2011 Kia Sorento Kia Sorento 2011

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2011 Kia Sorento repairs by problem area

Engine (18%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (31%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 265 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 Kia Sorento.

2011 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (2%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (26%)

< $100 (62%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 133 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Kia Sorento

Engine not specified

Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

3000 mi
Transmission jolt occured while traveling down the interstate. KIA says this was due to outdated software. They upgraded the software and said no transmission damage occured. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Dec 2010 - Oct 2013
Jan 2011

1000 mi
Replaced broken sunroof glass. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Apr 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

75000 mi

US $450
Driver side door latch fails to release catch resulting in the inability to open drivers door from the outside of the vehicle 
Kia Sorento in New Mexico, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

5000 mi
loud banging from passenger front tire area. Told at first all do that. second time in the "mounts" were loose" problem back within 2 days 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Finland
Feb 2011 - Jan 2014
Jan 2012

12400 mi
The audio system speaker resonated when playing loud with bass(premium audio). The right back speaker was replaced. Now OK. 
Kia Sorento in Sweden
Apr 2014 - Jul 2022
Nov 2014

41200 mi
I had complain about vibrations and jolts when driving in the 0-70 km / h. Replacing the rear shock absorber on the warranty. The problem is not solved. Continued troubleshooting driver 
Apr 2016

49800 mi
replacement stabilizer bars front left 
Aug 2017

58280 mi
Replace door hinge for driver's door because of a gap change the driver's seat underrun cause of the gap when break/gas change of roof rail console / paint loose lubricate roof cover / can not close 
Dec 2017

59210 mi
Replacement of front shock absorber and bearing right and left side 
Oct 2021

78740 mi
Srs warning light is on. Repair/soldering of clock spring 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Sorento in South Carolina, United States
Apr 2014 - Mar 2018
Sep 2016

107000 mi

US $200
Accessory belt tensioner 
Dec 2016

111000 mi
Driver's door would not open from the outside. 
Kia Sorento in Arizona, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2015
Sep 2012

15000 mi
Arizon heat killed the factory battery prior to warranty expiration. 
Aug 2014

43700 mi
Fan belt tensioner wore out 
Kia Sorento in Georgia, United States
Mar 2011 - Jan 2016
Nov 2012

20800 mi
Difficulty shifting into PARK and out of PARK. Intermittent problem with increasing frequency. Defective part # 938100W000 SWITCH ASSY-STOP LAMP replaced. Also called brake pedal switch to allow shifting when stopped. Warranty @ 21,000 mi. 
Kia Sorento in New Hampshire, United States
Sep 2015 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

90000 mi

US $2600
Check Engine light came on. Faulty Intake Manifold and bad front struts. Intake manifold was $1700 to fix. The dealer wanted almost double. It was very reliable prior to this issue. KIA offered no help to discount parts. 
Kia Sorento in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2011 - Oct 2017
Mar 2013

33000 mi
The push button start has a brake pedal switch that was failing and needed replacement. Intermittent, so opted not to spend money on a repair. Update: The issue seemed to fade to black. It may have been fixed in a maintenance update or something but I never directly asked for it to be fixed. 
Oct 2013

38500 mi
Middle driver side seat belt ripped I have had a car seat secured in that seat since we bought the vehicle 01/2011 with 3000miles on it. One saturday I go to take my daughter's seat out and find the belt is ripped 2/3 of the way through. 
Mar 2015

63000 mi

US $305
Window regulator failed and needed to be replaced. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - Apr 2012
Feb 2012

7100 mi
Center console squeak 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Nov 2011 - Sep 2016
Jul 2012

39000 mi
The sway bars were bad and making noises during car use. They had to be replaced, but were covered under warranty. Took 3 days to get parts. 
May 2013

55700 mi
Everytime we stepped on the brake, it made a clicking sound under the shifter. We asked to have this fixed. We also asked to have the recall notice issue taken care of as well. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Nov 2021
Jul 2013

38000 mi
The Dashboard Lights were not working. 
Sep 2013

41000 mi
The Driver Side Power Window Regulator had to be replaced. 
Mar 2018

79000 mi

US $200
Replaced old worn out front disc brakepads 
Aug 2021

106000 mi

US $900
The Alternator was fried and needed replacement 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

18000 mi
intermittent refuse to start, dealer replaced brake switch 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Sep 2012 - Dec 2015
Oct 2013

