2011 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 284about this part
- Share
- 19%of 1,520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 284 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Kia Sorento, 19% of the 1,520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 36 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It started like a low sound from the engine when I tried to speed up three days before monday. And this noise was growing while driving on road. The car slowed down gradually and stopped the engine. The mechanic helped me reach my apt and parked after he changed only the starter, he said engine failure due to defeated bearing.”
NHTSA complaint #11388180, filed 2021-01, 176,000 miles“I was driving to bakersfield to visit my sister. Me and my grandson were on the 5 frwy when my car started losing power. I pulled to the side of the frwy and waited for the tow truck. My car never started again. Since then I have been told that it's the motor. My car never had any problems never ran hot or anything”
NHTSA complaint #11386062, filed 2021-01, 150,000 miles“I have a 2011 Kia Sorento whihc has 136k mileage on it. At 2014 while I was on dealer for regular maintenance they burnned my engine and replaced with new one. Can had 25k on it. Last friday I was driving on highway and my car started to make sound and sound started to come from engine and it stopped completely. Mjaor engine faliure again and delaer not willing to change under warranty. Kia need to address this issue”
NHTSA complaint #11387174, filed 2021-01, 136,000 miles“My car went into limp mode after check engine light came on for transmission and electrical system failure in solenoid a of transmission. Car struggled to shift between gears and would would jerk me driving. Driving yesterday and pedal went straight to the floor causing total motor loss and hole in motor.”
NHTSA complaint #11176495, filed 2019-02, 140,000 miles“I am having issues with engine stall or wont start then oil is going somewhere and no clue where. I thought I had a great vehicle when I bought it didnt know there was any issues with it. But I am afraid to even drive it that something would happen while I am out with the grandbaby an family.”
NHTSA complaint #11170613, filed 2019-01, 190,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V877000Dec 21, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.Covers: Kia Sorento 2011
Related service bulletins
- 11015268Mar 4, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (SC291YZ) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11013573Jan 10, 2025This bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic…
- 11010508Nov 7, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2101Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to…
- 10186032Jan 20, 2021PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - This document is notice to the Dealer Service Managers advising them of the Product Improvement Campaign.
- 10145149Aug 28, 2018DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS - Dear Kia Retailer, You and your customers may have seen recent media reports regarding thermal incidents in Kia vehicles or…
- 10109661May 29, 2014OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER: Dear Kia Sorento Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module in certain 2011-2013…
- 10109660May 29, 2014DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to upgrade the Engine Control Module…
- 10109659May 29, 2014DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: ATTENTION: KIA DEALER PRINCIPALS - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2011-2013 MY Sorento vehicles with the…
- 10109730Feb 13, 2014TSB: 3.5 L MPI - COLD ENGINE START-UP CHATTER - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, equipped with the 3.5 L engine and produced…
- 10060138Feb 1, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 19 | 25% |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 32 | 26% |
| 2022 | 52 | 27% |
| 2021 | 68 | 27% |
| 2020 | 67 | 48% |
| 2019 | 159 | 37% |
| 2018 | 107 | 42% |
| 2017 | 387 | 48% |
| 2016 | 697 | 55% |
| 2015 | 363 | 48% |
| 2014 | 388 | 39% |
| 2013 | 498 | 51% |
| 2012 | 461 | 52% |
| 2011 | 284 | 19% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 67 | 28% |
| 2005 | 63 | 21% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 43 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2011 Kia Sorento
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 complaintsEngine cooling
37 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 28, 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