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2011 KIA Sorento

8 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #23V877000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE

Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
What Happened
The engine in your 2011 Sorento is the heart of your vehicle, converting energy from fuel into power. In some cases, it can overheat and catch fire while you're driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, a fire can break out in the engine compartment, putting you and your passengers at risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will upgrade the engine's software to prevent overheating and replace the engine if necessary – all free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #23V652000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
What Happened
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is a critical part in your vehicle's brake system. It helps your car stop smoothly and safely. In some models, this unit can malfunction and create a fire hazard.
Risk if Unfixed
If the HECU fails, it could start a fire in your engine compartment while you're parked or driving. This could put you and others at risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty HECU fuse for free. In the meantime, please park your vehicle outside and away from any nearby structures. They'll fix the issue as soon as possible, and you shouldn't have to pay a thing.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #15V626000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
The brake-shift interlock mechanism in your Sorento is a safety feature that stops you from accidentally shifting out of 'Park' unless your foot is on the brake. But in some 2011-2013 models, this mechanism can crack or break under heavy gear lever use.
Risk if Unfixed
If it breaks, you could shift out of 'Park' without pressing the brake, and the vehicle could roll away. This could lead to a crash, especially on a slope or incline.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty brake-shift interlock mechanism with a new one at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Original — Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V114000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Manufacturer
Kia Motors Corporation
What Happened
The stop lamp switch in your vehicle controls your brake lights and cruise control. It's the part that makes your brake lights shine when you press the brake pedal and lets you turn off cruise control by pressing the pedal.
Risk if Unfixed
If the stop lamp switch fails, your brake lights might not turn on when you press the brake pedal, and you could get into an accident. You might also lose control of your vehicle's cruise control, and the transmission shifter might move out of park without you meaning to — this could cause your car to roll away and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty stop lamp switch with a new one, at no cost to you. When parts are available, you'll get a second notification, and the repair will be done for free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #11V258000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
What Happened
In your Sorento, the intermediate shaft is like a long rod that connects your transmission to your wheels. But in certain 2011 models, this shaft can wear out quickly because of a slight misalignment.
Risk if Unfixed
If this misalignment is not fixed, your transmission could start to fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the damaged intermediate shaft and right side output gear with new ones, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 22, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #10V599000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
What Happened
The rear brake caliper in your Sorento is a critical part that helps your vehicle stop safely. In some 2011 models made between September 14 and October 4, 2010, the caliper may not have been machined correctly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake caliper isn't working right, brake fluid will leak out, and the brake light will turn on, warning you to check the level. If you don't get it fixed, you might feel a soft or spongy brake pedal, which could reduce your ability to stop quickly and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will inspect the rear caliper and replace it if needed, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after getting the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2010. SOME OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MACHINED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WILL LEAK, FOLLOWED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED, THEN A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CALIPERS AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #10V388000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
What Happened
The wiring harness is a network of electrical cables in your Kia that connect various lights and components. In some 2010-2011 Souls and Sorentos, the wiring harnesses were not properly soldered.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lights in your vehicle are turned on under certain conditions, an electrical short could occur, which could cause a fire.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty wiring harnesses for the lights in your vehicle, free of charge. This repair is a precautionary measure to ensure your safety, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE LIGHTS IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #11E041000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer
CURT MFG. INC.
What Happened
The tow wiring harness in your vehicle is the bundle of wires that connects the lights on your trailer to the lights on your Hyundai Veracruz or Kia Sorento. In some cases, this harness isn't sealed properly, allowing water to seep in and cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring harness gets water inside, it could overheat and catch fire. This could lead to a serious fire in your vehicle.
Free Fix
Curt Manufacturing will replace the faulty wiring harness with a new, sealed one, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible to avoid any potential risks.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Original — Remedy
CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 recalls
POWER TRAIN
2 recalls
ENGINE
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall
EQUIPMENT
1 recall

Other KIA Sorento Years

2013
5 recalls
2012
5 recalls
2010
2 recalls
2009
3 recalls
2008
3 recalls
2007
4 recalls
2006
1 recall
2003
1 recall

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