2011 KIA Sorento Problems and Recalls (1,512 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2011 KIA Sorento is Engine (15% of 1,512 owner reports). There are 8 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Engine — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,512 complaints · 8 recalls

What problems show up on the 2011 KIA Sorento?

224 of 1,512 filings named Engine (15% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Body / frame (222 reports).

There are 8 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Electrical, Brakes, Transmission / driveline, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.

What to check before you buy a 2011 KIA Sorento

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 8 campaigns on file below.
  2. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  3. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  4. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Engine. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Engine 224 complaints · 14.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 41
  • Fires 63
  • Injuries 50
  • Deaths 0
All KIA Sorento years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Engine (ENGINE) appears in 224 of 1,512 owner complaints (14.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. Engine (ENGINE): 224 complaints, 14.8% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 5 crash reports 25 fire reports 224 · 14.8% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 222 complaints, 14.7% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 fire reports 222 · 14.7% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 211 complaints, 14.0% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 6 crash reports 1 fire reports 211 · 14.0% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 130 complaints, 8.6% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 13 crash reports 1 fire reports 130 · 8.6% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 128 complaints, 8.5% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 10 fire reports 128 · 8.5% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 93 complaints, 6.2% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 1 crash reports 5 fire reports 93 · 6.2% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 81 complaints, 5.4% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 5 crash reports 3 fire reports 81 · 5.4% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 42 complaints, 2.8% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 6 crash reports 1 fire reports 42 · 2.8% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 40 complaints, 2.7% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 40 · 2.7% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 600 complaints, 39.7% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 5 crash reports 20 fire reports 600 · 39.7% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Engine (ENGINE) 224 14.8% 5 crashes · 25 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 222 14.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 211 14.0% 6 crashes · 1 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 130 8.6% 13 crashes · 1 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 128 8.5% 0 crashes · 10 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 93 6.2% 1 crashes · 5 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 81 5.4% 5 crashes · 3 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 42 2.8% 6 crashes · 1 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 40 2.7% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 600 39.7% 5 crashes · 20 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2010; the first recall shown was reported in Aug 2010. 2010-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2010-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2010-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2011-Q1: 32 owner reports 32 2011-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2011-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2011-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2012-Q1: 16 owner reports 16 2012-Q2: 12 owner reports 12 2012-Q3: 26 owner reports 26 2012-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2013-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2013-Q2: 18 owner reports 18 2013-Q3: 13 owner reports 13 2013-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2014-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2014-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2014-Q3: 22 owner reports 22 2014-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2015-Q1: 16 owner reports 16 2015-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2015-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2015-Q4: 38 owner reports 38 2016-Q1: 38 owner reports 38 2016-Q2: 74 owner reports 74 2016-Q3: 59 owner reports 59 2016-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 2017-Q1: 36 owner reports 36 2017-Q2: 33 owner reports 33 2017-Q3: 35 owner reports 35 2017-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2018-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 2018-Q2: 41 owner reports 41 2018-Q3: 39 owner reports 39 2018-Q4: 45 owner reports 45 2019-Q1: 38 owner reports 38 2019-Q2: 58 owner reports 58 2019-Q3: 46 owner reports 46 2019-Q4: 39 owner reports 39 2020-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2020-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2020-Q3: 33 owner reports 33 2020-Q4: 22 owner reports 22 2021-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2021-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2021-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2021-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2022-Q1: 15 owner reports 15 2022-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2022-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2022-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2023-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2023-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2023-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2023-Q4: 18 owner reports 18 2024-Q1: 45 owner reports 45 2024-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2024-Q3: 13 owner reports 13 2024-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2025-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2025-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2025-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2025-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2026-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2026-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2026-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2026-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 2010 Oct 2026 Recall campaign 10V388000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V388000 Recall campaign 10V599000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V599000 Recall campaign 11V258000 ◆ Recall campaign 11V258000 Recall campaign 11E041000 ◆ Recall campaign 11E041000 Recall campaign 13V114000 ◆ Recall campaign 13V114000 Recall campaign 15V626000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V626000 Recall campaign 23V652000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V652000 Recall campaign 23V877000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V877000 Investigation PE11010 ● Investigation PE11010 Investigation PE13035 ● Investigation PE13035 Investigation EA14002 ● Investigation EA14002 Investigation DP18003 ● Investigation DP18003 Investigation PE19004 ● Investigation PE19004 Investigation PE20008 ● Investigation PE20008 Investigation DP21003 ● Investigation DP21003 Investigation EA21003 ● Investigation EA21003 Investigation DP22003 ● Investigation DP22003 Investigation AQ23002 ● Investigation AQ23002
  • Campaign 10V388000 was reported 131 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 10V599000 was reported 22 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 11V258000 was reported 416 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 13V114000 was reported 810 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V626000 was reported 2,041 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V652000 was reported 4,710 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2010-Q1 Owner reports 1
2010-Q2 Owner reports 7
2010-Q3 Owner reports 15
2010-Q4 Owner reports 12
2011-Q1 Owner reports 32
2011-Q2 Owner reports 29
2011-Q3 Owner reports 28
2011-Q4 Owner reports 24
2012-Q1 Owner reports 16
2012-Q2 Owner reports 12
2012-Q3 Owner reports 26
2012-Q4 Owner reports 17
2013-Q1 Owner reports 12
2013-Q2 Owner reports 18
2013-Q3 Owner reports 13
2013-Q4 Owner reports 14
2014-Q1 Owner reports 12
2014-Q2 Owner reports 16
2014-Q3 Owner reports 22
2014-Q4 Owner reports 15
2015-Q1 Owner reports 16
2015-Q2 Owner reports 29
2015-Q3 Owner reports 28
2015-Q4 Owner reports 38
2016-Q1 Owner reports 38
2016-Q2 Owner reports 74
2016-Q3 Owner reports 59
2016-Q4 Owner reports 32
2017-Q1 Owner reports 36
2017-Q2 Owner reports 33
2017-Q3 Owner reports 35
2017-Q4 Owner reports 14
2018-Q1 Owner reports 33
2018-Q2 Owner reports 41
2018-Q3 Owner reports 39
2018-Q4 Owner reports 45
2019-Q1 Owner reports 38
2019-Q2 Owner reports 58
2019-Q3 Owner reports 46
2019-Q4 Owner reports 39
2020-Q1 Owner reports 17
2020-Q2 Owner reports 17
2020-Q3 Owner reports 33
2020-Q4 Owner reports 22
2021-Q1 Owner reports 20
2021-Q2 Owner reports 17
2021-Q3 Owner reports 20
2021-Q4 Owner reports 11
2022-Q1 Owner reports 15
2022-Q2 Owner reports 13
2022-Q3 Owner reports 23
2022-Q4 Owner reports 6
2023-Q1 Owner reports 11
2023-Q2 Owner reports 16
2023-Q3 Owner reports 6
2023-Q4 Owner reports 18
2024-Q1 Owner reports 45
2024-Q2 Owner reports 29
2024-Q3 Owner reports 13
2024-Q4 Owner reports 8
2025-Q1 Owner reports 8
2025-Q2 Owner reports 6
2025-Q3 Owner reports 9
2025-Q4 Owner reports 5
2026-Q1 Owner reports 6
2026-Q2 Owner reports 2
2026-Q3 Owner reports 3
2026-Q4 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 10V388000
Recall campaign 1 10V599000
Recall campaign 1 11V258000
Recall campaign 1 11E041000
Recall campaign 1 13V114000
Recall campaign 1 15V626000
Recall campaign 1 23V652000
Recall campaign 1 23V877000
Defect investigation 1 PE11010
Defect investigation 1 PE13035
Defect investigation 1 EA14002
Defect investigation 1 DP18003
Defect investigation 1 PE19004
Defect investigation 1 PE20008
Defect investigation 1 DP21003
Defect investigation 1 EA21003
Defect investigation 1 DP22003
Defect investigation 1 AQ23002
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (8)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Electrical, Brakes, Transmission / driveline, and Lights.

