171 complaints reported

2011 Kia Sorento Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
171
Crashes
2
Fires
17
Injuries
4

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was unable to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,711.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2026
Nov 2025

Head gasket blew due to head bolts losing threads or stretching not sure exactly why but many people has reported this issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled and was restarted after pulling over to the side of the road. Whenever the vehicle failed to restart immediately, the contact would disconnect the battery and wait approximately 5-10 minutes before reconnecting the battery and restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalls while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had several pending recall repairs. The dealer informed the contact that since the vehicle made the knocking sound, the knock sensors and O2 sensors needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the mileage was above the approved mileage for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure progressively worsened. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (ENGINE). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2025
Aug 2025

Growl on cold start

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2025
Jul 2025

the car has been running fine with no problem. I noticed as I was driving the engine light came on. i made it to my destination and as I was processing to head some where else i heard an unusual sound and the smell of burning smoke. Then all of a sudden there's a lot of smoke coming from the car and the car was stalling as if it was cutting off. I manage to get the car to a staff place since it seems as though the car was running hot. the car had to get towed to a mechanic shop and he thought maybe it was the radiator but it was a blown head gasket in the engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The contact stated that the engine had seized while driving approximately 40-45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had owned the vehicle for a year. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who declined to service the vehicle due to the contact not having the oil change records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
May 2025

see attached documentation

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Feb 2025

The contact’s son owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2025
Feb 2025 Fire

Was on my way back from picking up my child father from work. My 2 kids were also in the car [XXX] & [XXX] old. My car started smoking and another motorist pulled down his window to let me know that my car was on fire from underneath. I immediately got all of us out of the car and my child father went to go pop the hood and noticed that fire was coming near the engine !! Made an insurance claim and they deemed the car as a total loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and unknown recall repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and pulling into a gas station, the vehicle stalled and rolled next to a gas station pump. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to Firestone, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the long block, the head gasket, and the bolts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the brake fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2024

Engine light flashes fast then Kia will slow down to about 30 mph when going up a hill, I've make claims on this Kia for the fire loss, transmission, brakes and now it won't run unless I pay $85 to have the sensor reset which lasts a short time and the light starts flashing again. Was told it doesn't qualify for a new engine because the mileage is over 150,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Dec 2024

My 2011 Kia Sorento is leaking oil.(possibly from an oil pressure sensor from inside engine compartment) Unable to drive vehicle

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Oct 2024 Fire

No oil after filling up with 4qts. Engine over built compression and blew hole through bottom of the block which caused a fire underneath

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made a loud noise while the contact was accelerating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact made it to a safe location. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the residence, but the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The oil light and check engine warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was blinking continuously. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise and the contact smelled smoke. The contact drove the vehicle in LIMP Mode to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the engine was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which determined that the cam shaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The cam shaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Apr 2024

I brought my 2011 Kia Sorento in to Jeff Wyler Kia in Fairfield, Ohio on [XXX] to be checked after receiving notification of a recall campaign for the engine. According to the recall an engine compartment fire can start while driving, and the recall stated engine smoke and/or the smell of burning oil were causes for concern. The remedy was for Kia to replace the engine. Since my vehicle was experiencing both, I scheduled the appointment. I mentioned the smoke seemed to be coming from the rear of the engine, and that it was burning through oil but I never had any oil spots on my driveway.(They specifically asked about this.) I was told that after a complete inspection my vehicle did not qualify for the recall as something else was causing the problem, a leaky seal around the oil pan. Didn't sound right to me but since they are certified mechanics and I'm not I paid for the repair. After the service I noticed the issue was persisting, so I returned to Kia to show them there was still a problem. They assured me this was just residual oil burning off the engine and it would stop in a few days. I then started to notice oil spots under my car where I hadn't before I brought it in for service. Soon after, the engine starting shutting down while driving creating a serious safety issue. When I couldn't get it to start back up, I had it towed back to Kia at my own expense. That was on [XXX] and they still can't tell me what the problem is, only that it is not related to the recall or the service they have provided. They charged me $369.64 for an unnecessary repair that did not fix the issue it was brought in for, and they want to charge me for the diagnostics they are currently allegedly performing on it. They are assuming no responsibility for the issue, even though their negligence in that first visit clearly caused additional harm to the engine, compromising the safety of me and my family. Kia customer care called me once but since will not return my calls or emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Mar 2024

