2011 Kia Sorento

1,177 serious complaints of 1,518, the most about engine (284) and structure (268); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 8 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation PE11010: transmission intermediate driveshaft.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Aug 2021

“The contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. The contact stated that both front and rear driver and passenger side door handles failed to operate from outside of the vehicle. As a result, the contact was only able to enter the vehicle through an open window with the inside handle.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Mar 2017

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage This warranty extension addresses failures of the driver’s front airbag clock spring, as well as the diagnosis of any concerns related to the airbag warning light. Kia is extending the warranty coverage for the driver’s front airbag clock spring assembly on the 2011-2015 MY Sorento vehicles,… (TSB ELE108, Dec 2024)
• Extended coverage WTY003_OWNER: This document is the owner notification letter advising the owners of the warranty extension on the 2011-2015 My Sorento Airbag Clock Spring Assembly. (WTY003, Aug 2019)
• Extended coverage WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to dealer principals, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. (WTY016, Sep 2020)
• Extended coverage This warranty extension addresses failures of the driver’s front airbag clock spring as reported by some vehicle owners, as well as the diagnosis of any concerns related to the airbag warning light. Is extending the warranty coverage for the driver’s front airbag clock spring assembly on 2011-2015… (WTY003DEALERP, Jun 2016)
• Extended coverage Kia’s system is designed to illuminate the airbag warning light when electrical resistance increases, which can be contributed to by usage patterns and environmental conditions. Is extending the warranty coverage for the driver’s front airbag clock spring assembly on the 2011-2015 my sorento… (WTY003DEALERPSM, Jun 2016)
• Extended coverage Kia has determined that after extended usage over years, the door latches may not function properly when being activated with the outside handle and the door may not open. * for front door latches: vehicles may have previously had one or both front door latches replaced with improved ones. If the… (TSBBOD150, Aug 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

1,518 owner complaints · 8 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–24 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features