from the outside of the vehicle. This is a safety concern especially since this is my [XXX] daughter's car. I have called KIA, and they will not honor this repair since the car was purchased and used in January 2024. I also have another 2011 Kia Sorento with the same issue. This is definitely a problem with KIA and this should be repaired regardless of how old the vehicle is since it is due to a defect in the product. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
- VIN: 5XYKTCA19BG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The door latch behind the driver side of the vehicle does not work. It will not open from the outside of the vehicle. This is a safety concern especially since this is my [XXX] daughter's car. I have called KIA and they will not honor this repair since the car was purchased used in August of 2021. I also have another 2011 Kia Sorento with the same issue. This is definitely a problem with KIA and this should be repaired regardless of how old the vehicle is since it is due to a defect in the product. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- VIN: 5XYKUDA22BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact raised the hood and became aware of a short circuit around the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a positive battery cable being stuck with the shift cable and inhibitor switch causing the short circuit. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-15
- VIN: 5XYKT3A15BG
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 $$$$$$$$
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 5XYKUDA11BG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Was driving on the [XXX] with my children and puppy on a truck/car route and my engine made a noise and the car slowed down and jerked. I pulled over, turned my car off to check for smoke, leaked, and my tires but nothing seemed wrong. When I tried to start the car the engine light came on blinking and then the battery and oil light came on. The safety of my family and I was freshly put at risk with hundreds of trucks passing by and my car almost swerving into and oncoming truck in the lane to my right. My car has been towed the the dealership where I purchased it to be checked today on 7/3/2024. The used vehicle was purchased at Brick City Motors at 346 Broadway Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104. I purchased this vehicle from this dealership on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-13
- VIN: 5XYKTDA21BG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car dash lights flashed and car shut down
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: 5XYKTCA1XBG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short , whioch can result in an engine compartment fire while paked or driving the car.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: 5XYKT3A12BG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I smell something burning inside the car when after one hour driving it and not feel safe, right after picking the car up from the dealership after the recall service, the engine starts shutting off every time I stop ped at a stop sign or light, the engine also stops every time I go 25 scare me so much, the kia losing power everytime going up hills. The dealership suppose to replace that Engine, I told them about the issue and nothing is done to replace it. instead they look at other issues in order to make money instead of fixing the engine recall issue before something worse happens down the road. I have always maintained my truck well. I want the engine to be replace please. VIN: [XXX] N REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-22
- VIN: 5XYKT3A10BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the current parts would repair the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-25
- VIN: 5XYKU3A15BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, there was a jerking and grinding noise detected when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to stop. The engine, traction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 285,658. The VIN was not available.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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. The VIN was not available.
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XYKUDA28BG
- Components: ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I have a problem with my Kia Sorento since last year and I expensed a lot money with the eng8ne. The motor is broken down. Also, one shop gave me the receipt, 4 guys for $59 because I refuse any repair again. But, the other shop mechanic where I expensed a lot of money does not give me the receipt, inspire of my request they have not given me the receipt yet. I am so embarrassed, I expensed a lot $5500 for the repair. And, another shop too for $500. Thanks
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-23
- VIN: 5XYKU4A19BG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown and the engine light is on
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- VIN: 5XYKT3A10BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 5XYKU4A23BG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which determined that the cam shaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The cam shaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 169,000.
SERVICE BRAKES,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-09
- VIN: 5XYKU3A13BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front tires independently braked on and off quickly. The contact stated that the "Down Hill" symbol, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring and the angular velocity sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer retrieved DTC codes: C1260 and 934490RU0. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,757.
Kia Sorento 2011 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Kia Sorento 2011.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: CURT MFG. INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative Kia Sorento 2011 car reviews
Positive Kia Sorento 2011 car reviews
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You've had the car for three years now and it's been pretty reliable on most trips. However, there have been some minor issues, such as a small 'click' sound in the manual transmission. Despite complaining to the mechanic several times, they initially dismissed it as normal until they eventually replaced the transmission. Unfortunately, the sound persisted, but it turned out to be a minor issue that only cost $30 to repair at another place. You've recently changed the rear pads and you're hoping to keep the car for a few more years. Overall, it's been a good ride!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your vehicle! It sounds like you've had a chance to put some miles on it and get a good feel for its performance. The engine sounds like it has great pickup, and the comfort level is excellent. I agree that the styling both inside and outside is very nice. It's a shame that the city mileage hasn't quite lived up to the advertised 19 mpg, but it's great to hear that you're getting excellent highway mileage at 29 mpg. Overall, it sounds like you're very happy with your purchase and would definitely recommend it to others!
