56 of the
2,077 complaints about the 2011 KIA Sorento are about the
suspension — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
50,000 miles.
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
NHTSA complaint #11733480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Olive, MI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGrundy, VA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the axle popped out of the transmission, and fractured the lower ball joints and steering system. There was an abnormal burning electrical odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11664495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keokuk, IA
SUSPENSION
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.
Kenosha, WI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11621859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcalisterville, PA
SUSPENSION
Brakes feel softer, rear brake burnt smell, replaced brakes one month ago. Headlight and taillight bulbs replaced several times in last 3 months due to blinking blowing replaced and starts over again. Screen will not turn on until car has run for 45 minutes. Cannot use back until screen turns on. Leaving car parked until I can get brake system fixed. Noticed brake light on dash and car with swerve light on dash. Too scared to drive until at least brakes are fixed. Reached out to dealership. No part available for recall which most likely is failing my brakes
NHTSA complaint #11574995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcalisterville, PA
SUSPENSION
For awhile now the suspension seems to be worse. Almost every time I go around a corner either to the left or to the right there is a clanging clanging noise. It seems as thought the car is falling apart coming from the back of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11478043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ
SUSPENSION
Vehicle front k frame is severly rusted causing concerns with front suspension stablilty.
NHTSA complaint #11460184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,500 milesMount Airy, NC
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT SUFFERED A STRUCTURAL FAILURE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, STRUT FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. VEHICLE HAS 85500 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #11399069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPalmdale, CAFire
SUSPENSION
2011 KIA SORENTO EX 3.5 ENGINE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE HAS RANDOMLY CHANGED IN THE WAY ITS FEELS SAFE WITH ROUGH INSTABILITY IN MY SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.MY BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A RANDOM BASIS AS WELL AS WHEN CAR IS PARKED WILL RANDOMLY CLICK IN MY GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM AND WILL FAIL TO LOCK WHEN CAR IS PARKED AND SHUT OFF IT WILL CLICK WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED.MY FRONT LIGHTS HAVE DIMMED AND BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE BURNED OUT CONSISTENTLY AS WELL AS MY STEERING WHEEL HAS FAILED WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS RANDOMLY.CAR HORN IS INOPERABLE AND MY CRUISE CONTROL STOP FUNCTIONING. MY ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT ON ME AND MY CAR HAS HISTORIAL PROOF OF CONSISTENT MAINTENANCE WITH CAR FAX REPORT IN HAND .MY GAS MILAGE HAS SINCE DECREASED. MY SUSPENSION FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND REALLY BAD ON BUMPS AND AVERAGE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE ALSO VERY UNPLEASANT SO I HAVE PARKED IT UNTIL IT'S FIXED FOR ACTIVE RECALLS AND OTHER POTENTIAL MANUFACTURER DEFECTS
NHTSA complaint #11395866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,200 milesGreensborough, NC
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE VEHICLE WOBBLED WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BATTLEGROUND KIA (2927 BATTLEGROUND AVE, GREENSBORO, NC 27408, (336) 295-1542) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 99,200.
NHTSA complaint #11339711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPalmdale, CA
SUSPENSION
MY VEHICLE IS GIVING ME RANDOM PROBLEMS WITH MY SUSPENSION AND BRAKE SYSTEM IT RANDOMLY FEELS LIKE IT IS FINE AND THEN RANDOMLY DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE DUE.TO BRAKE CLICKING NOISE THAT YOU CAN HEAR WHERE SHIFT KNOB IS AND WHEN I PRESS BRAKES MY TIRES LOCK OR.SOMETIMES FEELS AS IF THERE IS AIR AND.IT WILL NOT BRAKE.UNLESS I PUMP BRAKES A COUPLE TIMES..MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR STOP OPENING FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE BUT WORKS FINE FROM INSIDE TO OUTSIDE OPENING
NHTSA complaint #11316193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesColumbus, GA
SUSPENSION
MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND I'M AFRAID TO PUT CHILD LOCK ON BECAUSE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT MAKES FOR A VERY DANGEROUS MAYBE DEATHLY SITUATION. HORN DOESN'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11255466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSpringfield, IL
SUSPENSION
MY TIRES FEEL AS IF THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OFF, ALSO EVERY SMALL BUMP I HIT FEELS AS IF I HIT A BIG POTHOLE OR A OBJECT WHEN THAT'S NOT THE CASE AND MY WHEELS POP AS I TURN
NHTSA complaint #11254756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesJarrell, TX
SUSPENSION
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS LIKE NOT GETTING INTO GEAR OR JERKING WHEN SHIFTING AND ENGINE SEEM TO LOOSE POWER OR NOT HAVE ENOUGH ALSO THERE IS A NOISE THE A/C MAKING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATING .
