2011 Kia Sorento Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 102about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 102 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Kia Sorento, 7% of the 1,520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 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.
“I've replaced the driver side low beam headlight 4 times in 2 months and the driver side front turn signal twice during the same span. There seems to be a short as the headlight will work until I use the turn signal while the headlights are on. The headlight burns out and then the turn signal only flashes when the switch for the headlights is off.”
NHTSA complaint #11338799, filed 2020-07, 163,900 miles“The issue I am having is that the entire lighting system will shut off when driving. Its spontaneous when it does it but it sometimes comes back on. This causes me to be driving on the interstate at night with no way of seeing or others to see me. Took it into the dealership and they couldn't find anything wrong when they replaced multiple parts on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11354232, filed 2020-09, 150,000 miles“When turning on the lights to drive at night, they will go out without warning. When I turn on the high beams, the same thing happens. After this back and forth, the problem goes away until the next night. I cannot drive the car at night now. My mechanic is researching this issue and there is a record of this problem on line. I have not heard about a recall yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11350661, filed 2020-08, 215,458 miles“When the left blinker is activated, the headlights, and lighting of interior driver panel), turn off. This occurs when in motion or stationary. I have to tap the blinker arm to get the lights to turn back on. This is a major safety concern driving down dark streets at night. In essence, I'm driving blind and it causes confusion to oncoming traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11153197, filed 2018-11, 5 miles“Clock spring malfunction causing airbag light to illuminate on dash. Steering wheel controls do not work. This is a constant and daily issue. It happens while driving as well as parked. Low beam socket melted. Since been replaced by me. Both issues are under a recall but my VIN is not listed. My vehicles year make and model are listed in a current recall but my VIN does not fall within it.”
NHTSA complaint #11278638, filed 2019-11, 130,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011, Sportage 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10160758May 13, 2019TSB: HALOGEN LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen low beam bulb connector on some 2011 - 2013MY Sorento (XMa)…
- 10159260Apr 22, 2019Request for reimbursement form - wty012 ã¢ââ 2011-2013 my sorento headlamp low beam connector wiring harness new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10159258Apr 22, 2019Dear Kia Sorento Owner - Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, Kia is extending…
- 10159244Apr 19, 2019TSB: HALOGEN LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen low beam bulb connector on some 2011 - 2013MY Sorento (XMa)…
- 10159259Apr 18, 2019Q & a - 2011-2013 my sorento headlamp low beam connector new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10159257Apr 18, 2019Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of the 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento…
- 10159256Apr 18, 2019Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of the 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles…
- 10109873May 12, 2017TSB: SC149R1 - HALOGEN HEADLAMP LOW BEAM CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT (SC149) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses…
- 10109870May 3, 2017SC149DPSM - DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer parts and service managers of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 22 | 5% |
| 2018 | 41 | 16% |
| 2017 | 125 | 15% |
| 2016 | 67 | 5% |
| 2015 | 91 | 12% |
| 2014 | 86 | 9% |
| 2013 | 70 | 7% |
| 2012 | 60 | 7% |
| 2011 | 102 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 13 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 56 | 23% |
| 2005 | 53 | 17% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% |
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 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 31, 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