  1. Recall campaign 10V388000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 10V599000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 11E041000

    Safety recall 11E041000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 11V258000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 13V114000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 15V626000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 23V652000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 23V877000

    Safety recall 23V877000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 1,512 complaints · page 1 of 61
2026-10-05Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11769185
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I parked my car in the driveway and about 10 min later my car just ignited into flames from underneath the vehicle by the gas tank and i have video from 3 different angles on my security cams that show when i parked the vehicle there was no fire or flames or smoke and about 8 min later you can see a single flame just ignite under the car, and watch it spread and the location of the flame is in back driverside by gas cap and tank
2026-09-25Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11766965
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the roof of a parking garage, the vehicle caught on fire unexpectedly. The emergency services were called to the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the fire was not yet determined. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
2026-08-11Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11756302
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Driver Airbag light is illuminated
2026-07-08Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11748972
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2026-04-25Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11733808
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Opening car door and whole handle fell off.
2026-04-24FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11733480
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2026-03-22Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11726122
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Intake manifold. A previously repaired recall that is still causing issue. Rough idle and check engine light.
2026-02-15Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11718095
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2026-02-10Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11716993
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2026-01-27Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11713565
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I was driving my car, while at a stop light I noticed some smoke coming from under my hood. I thought it might have been the cold I turned off the main road onto my street and noticed the smoke increasing, I pulled over turned off my car opened the hood and a fire started at the back of my engine.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2011 KIA Sorento?

Owners named Engine most often — 224 of 1,512 reports (15%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2011 KIA Sorento?

NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Electrical, Brakes, Transmission / driveline, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2011 KIA Sorento?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources