213 of the 2,077 complaints about the 2011 KIA Sorento are about the other systems — 10% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 91,400 miles.
213
Complaints
2
Crashes
11
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11713565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle was trying to go forward while my foot was on the brake. It would not go in park gear. Eventually shut down completely at a busy intersection. I was unable to use my hazards and could have been in a bad accident. I had to keep on the emergency brake until I was able to get it towed.
NHTSA complaint #11700327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine light comes on and then the wheel lock light will come on and the car will disengage from 4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive while driving
NHTSA complaint #11689607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine fire, extinguished by the fire dept. Car was parked at the time. Dealer informed us that the fire recall was completed on 10-29-2021 and now we are over the 150,000 mileage warranty so no repair can be done by Kia. I will submit 2 more claims for transmission and brakes for the same Kia.
NHTSA complaint #11633387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission, shocks and struts had to be replaced. Kia was having a hard bump knock when it changed gears driving down the highway, we had it looked at several times by the Kia dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. Eventually had to replace the parts above.
NHTSA complaint #11633395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Kia states that they do not have the parts for the current recall. Not sure if this has anything to do with any recalls but my check engine light went on in 2023, after paying for diagnostic testing, the mechanic cannot find any emissions leak. And after spark plugs were changed in Feb 2024, the light went off. Then Nov 2024, the light went back on again. Although there is a code stating there is an emissions leak again. I am scared to drive the car without knowing what is wrong. Is the part available for the current recall?
NHTSA complaint #11630517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11616981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown and the engine light is on
NHTSA complaint #11589807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11576975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I felt a burning smell in the car while parked. I called the dealer to check if it was related to the recall, but the remedy was unavailable for NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000. .
NHTSA complaint #11575431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the freeway, the car began to lose power. As I struggled to maneuver to the right lane to pull over, something under the hood caught on fire and black smoke came billowing out. We were able to get out of the car before a young man traveling in he opposite direction saw us and turned around to help. With his help we were able to get my grand kids out and into his car. Thank God that he was not criminally minded. I then called AAA who towed the car back to our home. This happened in July 2023. In October, I received a safety recall notice warning of a possible fire happening. I contacted the local Kia dealership and was told that there was nothing they could except wait and that it could take up to a year or receive the part to remedy the problem. I then contacted Kia Headquarters and was told the same thing. It is now January 2024, and still no remedy and no operable vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11568390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my car to work when my check engine light came on and starting flashing. I made it to work just unable to go over 30MPH because it felt like it was in fail safe mode. That afternoon I spoke with KIA Affairs and the lady advise me to go to autozone and get it diagnosed after work. Well after work I went to go to autozone and barely made it half a mile before it felt like it was going to die. so i turned to go back to turn around to back to work in the parking lot next door. When I turned it felt like i had no control over where my car was going like i had no traction control even though i did not hit any patches of ice.
NHTSA complaint #11566603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving. Without any warning or any noticeable prior issues my car was smoking very bad from the hood. Once parked I opened the hood but can not tell where it is coming from. When I crank it the smoke starts again.
NHTSA complaint #11566198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2011 Kia Sorento pearl white paint delaminating. Paint bubbling up and peeling off in sheets along the top of the windshield. Exposed bare metal that has severely rusted. Also bubbling and chipping/peeling on the hood. Rust spots all over the rear lift gate under the paint where it is not bubbling or peeling. Paint started peeling off the silver roof rails and hood approximately 2015. Started coming off the roof above the windshield in sheets approximately 2020.