44000 mi
Needed new headliner. New seat latch. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

3000 mi
Recall to replace accessory ambient lighting wiring harness. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Jul 2012
Feb 2012

39100 mi
Light on Shifter housing out. Was disconnected somehow. Also recall on struts...they replaced all struts. 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

83000 mi

US $250
Brake Disengage Sensor malfunction. 
Kia Sorento in Maryland, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2014
Aug 2014

47100 mi
ECM UPDATE, FUEL DOOR TSB OPERATION UPGRADE 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2013
Jul 2012

29000 mi
Shifter system requires replacement 
Aug 2012

29300 mi
Replaced shifter 
Kia Sorento in Arizona, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2022
Sep 2011

10000 mi
Defective brake interlock switch causes pushbutton start to act intermittent 
Nov 2011

10300 mi
Defective brake interlock switch causes pushbutton start to act intermittent 
Jun 2012

13000 mi
Dead Battery. Replaced by dealer at no cost to me. 
Jun 2016

40000 mi
Inadequate cooling 
Apr 2017

44000 mi
Parking pawl (safety recall) 
Sep 2017

46000 mi

US $60
Defective Battery. Replaced at minimal cost 
Jan 2022

65000 mi

US $1400
Replace front strut assemblies and replace rear shocks 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2018
Mar 2010

1000 mi
Roof rails damaged by dealer before car was sold. 
Sep 2012

13000 mi
Rear left bushing was failing and making clunking sound. Dealer replaced due to safety concerns. 
Nov 2013

22100 mi
Fuel sensors and wiring harness failure caused misfire and poor running. Entire harness replaced as well as all electrical components of fuel system. 
Jun 2016

42000 mi

US $450
Wiring harness connector to fuse box was broken, disabling gear indicator and preventing car from starting. Fuse box replaced and wiring harness wiring and connector repaired. Had to be towed three times. 
Oct 2016

47200 mi

US $600
Oil leak found during major service. Looks like head gasket issue. 
Kia Sorento in Missouri, United States
Jul 2010 - Nov 2013
Nov 2010

6150 mi
CEL Code P2422Evap System Valve stuck closed. Replaced 31430-0W000 Valve under warranty. CEL Code P2422 Evap System Valve stuck closed. Used compressed air on a hose, cleared code CEL Code P2422 Evap System Valve stuck closed. Replaced 31430-0W000 Valce- Canister Close. Cleared code. 
Jan 2011

8000 mi
AC blower not working with remote starter. Dealer stated no problem, it shouldn't. Owner replaced fuses in Remote Start module. 
Dec 2012

38000 mi
Air bag light on. Reset by dealer- came right back on, not fixed Alarm going off on it's own, then stopped arming at all. Remote start quit at same time 
Feb 2013

39700 mi
Air bag light on 
Jul 2013

44000 mi
Airbag light coming on. Bad passenger seat. Reset, not fixed. Alarm sounds on its own. 
Sep 2013

52000 mi
Alarm sounding on it's own 
Nov 2013

52000 mi
Alarm constantly sounded on its own. Dealership could duplicate but not fix. 
Kia Sorento in Washington, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

3000 mi
sunroof needing oiling. 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in West Virginia, United States
Nov 2010 - Apr 2014
Aug 2011

27000 mi
The leather wrap on the steering wheel was prematurely wearing and peeling. The entire steering wheel was replaced at no charge and it is now better than new. 
Apr 2014

109000 mi

US $803
Rear wheel bearings on both sides needed replacing 
Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States
Oct 2011 - Oct 2017
Jan 2012

36500 mi
Car when cold and shifted into reverse engages immediately. Shifted into D from N/P and foot off brake, takes 1/2-1 second to move forward/engage. When Car is warm, no delay going from N/P to D/R. Dealer said this is normal... 
May 2015

50000 mi
Front Strut leaking oil all over. Did not take to dealership as they'd only replace one & these should be replaced in pairs. LCD screen for radio going bad. Dealership said "bumper-to-bumper" 5 year warranty didn't cover. "Electrical only has 2 year warranty". 
Oct 2017

75000 mi

US $600
Driver side Auto up/down button spring broke. Requires entire door to be taken apart to replace all window/mirror control buttons since it's one piece. Part cost $200 Motor that controls Air re-circulation flap failed. Got stuck & made ticking noise. Recirculating air not working. Had to take dash apart to get to it. 2 hrs labor, $100 for part. 
Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States
Dec 2011 - Dec 2012
Mar 2012