NHTSA complaint #11252733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesNorth Charleston, SC
SUSPENSION
TAKATA BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING BOUGHT 3 SINCE JAN2019. GOT BRAKES DONE IN 2018 BUT PEDAL STILL MOVES AT RED LIGHT CAR MOVES FORWARD. I MASH BREAKS HARDER. ENGINE SHAKES OR JUMPS. IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN ON CAR IT DON'T CRANK UP KEY WAS REMADE A YR AGO. IGNITION STARTED BACK WORKING WELL BUT 6MONTHS AGO SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. TODAY I WAS STUCK 3.5HRS.HORRIBLE PLEASE HELP MY SORENTO IS LOVED BY ME. NO ONE CONTACTED ME ON THESE ISSUES IM HAVING.
NHTSA complaint #11235305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesBennington, NE
SUSPENSION
FIRST ISSUE BEGAN WHEN CAR STARTED PULLING TO RIGHT WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS ON HIGHWAY. TOOK TO SHOP; PAID FOR NEW BRAKES INCLUDING PADS, ROTORS, FRONT CALIPERS PLUS FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT REPLACED. BALL JOINT RUSTED OUT SO BAD IT CRUMBLED TO PIECES WHEN TIRE WAS TAKEN OFF. NOT OUT OF SHOP FOR EVEN A FULL DAY WHEN THE CAR STARTED PULLING AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS A HARD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHILE GOING STRAIGHT ON HIGHWAY AND IN TOWN. THIS TIME THE PULL WAS SO STRONG THE CAR WENT OFF ROAD. THIS TIME IT FELT LIKE STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY. SO BACK TO SHOP TO FIND OUT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT WAS ALSO SHOT AND NEEDED REPLACED. CAR BEEN OUT OF SHOP BARELY 2 WKS; NOW FRONT END IS MAKING A HARD CLUNKY NOISE WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER JUST THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS. THE CAR FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING OVER BOULDERS AND SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE FRONT END IS ABOUT TO FALL APART. SO BACK TO THE SHOP FOR THIRD TIME IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH. READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THESE SAME ISSUES? IM PRETTY SURE I'LL BE PAYING FOR STRUTS, SHOCKS AND/OR COMPLETE REPAIR OF FRONT END SUSPENSION AFTER ALREADY PUTTING $800 IN TO IT. HOW HAS THIS CAR NOT BEEN RECALLED FOR SUCH ISSUES?
NHTSA complaint #11229624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SUSPENSION
MY KIA SORENTO 2011. MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR STARTED ACTING DIFFERENT. EVERY TIME I TURN IT MAKES A NOISE. I GOT THE BALL JOINT DONE. THE RIGHT SITE. ALSO I GOT THE STRUT DONE . I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED NEW STRUT AGAIN. .WENT I DRIVE IT SOUND LIKE IF THE CAR GONNA FALL APART.
NHTSA complaint #11194850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,311 milesStuttgart, AR
SUSPENSION
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON YESTERDAY...AND SUSPENSION WHILE DRYING TRIALS YOU OVER IN LEFT LANE IF YOU HIT A BUMP
NHTSA complaint #11193642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,640 milesMarshall, TX
SUSPENSION
LOUD NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WHILE VEHICLE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ONCE VEHICLE IS IN PARK ON SIDE OF ROAD. NO INDUCATOR LIGHTS LIGHTS SHOW IN DASH.
NHTSA complaint #11165362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesVernon, FL
SUSPENSION
WHILE DIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE GEAR BOX SHATTERED.
NHTSA complaint #11162773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesKenosha, WI
SUSPENSION
PULLS TO 1 DIRECTION WHEN BRAKING AND DRIVING. SOUNDS OF AXEL OR SUSPENSION IN MOTION STARTED ON CITY STREETS NOW ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11124718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 800,000 milesStaten Island, NY
SUSPENSION
I MADE A APPOINTMENT FOR KIA SERVICE COMPLAINING THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENTION R MAKING A NOISE. KIA REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINTS AND SAID THE REAR AND LEFT FRONT SUSPENTION ARE WORKING FINE THE CAR STILL SOUNDS VERY LOUD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS.
