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EquipmentPart report

2011 Kia Sorento Equipment Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
0%of 1,520 total for the year
Median mileage
52,208miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 2011 Kia Sorento, 0% of the 1,520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,208 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“1st problem: I bought the car, drove it off the lot, dealership did not get it inspected so I had to take it at 10 miles to get an inspection sticker on it! 2nd problem: immediately after buying the car, I noticed all the windows and doors rattled. Took it to Kia in kingwood 5 times and they could never hear the sound and/or fixed other things on the car that did not need to be fixed. Problem still exists. 3rd problem: engine light kept coming on, 3 visits later, I needed a new transmission, at 13,000 miles..something wrong with sensor that measures fluids?? …”

NHTSA complaint #10452035, filed 2012-03, 10 miles

“Drivers side door could not be opened from the outside. It would only open from inside the car. When this issue is googled I realize this is a common Kia problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10628975, filed 2014-08, 68,916 miles

“Problems with remote key fob,wont lock via remote key fob.vehcile won't lock via key. Vehicle won't start via keyless push button start without key fob in the console receptacle. With vehicle running,if key is removed-vehicle remains running and won't sound bell or shutoff engine same problem in summer/2012 dealer replaced battery then,with 22,500 miles on vehicle. At dealership now 9/14/13 waiting for fix with 35,500 miles on Kia Sorento. Dealership says there is also some kind of ECM reflash that is due for my vehicle,now. Still waiting 2hrs now.”

NHTSA complaint #10543579, filed 2013-09, 35,500 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at 35 MPH, the a white smoke began to emit from the vehicle the oil and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. A fellow motorist then alerted her that her vehicle was on fire and urged to to pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Her granddaughter called the authorities as the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed; no injuries were reported. …”

NHTSA complaint #11458644, filed 2022-03, 192,000 miles

“2011 Kia Sorento. Consumer writes regarding problems with vehicle within the first 2 months of purchase the consumer stated the stalled while driving on the highway. It would down shift unexpectedly and then jerk and jolt. There were times when the consumer applied the accelerator and the vehicle would not respond for a short period before the vehicle revved up and accelerated. The vehicle also pulled to the right and there was a bad grinding/rubbing sound coming from the front drivers side of the vehicle, along with spongy brakes which was a problem from the start. …”

NHTSA complaint #10380656, filed 2011-02

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202311%
202211%
201510%
201410%
201220%
201150%
200753%
200642%
200541%
200431%
200352%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Sorento

Engine
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 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Sorento

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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