21000 mi
Bad vibration at 70+ mph. 
Jun 2012

24000 mi
Car pulls to the right consistantly 
Oct 2012

29000 mi
Car would not always start. When parking car, shifter sometimes would not allow you to put it in park. Gas door open button does not always unlock the gas door. 
Dec 2012

29000 mi
Car was traded in with gas door still sticking. Also had a right pull problem they could not fix. 
Kia Sorento in North Carolina, United States
May 2011 - Dec 2012
Dec 2011

36000 mi
Drivers side rear shock bushing failed. Needed to be replaced under warranty. Made horrible rattling sound. Rear view camera would intermittently go out. Camera was replaced. Brake sensor bad resulting in keyless ignition not working properly. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2018
May 2013

23400 mi
The steering wheel leather started to peel. They replaced entire steering wheel. 
Jul 2014

35000 mi

US $150
I went to an alignment shop after the front drivers tire showed uneven wear. The front tire camber was considerably off on both sides. There is no adjustment for camber on the Sorento. I was advised to buy a camber bolt kit. All great now 
Nov 2014

39300 mi
The gear position sensor had malfunctioned causing the car to come out of gear when in reverse and go into neutral. The dealership was able to install a new KIA bracket on the transmission cable to prevent the issue from reoccuring. 
Nov 2015

54000 mi
The rear viewing camera was working only intermittently. 
Jan 2016

43000 mi
Driver side inside door handles replaced under warranty for peeling. 
Jul 2017

75000 mi

US $225
Changed drive belt 
Jun 2018

91000 mi
The battery light turned on and the vehicle started to shake. I charged the battery at home (battery 6 months old) and used the vehicle for a day without issue. The vehicle stalled in my driveway and would not start (no battery charge). Charged battery again and went to dealer (extended warranty) who although had the alternator in stock, needed 6 hours to repair the vehicle. Apparently the A/C lines run in front of the alternator. The refrigerant must be evacuated, the A/C lines removed, alternator replaced, A/C lines reattached and the A/C system evacuated and recharged. This is a very expensive repair ($475 alternator and the rest for labor). Total repair was $1,100. 
Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2010 - Sep 2015
Sep 2010

6200 mi
Slow engine oil leak (4-5 drops/day). Defect in silicon gasket application left too little or bubbled silicon at leak site that eventually broke down. Dealer mechanic re-caulked leak site with new silicon gasket material. No further leak. 
Dec 2010

9300 mi

C $70
Slow engine oil leak from September 2010 service reappeared(4-5 drops/day). Suspect defect in silicon gasket application. In for oil change - have to book a separate one day appointment for dealer to trace/fix oil leak problem. 
Jul 2015

66220 mi

C $100
Engine light comes on and off sporadically. Code P0200A (VVT Sensor). Dealer not able to solve problem in approx. 1 year. No performance issues - just the light. Many parts have been replaced. Light still comes on. Still trying to fix. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
May 2011 - Apr 2018
Oct 2012

16000 mi
Intermittent starting issue with push button start. Bad break sensor was the problem. 
Kia Sorento in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2010 - Jul 2014
Oct 2010

2480 mi
Rear wiper motor was defective. Worked intermittantly. Replaced and is now working properly. Recall had previously replaced wiring harness on mood lighting. Door panels had been removed by not replaced correctly. Vibration in right rear door panel when audio system was playing music with a strong base beat. 
Mar 2011

6820 mi
March 9th I noticed transmission fluid on driveway. Drove to dealership - close by. Transmission seal at torque converter leading. Ordered replacement unit from USA. Took exceptional length of time to arrive and be installed. NOT HAPPY 
Jun 2012

24180 mi
Sirius Receiver suddenly quit working. All other components of the system - Navigation etc. continued to function. I tried several times to re-activate my Sirius but was finally told it was a problem with unit. Dealer replaced it. Now OK. 
Aug 2013

42160 mi
While driving at approx 60 kmh, vehicle lost power, service engine light on. Engine stopped. Pulled over, engine restarted, vehicle into limp mode. Close by dealer. Problem - throttle body replaced. Since, fuel economy vastly improved. 
Oct 2013

46160 mi
While in for normal service late Sept 2013, technician discovered a leak in drivers side front strut. Replaced under warranty. Also fuel filler door would not always open. Replaced under warranty. Fuel system flushed due to poor mileage. 
Nov 2013