NHTSA complaint #11089312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMobile, AL
SUSPENSION
LOUD CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE/SUSPENSION AREA WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS NEW TIRES, AND ALIGNMENT, NEW SHOCKS AND STRUTS, A FRAME BUSHING AND SWAY BAR REPLACED AS WELL, CLANKING NOISE REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #11081033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,846 milesOttawa, Ontario Canada K1V 7C4, CA
SUSPENSION
COIL SPRING FROM FRONT STRUT ON 2011 SORENTO BROKE IN THREE PLACES WHILE IN MOTION IN THE CITY (DRIVING STRAIGHT) AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 KM/HR AND PIERCED SIDE WALL OF TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE. NO INJURIES BUT VERY DANGEROUS INDEED.
NHTSA complaint #11061201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesBrainerd, MN
SUSPENSION
COIL SPRING FROM FRONT STRUT ON 2011 SORENTO BROKE AND LEFT PIECE OF SPRING ON GROUND, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. SPRING CAN CUT TIRE SIDE WALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITH MAJOR INJURIES/DAMAGE TO PASSENGERS, DRIVER, AND VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11055043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,939 milesRutland, VT
SUSPENSION
SWAY BAR FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAS A "KNOCKING NOISE" WHEN TRAVELING OVER SLIGHT BUMPS AND CORNING. UPON INSPECTION, THE SWAY BAR (STABILIZER LINK BAR) IS LOOSE AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A ROUTINE ISSUE WITH THE KIA VEHICLES HOWEVER EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT THE ISSUE RETURNS. THE SWAY BAR (STABILIZER LINK BAR) IS PART OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WHICH HELPS REDUCE BODY ROLL OF A VEHICLE DURING FAST CORNING AND OVER ROAD IRREGULARITIES.
NHTSA complaint #11030272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLatham, NY
SUSPENSION
ALL OF THE KIA SORRENTO 2011 SUSPENSION STRUTS, SHOCKS, STRUT MOUNTING PLATE FRONT LEFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT SOUNDED LIKE LOOSE BOLTS AND THE NOISE WOULD THEN BE A LOUD KNOCKING ESPECIALLY ON ROAD GOING UP AND DOWN HILLS AND TURNS. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TPMS SENSORS, FRONT AND REAR TENSION RODS ON BOTH SIDES. THIS IS THE MOST COSTLY CAR EVER ONLINE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SAME ISSUE THIS SHOULD HAVE A RECALL HERE IS ONE REFLECTING SAME PROBLEM WITH SEDONA MODEL - I SUGGEST YOU CHECK THIS FORUM UNDER SEDONA 2002-2005 "SEDONA FRONT STRUT". KIA HAS A HISTORY OF STRUT NOISE RELATED PROBLEMS. THEY FINALLY CAME OUT WITH A TSB (KT2007020501) ON THE FRONT STRUT ISSUE FOR 2002-2005 SEDONA'S IN EARLY 2007 !!! WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT TSB'S ARE FOR ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEMS BY A MANUFACTURER AND THAT THEY HAVE A FIX FOR SAID PROBLEM, THUS THE TSB TO CARRY OUT FIX. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT SAFETY RELATED THEN NO TSB. SAFETY RELATED ISSUES ARE HANDLED UNDER RECALLS. AN ISSUE THAT IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE IS LABELED "NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF VEHICLE" IT'S THAT SIMPLE AND UNTIL YOU ALL START YELLING TO KIA AND NOT THE SERVICE REP WHO IS STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD SPOT YOU WILL NOT GET RESULTS. MY OTHER SUGESTION TO YOU GUYS IS A MASS LETTER WRITING CAMPAIN TO CONSUMER REPORTS AUTOMOTIVE UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10991409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesPlattsburgh, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CV AXLE LEAKED FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10927698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conneaut, OH
SUSPENSION
WHILE SLOWLY BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, LOUD BANG NOISE, SHOOK CAR. FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE OFF. HAD TOWED TO KIA DEALER, FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING, RIGHT BALL JOINT, AND LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS REPLACED. EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED ALL COSTS. OVER$ 1,000. 73.600 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10862282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.