2011 Kia Sorento Complaint Log

My vehicle has the Snow White Pearl paint on it, and it has been peeling from years. I have taken this to a number of body shops and they say its a factory defect. Kia acknowledges that it is a defect and have offered if I got it fixed to submit a case to see if they would reimburse it, however, this is over 10k out of pocket.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key fob, the contact heard the doors unlocking, but the rear doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure initially started after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which determined that the cam shaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The cam shaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 169,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, there was a jerking and grinding noise detected when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to stop. The engine, traction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 285,658. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notification would be mailed when the remedy was available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown and the engine light is on

After my daughter pulled into her school parking lot on Friday morning, 4/19/24 she reported smelling a very bad smelling smoke. She immediately got out of the car because she then saw flames from under the hood. The car lit on fire, and was completely totaled. I have since been made aware of the recall that causes engine fires.

Knock Sensor Code came up when having my car checked P1326

Car dash lights flashed and car shut down

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front tires independently braked on and off quickly. The contact stated that the "Down Hill" symbol, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring and the angular velocity sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer retrieved DTC codes: C1260 and 934490RU0. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,757.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.

I received a letter in the mail dated February 9th, 2024. This letter stated there was a recall on my car to mitigate any unreasonable fire risk due to potential engine damage. It states to take the car to a Kia dealer so they can inspect and, if need be, replace the engine. It is recall number [XXX]. It states the recall will be repaired at no cost to me. However when I took the car to the dealership, the employee i dealt with told me that it had a very strong burning plastic smell, valve cover is warped, leaking oil onto exhaust manifold and suggest to replace the intake valve and valve cover. I was also told the engine was leaking oil, valve cover and intake leaking. I was then estimated for a total of $1,213.78+tax for the manifold replacement, $454.62 for valve cover replacement, and $211.27 for rear brake lamp assembly. So I would like to file a formal complaint against the BIll Walsh Kia Dealership in Ottawa, IL. for their inability to remedy this defect without charge. I drive my 3 year old daughter around in this car, it is my biggest asset, it gets me to work, it feeds my child, it pays my bills. If my safety is at risk or my child's safety because of the negligence of Kia, they should fix it at their cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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.

I’ve gotten approved to buy another car and was going to trade my 2011 Kia sorento but still has open recall and Kia dealership has no answers when they can fix. What do i do. Thank you for your help!

Unknown. Oil leaked totally out happened March 16th 2024. Had car towed oil light came on when oil totally leaked out. Having it looked at on March 26th 2024

3/11/24 The first thing I noticed was that my cruise control shut off with a couple of jerks to my vehicle. Then a few minutes later, I lost all steering, put in it park. There was smoke coming from under the hood, but not fire. It is sitting at my house still. A couple of months or so ago, when I received the letter of the recall, I called the dealership I bought my vehicle from and inquired about it. I was told that the part was not available but when it does, I will receive another letter. Also wanted to note, that right before I made that call, my engine light came on the day before that. Today, I called the same dealership to let them know what happened yesterday and they told me there was a cost for a tow truck to come get my vehicle. I was given a phone number to Kia, to which I called and started some kind of process. But it stopped when she told me it was going to be over $200 for a tow truck to come get my vehicle. I am not able to pay that nor feel as if I should due to Kia knowing about the recall and danger of same. Right when I lost steering and a red lamp popped up. I immediately parked it.

My 2011 Kia Sorento is leaking oil.(possibly from an oil pressure sensor from inside engine compartment) Unable to drive vehicle

Oil was serviced mid-January, driven intermittently where oil level checked right after service before trip to college (it was full) and oil level checked again March 7 before a trip to Florida and it showed full.   During trip (approx 590 miles after starting trip0, engine failed while driving on interstate causing a safety concern - driver was not able to steer or do any movement of vehicle causing a potential dangerous situation for driver, passengers and other vehicles on interstate. A tow truck was called and vehicle was towed to nearest auto mechanic shop, Will's Auto Mechanic Shop in Jasper, Florida. They indicated the engine was locked up and no longer functional with diagnosis of no oil in engine where dip stick was dry and they did not see any visible leaks. In addition, no check engine or oil light appeared throughout drive prior to engine stopping on interstate. Called insurance although doubtful anything will be covered. Will's Auto indicated will cost approx $3K for engine plus minimum $1,500 in labor to replace engine. If doesn't make sense to replace engine, car worth $150 in scrap as they do not purchase and re-sell vehicles at shop which is 14 hours away from our home. Researched and saw same engine for 2012 Kia Sorento was recalled for similar engine issues with no warning lamps.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made a loud noise while the contact was accelerating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact made it to a safe location. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the residence, but the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The oil light and check engine warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was blinking continuously. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise and the contact smelled smoke. The contact drove the vehicle in LIMP Mode to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the engine was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