48360 mi
Drivers side rear door would not open from outside. Replacement parts ordered by dealer but not sufficient to fix problem. Had to return a second day to have repairs completed. 
Dec 2013

50840 mi
Oil Leak from oil pressure sending unit. The dealership stated they just received a technical service bulletin to commence replacement of the units. They say if it hadn't have leaked, it would have been replaced at the next service. 
Mar 2014

55800 mi
Drivers exterior door handle failed to function. New mechanism ordered and installed. This is the second occasion where an exterior door handle failed. Previously on the drivers side rear door. 
Jun 2014

59520 mi
Keyfob inoperable. Transmitter failed. New unit ordered and replaced and programmed on warranty. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
May 2012 - Dec 2017
May 2012

12000 mi
replaced knock sensor replaced both front struts and bearing plates 
Jun 2012

13000 mi
replaced throttle body, then had to flash computer. failed to correct the problem 
Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2012 - Sep 2017
Sep 2012

19840 mi
replace bad brake switch 
Jan 2013

24800 mi
replace rear camera. could not get it to start, towed, brake switch replaced. 
Jan 2015

42180 mi
drive shaft replace 
Sep 2015

60140 mi
replace the engine, had metal shavings inside 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
- Aug 2010
Aug 2010

2824 mi
roof vibrates when opening it car pulls to the right 
Kia Sorento in Nova Scotia, Canada
Oct 2010 - Jul 2018
Dec 2010

992 mi

C $360
Replaced windshield due to stone chip that led to crack in windshield 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Jan 2018 - Aug 2020
Mar 2019

100000 mi

US $200
Had to replace leaking/failing water pump. Common issue with Kia's >100k miles. Took me and my friend about 4+ hours to do it, and it was pretty difficult due to placement of the pump on the side of the engine bay. 
Kia Sorento in Nova Scotia, Canada
Sep 2015 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

58900 mi

C $441
All rear brake parts were replaced. 
Apr 2017

69981 mi

C $312
Replaced Battery 
Apr 2018

89900 mi

C $324
Ball Joint left front lower 
Kia Sorento in Virginia, United States
May 2010 - Dec 2012
Apr 2011

21000 mi
Rear shock replaced. 
Oct 2011

31300 mi
Another rear shock replaced. I blame the lousy stiff shocks on the car. I read that about six months after production started, they switched to softer shocks. 
Jan 2012

38000 mi
Left front tie bar end and rod also had to be replaced. 
Kia Sorento in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2013 - Jan 2022
Jun 2013

32000 mi
Auto-dimming rear view mirror always dim. Technician noticed that I had a sticker on top of the light sensor and moved it. Problem fixed. 
Oct 2015

59000 mi

US $461
Intermittent starting problems. Battery tested and replaced Tech noticed rear pads at 3mm rotors cut and pads replaced 
Dec 2016

76000 mi

US $168
Serpentine belt worn Replaced 
Jan 2017

78000 mi
ABS warning light came on while driving. Brought it in to be diagnosed. Dealer said that one wheel sensor was bad and the other was intermittent, but didn't have the parts in stock to repair, so no actual part replacement was done. After I got the car back, warning light went out and hasn't come back on since. 
May 2019

111000 mi

US $330
Front pads too thin Pads replaced 
Sep 2019

115000 mi

US $330
Rear pads thin pads replaced 
Mar 2020

120254 mi

US $161
Right front ball joint worn replaced ball joint 
Jan 2021

123000 mi

US $650
Transmission started shifting hard, then dashboard light came on and wouldn't shift into higher gears Tech replaced temperature sensor, checked trans fluid. Eventually found corrosion on electrical connectors that seemed to be the problem. Connectors cleaned and working find 1 year later. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2013
Aug 2013

34000 mi
Intermittently failing backup camera. 
Kia Sorento in Manitoba, Canada
Sep 2010 - Jun 2012
Dec 2010

1240 mi
Headlights kept fogging up internal to the housing, foam filter removed from vent, this fixed problem. 
Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States
Oct 2011 - Jan 2016
Jul 2015

75000 mi
Backup camera was not working (black screen). Quoted cost to replace ($380). Declined service. 
Aug 2015

75700 mi
Replaced rearview camera again (was showing black screen). 
Kia Sorento in Rhode Island, United States
Dec 2010 - Oct 2013
Jun 2011

