How many brake complaints does the 2011 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 152 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento, which is 10% of all 1,517 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento?

Yes, two. Campaign 10V599000 covers rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined, and campaign 23V652000 covers a hydraulic brake fluid leak that can lead to fire, which tells owners to park outside.

At what mileage do 2011 Sorento brake problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 68,000 miles at the time of brake failure.

Have the 2011 Sorento's brake problems caused crashes or fires?

Yes. NHTSA records 7 crashes, 5 fires, and 10 injuries linked to brake complaints for this model year.

2011 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 152 brake complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento, 10% of that year's 1,517 total complaints, tied to 7 crashes, 5 fires, and 10 injuries at a median 68,000 miles. Two brake recalls apply: campaign 10V599000 for rear caliper machining and 23V652000 for a hydraulic brake fluid leak/fire risk.

Brakes complaints: 152; 10% of 1,517
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 10
Median mileage: 68,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden loss of braking force where the pedal goes soft and the vehicle fails to slow or stop.
Some report the brakes locking up abruptly at highway speed, causing loss of control and a crash into a guardrail or parked object.
Several complaints tied to recall campaign 23V652000 describe smoke or flames coming from underneath the hood or driver's seat area after a hydraulic brake fluid leak, with parts unavailable to complete the repair.
One owner reported rough instability in suspension along with brakes failing randomly while driving and while parked.
Multiple owners noted the brake failure happened shortly after purchasing the vehicle used, within a day of taking possession.

When 2011 Kia Sorento brake complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 2, 2010, latest Apr 24, 2026.

152 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2024 Q1 (20).

Brakes recalls for the 2011 Kia Sorento

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 10V599000Nov 24, 2010Brakes7,697 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 sorento vehicles manufactured from september 14, 2010, through october 4, 2010. Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined.
Risk: 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.

Brakes complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
2011152 (10%)
2012113 (13%)
201394 (10%)
201495 (10%)
201543 (6%)
201633 (3%)
201727 (3%)
20188 (3%)
201914 (3%)
20205 (4%)
20212 (1%)
202218 (10%)
202313 (11%)
20246 (15%)
20255 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2011 Kia Sorento have?: NHTSA lists 152 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento, which is 10% of all 1,517 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento?: Yes, two. Campaign 10V599000 covers rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined, and campaign 23V652000 covers a hydraulic brake fluid leak that can lead to fire, which tells owners to park outside.
At what mileage do 2011 Sorento brake problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 68,000 miles at the time of brake failure.
Have the 2011 Sorento's brake problems caused crashes or fires?: Yes. NHTSA records 7 crashes, 5 fires, and 10 injuries linked to brake complaints for this model year.