How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 265 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sorento, which is 17% of the 1,517 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento?

Yes. Recall 15V626000 covers a brake-shift interlock mechanism that can be affected by excessive force on the gear shift lever, and recall 11V258000 covers an intermediate shaft/output gear replacement on 2WD models with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Sorento?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 34,000 miles.

Have crashes been linked to transmission issues on this model year?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported for the 2011 Sorento.

2011 Kia Sorento Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 265 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento, 17% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 34,000 miles. Two related recalls address a brake-shift interlock defect and an intermediate shaft/output gear issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 265; 17% of 1,517
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 34,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicles left in park roll away on their own, sometimes crashing into objects like trees, headstones, or parked vehicles.
Owners report the shift interlock solenoid failing, allowing the transmission to be shifted without the key in the ignition or foot on the brake.
Some drivers describe sudden shaking or spinning of the vehicle when shifting into reverse shortly after a recall repair.
One owner reported the brake pedal feeling depressed on its own while coasting between 30-40 mph, which a dealer attributed to the torque converter.
A child was able to shift a parked, shut-off vehicle into neutral, causing it to roll forward into bushes.

When 2011 Kia Sorento transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 5, 2010, latest Oct 16, 2025.

265 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q1 to 2025 Q4; peak 2011 Q1 (20).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Kia Sorento

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.
NHTSA 11V258000Apr 25, 2011Transmission & Powertrain12,690 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 sorento 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4l engines manufactured from the start of production through may 22, 2010. The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission.
Risk: Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2011. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sorento model year

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

20100 (0%)
2011265 (17%)
201255 (6%)
201369 (7%)
201471 (7%)
201542 (6%)
2016125 (10%)
201737 (5%)
20189 (4%)
201951 (12%)
202018 (13%)
2021137 (55%)
202264 (34%)
202320 (17%)
20244 (10%)
202519 (26%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Kia Sorento have?: NHTSA lists 265 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sorento, which is 17% of the 1,517 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento?: Yes. Recall 15V626000 covers a brake-shift interlock mechanism that can be affected by excessive force on the gear shift lever, and recall 11V258000 covers an intermediate shaft/output gear replacement on 2WD models with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Sorento?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 34,000 miles.
Have crashes been linked to transmission issues on this model year?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported for the 2011 Sorento.