6000 mi
Air conditioning drain hose plug causing back fill into passenger compartment. 
Apr 2012

19000 mi
The traffic display on the navagation systems stopped working. Dealer diagnosed and couldn't fix the problem. Car needs to go back in for further diagnostics. 
May 2012

20300 mi
From a forum learned of a rest for the nav system, by sticking a pin in a tiny hole in the upper right corner of the unit. Dealer didn't have a clue. Happened a few more times, fixed with a reset each time. 
Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States
Dec 2010 - Nov 2015
Sep 2012

11000 mi
Safety switch preventing putting car in/out of park Also one rear tail light 
Oct 2014

29000 mi
Oil leak, Dealer resealed Oil pan, coveredrnunder warranty 
Kia Sorento in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2016
Sep 2012

32000 mi
Radio/GPS module failed. 
Kia Sorento in Michigan, United States
Oct 2010 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

30000 mi
Problems with vehicle when returned, cannot discuss. 
Kia Sorento in Arizona, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2022
Apr 2013

33500 mi
Engine oil leak. Leak was repaired by replacing gasket. Work completed by Dealer under warranty. 
Sep 2016

71000 mi

US $300
The stereo began shorting out about 70,000 miles. First the CD player started acting up then the entire system. For a short time I was worried that it was the fuse block itself. Just the stereo. Going to upgrade the head unit. 
Jan 2018

85000 mi

US $15
Replaced low beam halogen bulb. 
Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2016
Dec 2010

7000 mi
Vibration detectable when driving. More noticeable at higher speeds. Shop said they could not feel it, but balanced the tires as "most likely cause". Still detectable. No difference from tire balancing. Will return and drive with tech. 
Feb 2011

10300 mi
Dealer replaced driveshaft. 
Dec 2015

157000 mi

US $750
L and R sway bar links replaced 
Kia Sorento in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2013
Jun 2012

36000 mi
dvd wasn't working 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Sorento in Arizona, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

13000 mi
The satellite radio sometimes switched bands due to a controller malfunction. A faulty fitting on the driveshaft had to be replaced. 
Kia Sorento in Oklahoma, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

11000 mi
Car would not start. Start stop button would not start the car. Was in the shop twice for this problem. Ran tests and tightened some connections. 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2018
Feb 2013

18000 mi
battery replaced 
Jun 2016

42000 mi
A small part caused the transmission to lurch when cold. Took a day to get the part. Replacement fixed the lurch. covered under drivetrain warranty. 
Kia Sorento in Idaho, United States
Feb 2011 - Dec 2012
May 2011

6000 mi
Engine oil leak. Dripping from filter. I thought it was a filter mount problem. They said engine cover leaking. Repaired. Still leaking. 
Dec 2012

16000 mi
Engine cover still leaking oil when traded. 
Kia Sorento in Michigan, United States
Dec 2013 - Aug 2019
Mar 2015

49000 mi

US $300
R&R stabilizer links 
Jun 2017

78000 mi

US $900
Both front ball joints worn out and replaced one control arm that was worn. 
Aug 2017

83000 mi

US $325
Replace rotors, pads and caliper boots Replace parking brake cable 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Oct 2010 - May 2020
Oct 2012

15300 mi
Engine would not start. Dealer replaced the brake sensor.  Rear view camera gives distorted image when very hot. 
Jun 2013

22000 mi
Door for the gas cap would not open. They added a part. Works fine now. Also had a recall on drivers window. Fixed that also. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Jan 2021 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022

144000 mi
Replace clock spring under warranty. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Jul 2014 - Jun 2018
Apr 2018

79000 mi

US $100
Had to have a break kit put on it and struts replaced leaking right side had both replaced. Under warranty. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

58000 mi

US $440
Many of the lights on the dash lit up, suggesting ABS, brake, ESC and DBC problems. Problem repaired by replacing rear hub assembly. Dealer wanted $600, my local shop did it for $440. 
Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

33000 mi
When you start driving car start vibrating. 
Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2010 - Oct 2011
Dec 2010

13000 mi
Noisy right front suspension 
Mar 2011

19000 mi
Replaced front struts 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Sep 2013 - Jan 2022
Jan 2014 Brake light switch was going bad. Shift lock located in the center console by the gear shift was starting to make an audible clicking noise. 
Dec 2015

67000 mi

US $84
Driver's side rear door lock would not unlock the exterior handle. Interior handle functioned fine to open door. 
Jan 2017

41700 mi

US $35
Front, lower ball joints were worn and had excessive play. 
Dec 2021

128000 mi

US $150
Top strut mount was becoming very noisy, clunking on bumps and bearing starting to make noise when turning the wheel. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Mar 2010 - Oct 2013
May 2011

20500 mi
car towed b/c intermediate transmission output shaft failed two days after I received a recall notice for it 
Jan 2012

17700 mi
Push/Start button became inoperative. Switch connected to brake pedal was replaced to fix problem. 
Jan 2013

36500 mi
After three trips in which they couldn't replicate a loss of power problem or pull any codes, they replaced the ignition coil pack and electronic throttle body. 
Mar 2013

44800 mi
Replace gas pedal, ECU; didn't fix problem, so replaced brake lamps. very odd. Then said the throttle body has a known problem with armature, and replaced it. Then sent factory tech, replaced harness. I inquire what was done to deal w/ nav system freezing on boot up, and am told it isn’t doing it for them, i.e. nothing has been done, even though they’ve seen it happen when I was at dealership and picking up car. 
Oct 2013

67000 mi
Problem returned in September. Engine would cut out unexpectedly for a second or two, idiot lights would flicker, engine would usually come back quickly, but sudden deceleration was unnerving. Traded car. Nav issues never fixed. Voice recognition also got much worse after they updated the map software. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Nov 2012
Aug 2011

1000 mi
Engine overheated resulting in coolant overflow. Towed to dealer. In repair for 1 week -found coolant in engine oil. Flushed 3 times, all hoses replaced & new thermostat placed. 
Nov 2011

3200 mi
Went to dealer for routine oil change--tech found anti-freeze in the oil again. They checked head gasket-concluded no problem. Ordered Anti freeze/oil filter and installed.Dealer not sure the problem will reoccur. 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2018
Aug 2011

3000 mi
Installed shielding to prevent debris from damaging front springs. 
Sep 2012

13000 mi
Transmission could not be put in park or engine started after stopping in a parking spot. Brake light switch was replaced. 
Jun 2018

83000 mi

US $490
Ignition switch (key tumbler) 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2013
Aug 2011

26000 mi
Problem was caused by faulty mfg heat treatment process on the drive splines that broke. The drive axel half shaft and transmission were both repaired.  
Sep 2011

29000 mi
Check engine light on & read, parts ordered for emissions. 
Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States
May 2011 - Oct 2020
Jul 2012

26000 mi
Could not put the car in gear. It was found to be a faulty brake switch, preventing the the system from releasing from Park. 
Aug 2013

37000 mi
Replace Brake switch 
Kia Sorento in Michigan, United States
May 2011 - Nov 2014
Oct 2011

22000 mi
An attachment broke on the drivers seat side panel with seat controls. Dealer ordered new panel last week and installed it in about 10 minutes today. Said it was the 6th or 7th they'd done, mostly on Sedonas. Very good job! 
Jun 2013

58000 mi
Replaced driver's seat trim panel, the one with the seat controls, for the second time. This part is not engineered strong enough to handle heavy drivers. 
Kia Sorento in Nebraska, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2013
Sep 2011

5000 mi
Transmission would unexpectedly slam in to 4th with a loud bang. Car would have to be restarted to get out of 4th. Dealer updated TCM and PCM (computers). 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

3000 mi

US $10
Inspect suspension for cause of knock, thump, on bumps. Dealer can't duplicate problem even though I am telling them the dust covers on shocks are floating on bumps and hitting top housing. Inspect suspension for cause of knock, thump, on bumps. Dealer can't duplicate problem even though I am telling them the dust covers on shocks are floating on bumps and hitting top housing. 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2018
Aug 2014

30000 mi
driver cloth seat tore apart. dealer said its not under warranty than after haggling relented and agreed to replace cloth. 
Mar 2016

46000 mi

US $300
ball joints were replaced 
Dec 2017

77000 mi
replaced brakes 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2014
Oct 2010

5000 mi
the wiring harness was replaced after coming loose while driving. It felt like the transmission fell out of the car. Since the repair was done there is no problem with that aspect of the vehicle but, the front struts are still making noise 
Feb 2011

10000 mi
All of the A/C vent controls on the vents themselves came apart and fell into the a/c duct work. The dealer doesn't know why this happened but, it looks to be a manufacturing defect. All four a/c vents had to be replaced in the vehicle. 
Aug 2012

47700 mi
The steering wheel covering separated from the steel frame resulting in loss of a firm grip and ability to have full control of the steering wheel on all areas of the steering wheel itself. 
Jan 2013

58000 mi
The auto power window switch broke and I took it to the dealer for repair. Part were ordered and I am waiting to have the part installed.  A/C vents were fix again as the control arm broke off of the vents a second time. 
Feb 2013

59700 mi
After experiencing a forward hestitation/lunge between 27ph and 35mph on downshifts over the past few weeks, I took my vehicle to the dealer. I was told that the transmission was defective and they replaced it. oil pan gasket was leaking. The dealer changed the oil pan gasket and oil. The stabilizer bar was making a noise. After much research it was determined that the left CV joint also needed replacement as the clip was making a crunching noise inside of the unit.Both parts were replaced. 
Feb 2014

82000 mi

US $300
the transmission cooler lines had to be replaced as they were leaking coolant. 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2013
Jul 2012

36000 mi
Fuel access door would not open. Needed slight adjustment. 
Feb 2013

42000 mi
brake light switch was erratic which caused difficulties getting in and out of park. 
Kia Sorento in Nova Scotia, Canada
May 2011 - Jun 2022
Jun 2013

35340 mi
Vehicle wouldn't allow movement out of Drive unless vehicle was shut off. Turns out it was related to recall on brake control sensor control. Vehicle was repaired free within half hour. No problems since. 
Nov 2013

44020 mi
Middle passenger overhead light stopped working. Diagnosed as a short in light unit. Entire light unit was replaced under warranty. 
Jun 2014

48980 mi
Replaced Front Bushings as they were cracked 
Dec 2015

71920 mi

C $450
replaced drivers-side ball joint rear brake pads and calipers replaced 
Jun 2016

84940 mi

C $80
Rattle in passenger side front. Was worn away at connector. Was replaced, all good now. 
Feb 2017

96720 mi

C $775
Front strut bearings were rough and binding. Replaced. Front CV boots were cracked and leaking grease. Replaced boots. 
Feb 2018

109120 mi

C $1300
Steering whining noise detected, was leaking steering fluid. Determined it was a leak in the steering rack. Replaced rack with KIA OEM part (was actually cheaper than non-OEM option) and did front end wheel alignment. 
May 2018

112840 mi

C $560
banging in front passenger side when hitting bumps. Replaced front passenger side strut, mount and wheel bearing 
Jun 2018

113925 mi

C $700
replaced rear brake pads and rotors Right front axle boot torn, axle grinding and had excessive play 
Jun 2022

167400 mi

C $2300
replaced 2 wheel bearings. also replaced worn back brake pads 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2022
Aug 2011

2000 mi
Update computer. 
Jun 2012

6000 mi
rear brake calipers leak 
Sep 2012

9000 mi
Push start quit working. Had to have car towed to dealer. Brake switch replaced. 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Apr 2015 - Jan 2022
Aug 2017

96000 mi

US $200
Changed shocks, could hear that one had failed. 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Nov 2010 - Sep 2017
Mar 2011

2000 mi
Creaky noise from front center console (around gear shifter). Added a spacer around a fastener under console. Cargo net clip broke under light force during extremely cold weather. Dealer ordered, will install later. 
Oct 2011

11000 mi
TSB fix on suspension cover paint defect, body shop fixed 
Sep 2017

120000 mi

US $30
Sticky caliper. Replaced pads and unstuck caliper. 
Kia Sorento in Massachusetts, United States
May 2011 - May 2015
Jul 2013

31700 mi
Clunk and lurch in reverse, engine light on. Dealer unable to replicate, no code in recent history. Dealer reset adaptive driving history. 
Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2011 - Sep 2012
Sep 2011

12000 mi
Bad design in right front strut. Since been redesigned. Old design bangs over rough roads. 
Kia Sorento in Maryland, United States
Jul 2010 - Oct 2012
Jan 2011

11000 mi
Brake became "spongy." Mechanic diagnosed air in line and bled brakes. OK after that. 
Oct 2012

29000 mi
water drain clogged 
Kia Sorento in Alaska, United States
Feb 2010 - Sep 2013
Jul 2010

