2011 Kia Sorento problems and complaints

Owners have filed 1517 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Engine (284), Structure (268), Power Train (265).

Key takeaways

  • 1517 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 42 involve a crash, 61 a fire, 50 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine28419%
Structure26818%
Power Train26517%
Electrical System24616%
Unknown Or Other21314%
Air Bags18312%
Service Brakes1329%
Exterior Lighting1027%
Vehicle Speed Control634%
Hydraulic594%
Suspension564%
Steering533%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2011 Kia Sorento SUV 4WD4/54/54/54/5
2011 Kia Sorento SUV FWD4/54/54/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Air Bags - filed 2026-08-11

Driver Airbag light is illuminated

Electrical System,structure,engine - filed 2026-07-08

Just bought this from a private seller last week and was driving to work. The engine suddenly caught fire and the car essentially exploded and melted.

Structure - filed 2026-04-25

Opening car door and whole handle fell off.

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More for the 2011 Kia Sorento

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.