2011 Kia Sorento Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,612miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Kia Sorento, 2% of the 1,520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,612 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving about 40 MPH, when the vehicle appeared to miss/skip gears! It felt as if the vehicle was going to stop altogether, and I definitely lost acceleration ability. Next the malfunction indicator light came on and it has not gone off. I am going to take the vehicle in to the dealer on 12/17/2011 to see what may be causing a problem like this.”
NHTSA complaint #10440241, filed 2011-12, 14,888 miles“While driving the vehicle and while pressing the gas pedal the vehicle starts to come to a stop as if the gas pedal is not being applied. I have to release the gas pedal and press it again for the Sorento to respond and continue to accelerate. I took it to the dealer and they have no clue as to what is the problem. They reset the computer and released the vehicle to me but the problem persists.”
NHTSA complaint #10441585, filed 2011-12, 26,982 miles“Going downhill in our newly purchased 2011 Kia Sorento ex v6, reaching a 4 way stop, our engine quit. Vehicle had only 175 miles on it as it is brand new. Car restarted without further incident. Took it to dealer, they found no problem or faults registered on the onboard computer. I have read of similar occurrences with other 2011 Kia Sorento ex v6. I will file another report if it happens again.”
NHTSA complaint #10406016, filed 2011-06, 175 miles“I have had the car for about 4 months. During this time it has 5 times completely shut off in the middle of an intersection and once while I was changing lanes in stop and go traffic. I have taken it back to the dealer twice and they have been unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10382663, filed 2011-02, 1,900 miles“My 2011 Kia Sorento ex 4 cylinder has had a safety issue with hesitation upon takeoff from a stop sign or any stop. You never know when it will accelerate and I am very concerned it will cause an accident. I have taken it to the local dealer many times as it should be covered under the bumper to bumper warranty. They act like there is not a problem, but there is. One time they did say it would take a software fix that Kia has not provided. I just want it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10413231, filed 2011-07, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 14 | 3% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 27 | 3% |
| 2016 | 31 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 22 | 2% |
| 2013 | 19 | 2% |
| 2012 | 15 | 2% |
| 2011 | 37 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 44 | 14% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 81 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2011 Kia Sorento
284 complaintsBody and structure
268 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
265 complaintsElectrical system
246 complaintsOther or unknown
217 complaintsAir bags
183 complaintsBrakes
132 complaintsExterior lighting
102 complaintsVehicle speed control
63 complaintsSuspension
56 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
33 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology