Vehicles / Kia / Sorento / 2011

2011 Kia SorentoUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

1,519 federal complaints (2,079 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 10 federal investigations · 193 service bulletins · 10 Canadian recalls
See all 24 model years of the Kia Sorento →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
1,519
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
322
Body & structure
269
Power train
266
Electrical system
247
Other
216
Air bags
183
Brakes
134
Lighting
105
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 183 complaints01 years old: 76 complaints2 years old: 53 complaints3 years old: 74 complaints4 years old: 120 complaints5 years old: 201 complaints56 years old: 128 complaints7 years old: 165 complaints8 years old: 153 complaints9 years old: 82 complaints10 years old: 60 complaints1011 years old: 52 complaints12 years old: 71 complaints13 years old: 64 complaints14 years old: 21 complaints15 years old: 12 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,515 of 1,519 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 136 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 105 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 95 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 165 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 185 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 130 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 109 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 69 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 34 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 17 complaints200,000+ miles: 28 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,073 of 1,519 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

322 complaint records44 fire reports8 crash reports
"Head gasket blew due to head bolts losing threads or stretching not sure exactly why but many people has reported this issue..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Body & structure

269 complaint records9 fire reports2 crash reports
"CAN NOT OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAD THE SAME ISSUE LAST YEAR WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Power train

266 complaint records1 fire report8 crash reports
"THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED ON WITH OUR ANY REASON. CAR WON'T ACELERATE, STOP AND GET SPEED IN UNSAFE WAIT ON THE HIGHWAY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
AQ23002
opened Nov 2023
OPENService Brakes, HydraulicHyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023.
DP22003
opened Sep 2022
closed Dec 2023EngineLoss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain...
EA21003
opened Dec 2021
closed Feb 2024EngineEngine Fires - led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on...
DP21003
opened Nov 2021
closed Jun 2023Vehicle Speed ControlThrottle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on...
PE20008
opened Jun 2020
closed Jan 2022Exterior LightingHeadlight Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 KIA Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020,...
Show 5 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE19004
opened Mar 2019
closed Dec 2021Unknown Or OtherNon-crash Vehicle Fires - led to recall 21V844000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle...
DP18003
opened Aug 2018
closed May 2019Unknown Or OtherNon-crash Vehicle Fires - led to recall 19V204000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and...
EA14002
opened May 2014
closed Jan 2021VisibilityPanoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
The investigation focused on spontaneous breakage (fracture) of the panoramic sunroof (sunroof) on MY 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.
PE13035
opened Oct 2013
closed May 2014VisibilityPanoramic Sunroof Breakage
On October 21, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-035 in order to further examine claims that the sunroof would spontaneously break on 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.The majority of these claims occurred while the vehicle was in...
PE11010
opened Apr 2011
closed May 2011Power TrainTransmission Intermediate Driveshaft - led to recall 11V261000
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
23V652000PARK OUTSIDEService Brakes, HydraulicKia 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...Normally free
23V877000EngineKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.Normally free
15V626000Power TrainKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013.Normally free
13V114000Exterior LightingKia 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...Normally free
11V258000Power TrainKIA 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.Normally free
10V599000Service Brakes, HydraulicKIA 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.Normally free
10V388000Electrical SystemKIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024549
2024-08-15
Label647,384Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",...
2023695
2023-12-22
Engine3,812Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine could fail. An engine failure could cause a loss of power to the wheels and/or an engine fire. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine.
2023529
2023-09-26
Brakes276,225Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
2021040
2021-02-01
Engine48,787Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails.
2016120
2016-03-17
Structure10,459On certain vehicles, the sunroof can break due to external impacts, which can cause the sunroof crosspieces with some tempered glass attached to dislodge and drop into the passenger cabin onto occupants.
Show 5 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2015468
2015-10-14
Powertrain42,222Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 102 - Transmission Control Functions.
2013098
2013-04-03
Brakes106,098On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or...
2011174
2011-04-27
Powertrain393On certain vehicles, the automatic transmission's intermediate shaft may suffer excessive wear due to a misalignment with the right side output gear.
2010425
2010-11-24
Brakes411On certain vehicles, the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined and, as a result, brake fluid will leak due to improper sealing.
2010291
2010-09-02
Electrical1,213On certain vehicles, the wiring harness used for the lighting in the vehicle's interior accent illumination located in the front door & rear door trim panels may have been improperly soldered.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R2
Jun 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CS2312_R1
Feb 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CS2312
Dec 2025
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19,...
CS2312_OWNR
Dec 2025
StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign.
PS797
Dec 2025
Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB_BOD205_R3
Nov 2025
SeatsTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) SENSOR PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA046_R5
Apr 2025
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
SC291YZ_TSB_R1
Mar 2025
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (SC291YZ) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
SC291YZ
Jan 2025
EngineThis bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
TSB_ELE108_R1
Dec 2024
Air BagsTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON (WTY003) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI2101YZ_TSB_R1
Nov 2024
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2101Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
CS2304_TSB_R7
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA046_R4
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
CS2304_TSB_R6
Oct 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PS750
Sep 2023
SuspensionPITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference.
CS2304_TSB_R5
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2304A_OWNR2
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the...
CS2304_TSB_R4
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2304_TSB_R3
May 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2304_TSB_R2
May 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2304_TSB_R1
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
CS2304A_OWNR
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject...
TSB_TRA046_R3
Nov 2022
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model.
TSB_SST067_R2
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST).
PI2101YZ_TSB
May 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2101Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2101) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" for 2011MY Sorento...
TSB_SST067_R1
Nov 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated...
TSB_CHA084_R8
Oct 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_BOD055_R1
Sep 2021
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI2101_TSB_R1
May 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI2101 - THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2101) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CHA084_R7
Mar 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R2
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R1
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI2101_OWNR
Jan 2021
Electrical SystemPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - OWNER LETTER - This document is notice to the 2011 MY Sorento vehicle owners advising them of the Product Improvement Campaign on their vehicles.
PI2101_DP
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - This document is the notice to the dealer principals notifying them of the Product Improvement Campaign.
PI2101_DSM
Jan 2021
EnginePRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - This document is notice to the Dealer Service Managers advising them of the Product Improvement Campaign.
PI2101_QA
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions on a campaign.
PI2101_TSB
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI2101 - THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2101) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor...
TSB_CHA084_R6
Nov 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA084_R5
Nov 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
WTY016_OWNR
Sep 2020
SeatsWARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, 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_REIMB
Sep 2020
EquipmentWARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, 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_DP
Sep 2020
EquipmentWARRANTY 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_DPSM
Sep 2020
EquipmentWARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to dealer parts and service managers, 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...
WTY016_QA
Sep 2020
EquipmentWARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the Question and Answer document regarding 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.
PS675
Aug 2020
Service BrakesPITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
TSB_TRA046_R1
Apr 2020
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model.
TSB_BOD205
Mar 2020
SeatsTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) SENSOR PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad on 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles produced from September 24, 2009 through...
TSB_CHA091_R1
Jan 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSBCHA084_R4
Nov 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor,...
TSBCHA084_R3
Oct 2019
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)...
WTY003_OWNER
Aug 2019
Air BagsWTY003_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_REIMB
Aug 2019
Air BagsThis document is a Request for Reimbursement Form sent to the owners along with the notification letter to be used if the customer has paid for repairs to the airbag clock spring assembly.
TSBELE179_R1
May 2019
Exterior LightingTSB: 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) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, which may experience an inoperable low...
WTY012_OWNR_XM
Apr 2019
Electrical SystemDear 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 the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners of 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles, for the...
WTY012_REIMB_XM
Apr 2019
Electrical SystemREQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - WTY012 – 2011-2013 MY SORENTO HEADLAMP LOW BEAM CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION
TSBELE179
Apr 2019
Exterior LightingTSB: 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) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, which may experience an inoperable low...
WTY012_DP
Apr 2019
Exterior LightingAttention: 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, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, for the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring...
WTY012_DPSM
Apr 2019
Electrical SystemAttention: 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 vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, for the halogen headlamp low beam...

Showing 60 of 193 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Kia Sorento →