How common are engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento?

NHTSA lists 359 engine complaints for the 2011 Sorento, which is 24% of the 1,517 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento engine?

Yes. Recall 23V877000, reported December 21, 2023, covers engine compartment fires; the remedy is a Knock Sensor Detection System software install and engine replacement if needed.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 90,000 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.

Have engine problems caused fires or injuries?

NHTSA records 42 fires, 14 crashes, and 13 injuries tied to engine complaints for the 2011 Sorento.

Is the engine problem rate worse in other Sorento years?

Yes, several later years show a higher share of engine complaints, including 2016 at 60% and 2013 at 53%, compared to 24% for 2011.

2011 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 359 engine complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento, 24% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median mileage at failure of 90,000. A related recall (23V877000) covers engine compartment fires and adds a knock sensor software update plus engine replacement as needed.

Engine complaints: 359; 24% of 1,517
Crashes reported: 14
Fires reported: 42
Injuries reported: 13
Median mileage: 90,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden engine compartment fires while driving at highway speed, sometimes preceded by a grinding noise or check engine light.
Some report catastrophic engine failure where connecting rods broke through the oil pan, followed by fire spreading under the vehicle.
Several describe unintended acceleration while shifting from reverse to drive or park at low speed, resulting in the vehicle surging forward or backward into objects or other vehicles.
Owners note the check engine light and warning lights (ESC, DBC) illuminating just before a loss of control or acceleration event.
A few report smoke or sparks coming from the engine compartment shortly before a fire started.

When 2011 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 16, 2010, latest Jul 8, 2026.

359 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (22).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Kia Sorento

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.

Engine complaints by Sorento model year

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

20101 (33%)
2011359 (24%)
2012490 (56%)
2013521 (53%)
2014422 (43%)
2015377 (50%)
2016748 (60%)
2017414 (51%)
2018115 (45%)
2019176 (41%)
202069 (51%)
202174 (30%)
202263 (33%)
202341 (34%)
20246 (15%)
202524 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento?: NHTSA lists 359 engine complaints for the 2011 Sorento, which is 24% of the 1,517 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento engine?: Yes. Recall 23V877000, reported December 21, 2023, covers engine compartment fires; the remedy is a Knock Sensor Detection System software install and engine replacement if needed.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 90,000 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
Have engine problems caused fires or injuries?: NHTSA records 42 fires, 14 crashes, and 13 injuries tied to engine complaints for the 2011 Sorento.
Is the engine problem rate worse in other Sorento years?: Yes, several later years show a higher share of engine complaints, including 2016 at 60% and 2013 at 53%, compared to 24% for 2011.