I felt a burning smell in the car while parked. I called the dealer to check if it was related to the recall, but the remedy was unavailable for NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000. .

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I brought my 2011 Kia Sorento in to Jeff Wyler Kia in Fairfield, Ohio on [XXX] to be checked after receiving notification of a recall campaign for the engine. According to the recall an engine compartment fire can start while driving, and the recall stated engine smoke and/or the smell of burning oil were causes for concern. The remedy was for Kia to replace the engine. Since my vehicle was experiencing both, I scheduled the appointment. I mentioned the smoke seemed to be coming from the rear of the engine, and that it was burning through oil but I never had any oil spots on my driveway.(They specifically asked about this.) I was told that after a complete inspection my vehicle did not qualify for the recall as something else was causing the problem, a leaky seal around the oil pan. Didn't sound right to me but since they are certified mechanics and I'm not I paid for the repair. After the service I noticed the issue was persisting, so I returned to Kia to show them there was still a problem. They assured me this was just residual oil burning off the engine and it would stop in a few days. I then started to notice oil spots under my car where I hadn't before I brought it in for service. Soon after, the engine starting shutting down while driving creating a serious safety issue. When I couldn't get it to start back up, I had it towed back to Kia at my own expense. That was on [XXX] and they still can't tell me what the problem is, only that it is not related to the recall or the service they have provided. They charged me $369.64 for an unnecessary repair that did not fix the issue it was brought in for, and they want to charge me for the diagnostics they are currently allegedly performing on it. They are assuming no responsibility for the issue, even though their negligence in that first visit clearly caused additional harm to the engine, compromising the safety of me and my family. Kia customer care called me once but since will not return my calls or emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The rear frame on my 2011 kia sorento rusted and broke.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

There is a engine recall for this vehicle u have to be safe where u park it at all time

The Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short , whioch can result in an engine compartment fire while paked or driving the car.

The engine showed signs of overheating and smoke emissions. The vehicle was taken to a authorized Kia dealership where the recall components: KSDS software, and one other out of the three recall components was replaced. The KSDS software failed to activate and the engine overheated several days later, the vehicle was taken to a dealership where the engine recall replacement order was refused and instead was given a cost estimate of $10,000 USD to replace.

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

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time to repair the recall. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was driving my car to work when my check engine light came on and starting flashing. I made it to work just unable to go over 30MPH because it felt like it was in fail safe mode. That afternoon I spoke with KIA Affairs and the lady advise me to go to autozone and get it diagnosed after work. Well after work I went to go to autozone and barely made it half a mile before it felt like it was going to die. so i turned to go back to turn around to back to work in the parking lot next door. When I turned it felt like i had no control over where my car was going like i had no traction control even though i did not hit any patches of ice.

As I was backing into my driveway on Thursday 1/18/2024 @ 5:25 pm. I was on my way home from work. As I was backing into my driveway I lost power, the ABs and the MIL light both came on, the abs went off but the MIL began to flash and I lost all power in the car. I shut it off immediately and we pushed my car the rest of the way into the driveway. I had received a KIA Safety recall notice that said if this happens, Call KIA, immediately to request a tow to the nearest Authorized dealership. Was told they cannot perform this task and that I need to wait till tghe figure out the recall before they will help me. I have no vehicle to get back and forth to work now and KIA is refusing to help me.

I was driving. Without any warning or any noticeable prior issues my car was smoking very bad from the hood. Once parked I opened the hood but can not tell where it is coming from. When I crank it the smoke starts again.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was sluggish and was losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not available to repair the open recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

When I was driving my SUV engine light came and there was some noise then engine stopped working. Then didn't turn on. It was very bad.

