2011 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 21 Sorento years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Kia Sorento has 1,517 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 100 — the worst of all 16 model years tracked, ranked #1 worst. Engine problems (24% of complaints, 42 fires) are the top issue, followed by structure/body and electrical.
- Complaints
- 1,517
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 42 / 61
- Injuries / deaths
- 50 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
Top 2011 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine359 (24%)
- Structure & Body314 (21%)
- Electrical System312 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain265 (17%)
- Other219 (14%)
- Airbags183 (12%)
- Brakes152 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires65 (4%)
- Steering53 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers29 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires and smoke were reported while driving, including a case of connecting rods blowing through the oil pan and igniting flames underneath the vehicle.
- Some owners reported the air conditioner shutting off suddenly at highway speed along with a grinding noise and check engine light before smoke appeared under the hood.
- A vehicle reportedly surged forward on its own after the ESC and DBC warning lights illuminated, crashing into a tree at low speed.
- Owners described a transmission that could be shifted into neutral by children while parked, letting the vehicle roll and crash.
- Brake failure was reported on an icy driveway where the vehicle would not slow or stop, ending in a rollover.
- A front tire reportedly popped while changing lanes at 70 mph, causing loss of control, and a separate wheel assembly was reported to have completely given out at low speed, causing a rollover.
2011 Kia Sorento recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V877000Dec 21, 2023Engine79,812 vehicles
Engine
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 15V626000Oct 6, 2015Transmission & Powertrain377,062 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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."
Risk: 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.
2011 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Compared with other Sorento model years, 2011 ranks worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 1,517 NHTSA complaints — the highest complaint volume of the 16 years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Sorento?
- Engine issues make up 24% of complaints (359 complaints, 42 fires), followed by structure and body problems (21%) and electrical system issues (21%, 25 fires).
- Does the 2011 Kia Sorento have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. Recall 23V877000 covers engine compartment fires while driving, and Kia will install Knock Sensor Detection System software and replace the engine as necessary.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2011 Sorento, covering the engine, brakes, transmission/powertrain, and electrical system.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures in the 2011 Sorento?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 80,000 miles, though engine complaints show a median of 90,000 miles and transmission complaints a median of 34,000 miles.