NHTSA complaint #11559368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Anti theft features need Kia anti theft logic
NHTSA complaint #11547963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BELOW ARE ALL OF THE CASE NUMBERS............BUT, STILL AFTER over FIVE (5) MONTHS............no FOLLOW-UP what so ever!!!!! https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs We have received your submission and your case number is 15331861. A representative will be notified and will follow up accordingly. sent feb. 15, 2023 4:57PM Kia Customer Care - Case#15331861 Your case number is ' 15339854 ' new message PLUS above sent 2/20/2023 Fri, May 12 at 4:27 PM your case number is 15519248. Wednesday, February 15, 2023 your case number is 15331861 Your case number is ' 15339854 ' new message PLUS above sent 2/20/2023 Thu, May 18 at 4:42 PM your case number is 15532767 Sat, May 27 at 8:53 PM your case number is 15553905 Fri, June 1, 2023 8:56 PM Your case number is ' 15565066 Thu, Jun 1 at 8:57 PM your case number is 15565066 Tue, Jun 13 at 4:40 PM our case number is 15593923. Sun, Jun 18 at 7:50 PM your case number is 15605783. Fri, Jun 23 at 1:42 PM your case number is 15621230. Wed, Jun 28 at 9:59 PM your case number is 15633181. A representative will be notified and will follow up accordingly.??????????? OH YEAH?? WHEN?? I have taken the 2011 Kia Sorento in for 2 recalls on the door locks. THEY WERE NEVER FIXED. Then I took the Kia in for the connecting rod bearing recall. AND, AT THAT TIME I TOLD "THEM" AGAIN THAT THE DOOR LATCH PROBLEMS was NEVER FIXED, and I would like to have it fixed. When I got the Kia back I was told that yes the door latch problem needed to be fixed. BUT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY........... When is a RECALL NOT done because the warranty has ended?? DOOR LATCH TWO (2) RECALLS AND NEVER FIXED. WHEN WILL I GET IT FIXED at no charge AS IT IS A DEFECT!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11532325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11529772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint peeling all over vehicle. Common problem noted for Kia vehicles with Pearl White paint
NHTSA complaint #11523006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle was parked in a parking log unattended and suddenly caught on fire. The vehicle was driven 15 - 20 minutes before the car was noted of being on fire. The vehicle was known to be leaking oil.
NHTSA complaint #11520474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint peeling across the front of vehicle. Common problem noted for Kia vehicles with Pearl White paint
NHTSA complaint #11519565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11518986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Having Transmission problems. I just bought this car and have had allot of problems with it right now I’m having as I’m accelerating the gear gets stuck and rpm’s rav up and suddenly the gear goes into place and the car just goes fast suddenly this is a really dangerous situation I can’t accelerate right the fluid is good but just wanted to let you guys know of this problem
NHTSA complaint #11512630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I quired about vehicle recall was told to contact nhtsa to get a recall fixed with my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11498778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11488579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car will not always go in park and will click into gear a few seconds afterwards. The car rolled out of my driveway in reverse and caused over 5000.00 dollars in damages. Also the seat settings will get stuck moving and not moving. The air bag light is also on and the fuel cap sticks and won't open unless forced opened
NHTSA complaint #11480666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car intermittently smells like burning rubber after being driven. This has been an ongoing and unresolved issue for about a year, and is of serious concern to me. The car has approximately 130k miles, and is in excellent condition otherwise. Two mechanics have tried to troubleshoot this issue without being able to find the problem. I have tried to eliminate certain potential causes i.e. turning the air or heat off, etc., but it does not affect it. The car does not read "hot". No warning lights come on. There are no signs of leaking fluids, etc. as my garage floor is clean. With Kia having a history of some engines catching fire, it is of even greater concern, although my particular vehicle does not appear to have a recall for that issue.
NHTSA complaint #11473284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Headlights either blink on and off or turn off for about 5 seconds and then will go back on. It also will blink when using the directional. It does this while driving and parked. Also, the horn has just stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11472752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving and came to a red light. Then proceeded to get on the highway when all of a sudden it got 65 mph then off of a sudden lost power and rpms would go past 3000. Had to pull over and shut the SUV off and turn back on and drive 30 mph all the way home. Did I mention I almost got hit by a semi and not to mention my child was in the freaking car!!! Plz kia help
NHTSA complaint #11471977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My rear doors are locked and will only open from the inside. This is very frustrating and I believe very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11468004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.