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The car is great in all respects, but it can be a bit too hard and choppy when driven on choppy Northern roads. Fortunately, Kia is aware of this issue and is taking steps to address it by installing Dual Flow Damper shocks on all newly built 2011 Sorentos. It would be great if they could also provide access to these or other shocks/dampers that can be installed on 2011s already on the road with the original inadequate shocks.
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Congratulations on your new car! The EX V6 AWD is truly an amazing vehicle. Not only is it competitively priced, but it can also outperform any other car in its class. The Sorento offers a wide range of features that are unmatched by its competitors, making it an excellent choice. I did a lot of research on CUVs in its class, and the Sorento stood out in terms of both features and price. As other reviewers have noted, the ride is firm but controlled, and it handles like a near mid-size crossover should. Overall, it exceeds expectations!
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Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you were able to find a great deal on a Kia. It sounds like you were able to get a really good price compared to other options in your area. I agree that finding a 2011 model is a great way to save some money, and it's good to know that the differences between the 2011 and 2012 models are not significant. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Additional sources
More sources of information about Kia Sorento 2011 problems:
2011 Kia Sorento Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2011 Kia Sorento? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2011 Kia Sorento.
2011 Kia Sorento's Problems with Sudden Surging and Engine ...
Nov 17, 2021 ... In late 2021, the 2011 Kia Sorento was the subject of a new NHTSA investigation–it's seventh–that focused on a defective electronic throttle ...
2011 Kia Sorento Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2011 Kia Sorento? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Common 2011 Kia Sorento Problems: Fuel Fill & Gas Tank Issues
Jan 14, 2017 ... I can assure you that it is the charcoal canister. What happens is the charcoal pack burst, and the canister doesn't allow the vapors to breath ...
2011 kia Sorento 2.4 reliability? : r/MechanicAdvice
May 20, 2022 ... it was a manufacturing defect, where the cnc machines left metal shavings in the engine. you can check the kia website and enter the vin to see ...
Other years of Kia Sorento
Are you having problems with your Kia Sorento 2011?
Brock Kessler 2024-10-18
I purchased my car less than 2 years ago, but unfortunately, I have had to have it towed three times for three different reasons. The first time was due to a computer issue that caused the car to lock up and not start. The second time was because of loose wires, which caused the car to shut off at a gas station and not start again. Now, there are problems with the starter. We bought this car with the expectation that it would be reliable, but it has not lived up to our expectations. It's disappointing that my husband's car, which was purchased in 2002, has been more reliable. We may have to consider trading in the car.
Albin Casper 2024-10-06
I purchased the car in 2010 and it currently has 37000 miles on it. Unfortunately, I have experienced some issues that others have also reported, such as rough suspension, rattling noises, and unpredictable transmission. Additionally, the car's gas mileage has not met my expectations, with only 14-18mpg in the city and a maximum of 22-26mpg on the highway, despite the EPA rating of 21-29mpg. Overall, I regret my decision to purchase this car.
Ulises Beer 2024-07-25
Our 2011 SX AWD with 42,000 miles is a great car. Although it is my first Kia and first SUV, I am confident in its abilities. We have taken it on several drives and it has performed well. We have noticed a few minor issues, but we are confident that they can be resolved. We believe that the Sorento has the potential to be a quality vehicle and we are excited to see what improvements will be made in the future.
Jace Russel 2024-06-27
The Sorento initially caught our attention with its appealing styling, spacious interior, and optional third row. However, after driving it for 700 miles, we experienced some issues that required a visit to the dealership for a brake recall, faulty vent gate, navigation/stereo replacement, and traction control inspection. Unfortunately, the traction control still makes noise even after being engaged, and we were disappointed with the manufacturer's choice of tires. Despite these setbacks, we have decided to sell the car before our disappointment grows. Thank you for your understanding.
Horacio Runolfsson 2024-06-11
Although the high end SX model was expected to be reliable and feature-packed, it unfortunately fell short of expectations. The unresponsive engine and inconsistent electronics were not up to par. Due to these issues and the lack of adequate support, we made the decision to trade in the vehicle at a loss.