I received a letter in the mail dated February 9th, 2024. This letter stated there was a recall on my car to mitigate any unreasonable fire risk due to potential engine damage. It states to take the car to a Kia dealer so they can inspect and, if need be, replace the engine. It is recall number [XXX]. It states the recall will be repaired at no cost to me. However when I took the car to the dealership, the employee i dealt with told me that it had a very strong burning plastic smell, valve cover is warped, leaking oil onto exhaust manifold and suggest to replace the intake valve and valve cover. I was also told the engine was leaking oil, valve cover and intake leaking. I was then estimated for a total of $1,213.78+tax for the manifold replacement, $454.62 for valve cover replacement, and $211.27 for rear brake lamp assembly. So I would like to file a formal complaint against the BIll Walsh Kia Dealership in Ottawa, IL. for their inability to remedy this defect without charge. I drive my 3 year old daughter around in this car, it is my biggest asset, it gets me to work, it feeds my child, it pays my bills. If my safety is at risk or my child's safety because of the negligence of Kia, they should fix it at their cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

Oil was serviced mid-January, driven intermittently where oil level checked right after service before trip to college (it was full) and oil level checked again March 7 before a trip to Florida and it showed full.   During trip (approx 590 miles after starting trip0, engine failed while driving on interstate causing a safety concern - driver was not able to steer or do any movement of vehicle causing a potential dangerous situation for driver, passengers and other vehicles on interstate. A tow truck was called and vehicle was towed to nearest auto mechanic shop, Will's Auto Mechanic Shop in Jasper, Florida. They indicated the engine was locked up and no longer functional with diagnosis of no oil in engine where dip stick was dry and they did not see any visible leaks. In addition, no check engine or oil light appeared throughout drive prior to engine stopping on interstate. Called insurance although doubtful anything will be covered. Will's Auto indicated will cost approx $3K for engine plus minimum $1,500 in labor to replace engine. If doesn't make sense to replace engine, car worth $150 in scrap as they do not purchase and re-sell vehicles at shop which is 14 hours away from our home. Researched and saw same engine for 2012 Kia Sorento was recalled for similar engine issues with no warning lamps.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Mar 2024

Unknown. Oil leaked totally out happened March 16th 2024. Had car towed oil light came on when oil totally leaked out. Having it looked at on March 26th 2024

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and drove as intended. The LIMP Mode message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced; and the dealer stated that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Feb 2024

Was driving on the [XXX] with my children and puppy on a truck/car route and my engine made a noise and the car slowed down and jerked. I pulled over, turned my car off to check for smoke, leaked, and my tires but nothing seemed wrong. When I tried to start the car the engine light came on blinking and then the battery and oil light came on. The safety of my family and I was freshly put at risk with hundreds of trucks passing by and my car almost swerving into and oncoming truck in the lane to my right. My car has been towed the the dealership where I purchased it to be checked today on 7/3/2024. The used vehicle was purchased at Brick City Motors at 346 Broadway Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104. I purchased this vehicle from this dealership on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the RPM dropped to 0. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled while pulling off the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Jan 2024

When I was driving my SUV engine light came and there was some noise then engine stopped working. Then didn't turn on. It was very bad.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024 Crash Injury

i was driving home from work on 12/22/23 when all of my dashboard lights came on and my engine died. I was in motion when this happened. I put the hazards on and put the car in park and tried to restart it. As I was doing that I was hit from behind by another vehicle. I suffered a concussion that lasted almost 2 weeks. My car being totaled not due to the damage from the accident but the diagnosis that the engine "blew". My insurance company had it towed from a body shop to a salvage yard. I have kept the maintenance completely up to date and put close to $4000 into it last year for normal use items. There was an oil leak that ruined my starter - that was repaired. I am now without a vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Jan 2024

I smell something burning inside the car when after one hour driving it and not feel safe, right after picking the car up from the dealership after the recall service, the engine starts shutting off every time I stop ped at a stop sign or light, the engine also stops every time I go 25 scare me so much, the kia losing power everytime going up hills. The dealership suppose to replace that Engine, I told them about the issue and nothing is done to replace it. instead they look at other issues in order to make money instead of fixing the engine recall issue before something worse happens down the road. I have always maintained my truck well. I want the engine to be replace please. VIN: [XXX] N REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Kia Sorento has 171 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.