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At a glance
What can fail
The 2.4L engine may fail, causing loss of power to the wheels or an engine fire.
This page covers 12 recalls, 1515 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Kia Sorento.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2011 Kia Sorento, structural complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, with powertrain and engine issues close behind. On the structure side, owners frequently describe severe corrosion of the rear subframe, specifically the area where the lateral control arms attach, with some reporting that the subframe rusts through completely, causing the control arm to separate. Door handles breaking or detaching outright also show up repeatedly in structural complaints. On the powertrain and engine side, owners report rough idling, check engine lights, and issues traced to the intake manifold area. Transmission hesitation and engagement problems also appear across multiple reports. The rear subframe corrosion pattern is the most consistent thread in the complaint set, with owners describing vehicles that become undrivable after the metal deteriorates to the point where suspension components lose their mounting points.
1,515
Total Complaints
42
Crash-Related
60
Fire-Related
35
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Kia Sorento has 12 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: an engine compartment fire can occur while driving or parked, and interior door trim accent lighting with faulty wiring can short and ignite.
On the engine side, vehicles with the 2.4L engine face a separate risk of engine failure that can cut power to the wheels or cause a fire. Two recalls address drivetrain concerns on 2WD automatic transmission models: the intermediate driveshaft can wear and misalign with the output gear, eventually causing a whirring noise and loss of drive power. There is also a trailer tow wiring harness concern affecting vehicles with a CURT aftermarket tow package, where moisture can enter the converter module and cause it to overheat and catch fire.
Brake-related issues appear in two forms: rear brake calipers on certain vehicles were not properly machined and can leak fluid, eventually producing a soft or spongy pedal feel. Two separate recalls also cover the brake-shift interlock, where the mechanism that requires the brake pedal to be pressed before shifting out of Park can crack or fail, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. The anti-lock brake control module carries an additional fire risk while parked or driving.
Finally, the sunroof can crack from external impacts, and crosspieces with glass fragments can drop into the cabin onto occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
The 2.4L engine may fail, causing loss of power to the wheels or an engine fire.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Kia will inspect and replace the engine if needed, and update the engine control software at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine can catch fire while you're driving due to a malfunction in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated knock sensor software and replace your engine if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass can break from impacts, causing the metal frame and glass pieces to detach and fall into the cabin. This is more likely in areas with gravel road salt and extreme temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will install additional connectors to secure the sunroof frame. Until then, keep the sunshade closed while driving.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift selector assembly may become damaged, allowing the driver to shift out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal. This could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shift interlock assembly to restore proper brake-pedal-required shifting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rough handling of the gear shift lever can crack the brake-shift interlock mechanism, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tow package wiring harness (part 56024) is not waterproof. Moisture can enter the converter module and disable its internal circuit protection.
What the fix does
The tow package wiring harness will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission's intermediate shaft may wear excessively due to misalignment with the right side output gear, causing whirring or whining noise and eventually transmission damage that stops the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the intermediate shaft and right side output gear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The intermediate shaft may be misaligned with the right side output gear, causing noise and excessive wear. This can lead to whirring or whining sounds and eventually damage the automatic transmission.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined, potentially affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear calipers and replace them if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake calipers may not be properly machined, causing brake fluid to leak. This triggers a warning light, then produces a soft brake pedal, and eventually reduces braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for interior accent lights in the front and rear door trim panels may have improper solder connections. This can cause electrical shorts when the lights are on, potentially resulting in fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected wiring harnesses with properly soldered units.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