The door latch behind the driver side of the vehicle does not work. It will not open from the outside of the vehicle. This is a safety concern especially since this is my [XXX] daughter's car. I have called KIA, and they will not honor this repair since the car was purchased and used in January 2024. I also have another 2011 Kia Sorento with the same issue. This is definitely a problem with KIA and this should be repaired regardless of how old the vehicle is since it is due to a defect in the product. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Family and i were driving home from soccer and car violently stuttered felt like we hit a deer. This has happened three times now and has caused solenoid a in transmission to fail which i fixed . My wife smells a burning smell also randomly.

Both passenger doors and the driver door will not open from the outside. All three have malfunctioned out of nowhere for no reason.

I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento used from a dealership. The Air Bag Warning light was on & I insisted that they inspect car before I buy it, which they did. I go to pick the car up & the Air Bag Warning light is still on. When I questioned it, I learned that, for SOME REASON, a car's #1 safety feature, the Air Bags, is NOT part of PA's Safety Inspection!! A couple months go by and 1 by 1 the Bluetooth/Audio controls on the steering wheel stop working. So, after reading the Owner's Manual & finding that there is no fuse for the steering wheel controls, I go online to see if I can find the cause &/or how to fix it. That's when I run across hundreds of posts/blogs from other 2011 Sorento owner's saying the exact same thing happened to them and all the replies say that it's caused by the Clock Spring and upon replacing it, all their Bluetooth/Audio controls on steering wheel worked again. I then remember the letters regarding the Clock Spring in with the car's Owner's Manual. I have 2 letters, 1 from 2017 & 1 from 2019 saying that Kia Extended the Warranty on the Clock Spring to 15 years. To take the car to a Kia dealership and have the Air Bag Warning light diagnosed & if it's determined that the Clock Spring is reason it's illuminated, Kia will pay to fix it. What I don't understand is if Kia saw fit to issue TWO identical letters TWO years apart from each other, why didn't they just issue a recall? They obviously knew it was a problem that effected most, if not all of the 2011 Sorento's manufactured. And the real reason I'm writing? Since my research on the internet TWO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS things have happened. 1)my horn no longer works! At 1st it worked when it wanted to but now it doesn't work at all! I've almost gotten in 3 accidents because of it & my car will NO LONGER PASSES INSPECTION and 2) Now the Air Bag system cannot detect when someone is in the passenger seat, so their Air Bags never turn on!! The Extended Warranty expires in 2024 & NO RECALL!????

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the RPM dropped to 0. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled while pulling off the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while reversing out of the garage, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was out of the garage. The contact stated that the turned off the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of black smoke coming out of the engine compartment. The contact stated that he attempted to disconnect the positive battery thermal but was unable to do so. The contact stated that he applied a fire extinguisher to the engine compartment; however the smoke persisted and the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire then extended to the entire vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle had burned to the ground and remained at the residence. The vehicle was totaled. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

i was driving home from work on 12/22/23 when all of my dashboard lights came on and my engine died. I was in motion when this happened. I put the hazards on and put the car in park and tried to restart it. As I was doing that I was hit from behind by another vehicle. I suffered a concussion that lasted almost 2 weeks. My car being totaled not due to the damage from the accident but the diagnosis that the engine "blew". My insurance company had it towed from a body shop to a salvage yard. I have kept the maintenance completely up to date and put close to $4000 into it last year for normal use items. There was an oil leak that ruined my starter - that was repaired. I am now without a vehicle.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while her husband was driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated after driving and parking the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

2011 Kia Sorento headlights come on during the bright part of the day and also turn off while driving at night in the auto mode. It is dangerous to be driving while at night when headlights just go out at any time and all the other inside dash lights go dim. It also happens that the headlights come on during the afternoon when it is bright outside also and causes the inside dash lights to go dim. Have seen several Kia owners complaining about this same issue. Very, very dangerous to drive at night. No warning of this is going to happen. This is putting us and others at risk of a life threatening situation. No dealership or auto repair shop can address the problem unless they are there when it actually happens. It is available for inspection at anytime to fix this problem.

Both low beam headlight out at same time with no indication or warning . On dash it showed lights operational

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.