3000 mi
replaced all light bulbs on the rear of the car due to some TSB 
Dec 2010

5000 mi
Purge sensor control valve went bad. Ordered new part for replacement to be installed next week under warranty. Purge sensor control valve installed 
Feb 2011

5000 mi
check engine light came on and I was told they had to reset the computer according to a TSB that the manufacturer issued. 
May 2013

18000 mi
windshield wiper on the back hatch was making a loud noise when turned on. 
Kia Sorento in Maryland, United States
Jul 2010 - Dec 2017
Jan 2014

54000 mi

US $550
Wheel speed sensor failed, but there was conflicting evidence of cause; local shop took care of problem. It was pricey, but I don't think dealer would have been better, probably worse. This caused multiple warning lights. 
Jul 2014

74200 mi

US $115
Valve stem broke and had to be replaced. Since it doubles as a tire pressure sensor and has to be programmed after installation, it's a little pricey. 
Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2010 - Mar 2014
Mar 2011

9920 mi
Small oil leak. Dealer repaired under warranty 
Sep 2011

15500 mi
Whining noise caused by abnormal wear on tensioner pulley assembly. Replaced by shop Beige Seats became noticeable dirty despite cleaning. Shop cover under extended upholstery warranty A/C compressor became notably noisy. Sounded like a diesel truck 
Jun 2013

58280 mi
Strut Bearing Rotted and Rusted by fatigue. Replaced Stut Bearings 
Jul 2013

59280 mi
Steering Audio controls glitch. When turning wheel talk button is engaged sometimes. Hang up does not work. Volume up becomes next. Random occurrences, no pattern 
Nov 2013

64880 mi
Rear Window tape cracked and bubbled 
Dec 2013

66960 mi
Rear Window tape cracked and bubbled 
Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada
May 2012 - Jun 2012
Jun 2012

27900 mi
Shifting weird and bucking, delayed upshift in lower gears, too long to downshift normally. Felt like it had slip after awhile 
Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States
Aug 2013 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013

65000 mi

US $345
Driver's side motor failed and was stuck in half open position 
Kia Sorento in Missouri, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2014
Jan 2012

12000 mi

US $200
Replaced keyless start brake relay switch 
Jan 2013

22000 mi

US $100
Replace keyless start brake relay switch 
May 2013

25400 mi
Replaced power window switch 
Jul 2013

28000 mi
Back up camera. Only works intermittently. 
Sep 2013

29000 mi
Replaced backup camera. Also replaced battery at 29000 miles. Car less than three yrs old 
Kia Sorento in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

9000 mi
Engine leaking oil, problem seems to be finally identified, waiting to get pieces next week for repair 
Kia Sorento in Maine, United States
Feb 2010 - Sep 2012
Nov 2010

10500 mi
drivers window quit half up, half down. Dealer diagnosed bad regulator, ordered part 1-1/2 weeks ago. Replaced today. 
Kia Sorento in Kansas, United States
Oct 2010 - Mar 2013
Nov 2010

3000 mi
Head lights where not bright, recall on lights, problem solved Car was pulling to the right, was told not a problem but still pulls right. 
Jan 2012

15000 mi
Brake switch went bad car would not start had to tow to dealership for repair, took about 4 hrs 
Jan 2013

7500 mi
Brake switch went bad again 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Kia Sorento in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2011 - Sep 2017
Jan 2012

10460 mi
Auto lights were staying on constantly during daylight hours. Dealer replaced light sensor to address issue however issue has not been corrected i.e. this work did not solve the problem. 
Jan 2013

6160 mi
Auto Light electrical module replaced. 
Kia Sorento in South Dakota, United States
Jan 2010 - Oct 2012
Feb 2010

1000 mi
Replaced manual transmission. Started to grind after 125 miles. Not sure what broke, the dealer pulled it out and sent it back to Kia so they could see what broke. 
May 2010

5100 mi

US $20
The oil pan was leaking. 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States
Oct 2020 - Jul 2022
Oct 2021

147000 mi

US $400
Replacement of both lower front ball joints. 
Jul 2022

154000 mi

US $950
Replaced both struts 

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2011 Kia Sorento 4-door

6-cylinder automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Utah, United States
Jan 2012 - Dec 2013
Aug 2012

35100 mi
The ECO chip went out 
Dec 2012

43000 mi
Eco chip was bad, replaced. 

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2011 Kia Sorento Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 Kia Sorento problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.