Kia Sorento 2011–2015
2nd generation (XM)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20266,914 complaints, 4,302 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
- Reports with mileage
- 4,302
- Median of reported failures
- 80,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (28.7%)
- Recalls
- 13
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 41,569 and 114,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015 · 4,302 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 310 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 73 complaints (1.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 10,100
- 25%
- 41,569
- Median
- 80,000
- 75%
- 114,000
- 90%
- 144,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 310 | 7.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 108 | 2.5% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 118 | 2.7% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 98 | 2.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 116 | 2.7% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 84 | 2.0% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 105 | 2.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 81 | 1.9% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 98 | 2.3% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 83 | 1.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 100 | 2.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 116 | 2.7% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 175 | 4.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 158 | 3.7% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 188 | 4.4% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 175 | 4.1% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 173 | 4.0% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 170 | 4.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 161 | 3.7% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 160 | 3.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 198 | 4.6% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 146 | 3.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 119 | 2.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 124 | 2.9% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 127 | 3.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 110 | 2.6% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 117 | 2.7% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 75 | 1.7% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 95 | 2.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 42 | 1.0% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 101 | 2.3% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 40 | 0.9% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 50 | 1.2% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 27 | 0.6% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 27 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 8 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 21 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 13 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 11 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.0% |
| 200,000+ | 73 | 1.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 6,914 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2015 Kia Sorento, and 4,302 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 41,569 and 114,000 miles. The median is 80,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (28.7% of complaints, typically around 96,000 miles), the electrical system (10.1% of complaints, typically around 75,000 miles), body structure (9.5% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles).
13 recall campaigns cover this generation. 3 of them carry a severe NHTSA advisory.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2011–2015 Kia Sorento last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2011–2015 Kia Sorento were filed by 80,000 miles and 90% by 144,000 miles — figures drawn from 4,302 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
73 reports (1.7%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Sorento reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2011–2015 Sorento: the 3-minute check
Generated from 4,302 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2011–2015 cars. Theta II GDI connecting rod bearing failure from crankshaft machining debris restricting oil flow to the rod bearings; presents as knocking, power loss, then seizure or stall, occasionally with a punctured block and oil…
- Check steering on 2011–2013 cars. Electric power steering assist loss and column coupler complaints.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 42,000 and 114,000 miles, with a median of 80,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 75,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Transmission and driveline503 reports48,00017,000–98,000Transmission and driveline: 503 reports, median 48,000 miles, middle half 17,000 to 98,000 miles.
- Electrical system699 reports75,00034,000–112,000Electrical system: 699 reports, median 75,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Body structure657 reports80,00060,000–101,000Body structure: 657 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 101,000 miles.
- Exterior lighting410 reports85,00065,000–120,000Exterior lighting: 410 reports, median 85,000 miles, middle half 65,000 to 120,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise642 reports86,00060,000–115,000Problems owners could not categorise: 642 reports, median 86,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 115,000 miles.
- Airbag system402 reports90,00070,000–115,000Airbag system: 402 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 70,000 to 115,000 miles.
- Engine1,985 reports96,00062,000–122,000Engine: 1,985 reports, median 96,000 miles, middle half 62,000 to 122,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,985 | 28.7% | 96,000 | 62,000–122,000 |
| Electrical system | 699 | 10.1% | 75,000 | 34,000–112,000 |
| Body structure | 657 | 9.5% | 80,000 | 60,000–101,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 642 | 9.3% | 86,000 | 60,000–115,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 503 | 7.3% | 48,000 | 17,000–98,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 410 | 5.9% | 85,000 | 65,000–120,000 |
| Airbag system | 402 | 5.8% | 90,000 | 70,000–115,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 236 | 3.4% | 100,000 | 45,000–143,000 |
| Brakes | 204 | 3.0% | 63,000 | 33,000–108,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 170 | 2.5% | 28,000 | 11,000–69,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015 · 4,302 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 33% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 57% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 98%: the remaining 1.7% of reports (73) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
33% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Electrical system — middle half 34,000–112,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 60,000–101,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 60,000–115,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 17,000–98,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Engine — middle half 62,000–122,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 65,000–120,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 70,000–115,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
57% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 62,000–122,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 34,000–112,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 60,000–101,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 60,000–115,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 17,000–98,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 65,000–120,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 70,000–115,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
78% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Electrical system — median 75,000 mi
- Body structure — median 80,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 86,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 48,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — median 85,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 90,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 62,000–122,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 80,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 28.7% of complaints (1,985 reports, 1,289 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 96,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 62,000 and 122,000 miles.
A single system taking 28.7% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The electrical system accounts for 10.1% of complaints (699 reports, 446 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 34,000 and 112,000 miles.
Body structure accounts for 9.5% of complaints (657 reports, 329 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 101,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 9.3% of complaints (642 reports, 278 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 115,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 7.3% of complaints (503 reports, 391 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 48,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 17,000 and 98,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 5.9% of complaints (410 reports, 241 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 85,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 65,000 and 120,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2011 model year drew the most — 2,077 complaints — while 2015 drew the fewest at 960. The median year sits at 1,296.
The first year of the generation, 2011, sits above the median. That is a common pattern — early production of a redesigned vehicle tends to surface problems that later years do not repeat — and it is worth weighing when choosing between years.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
3 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (4), the engine (3), the transmission and driveline (3). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 6,914 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 201 (2.9%)
- Fires
- 388
- Injury reports
- 169
- Fatality reports
- 1
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2011–2015
Theta II GDI connecting rod bearing failure from crankshaft machining debris restricting oil flow to the rod bearings; presents as knocking, power loss, then seizure or stall, occasionally with a punctured block and oil fire. Recall 17V-224 covered Theta II GDI Sorentos in this generation, and the later Knock Sensor Detection System software campaign added early-warning limp mode.
Steering 2011–2013
Electric power steering assist loss and column coupler complaints.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2,077 | 1,498 |
| 2012 | 1,206 | 811 |
| 2013 | 1,296 | 867 |
| 2014 | 1,375 | 695 |
| 2015 | 960 | 431 |
Recalls (13) — is your car included?
Mar 2024 · 2011–2014 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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.
Feb 2024 · 2011 · EngineA fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. A fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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.
Jul 2021 · 2014–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Jan 2021 · 2012–2013 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Oct 2020 · 2014–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideIf the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Jan 2019 · 2012–2015 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Jun 2017 · 2012–2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingBearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
What can happen. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Nov 2015 · 2011–2013 · Power TrainWithout requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing…
The defect. 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."
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Sep 2013 · 2014 · Power TrainA fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels.
The defect. Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
What can happen. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.
Apr 2013 · 2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. 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
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
May 2011 · 2011 · Power TrainDamage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Dec 2010 · 2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Sep 2010 · 2011 · Electrical SystemWhen the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.
The free fix. 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.
What owners reported
My Kia was being details, the person detailing the vehicle got into the vehicle. He pushed the start button didn't start the vehicle. He started it by inserting the fob in the console. The vehicle started at high rpms, driver had his foot on the brake, placed the car into reverse and the car exited the garage at a…
2011 · Brakes
The transmission or engine tends to stall in the middle of driving like not changing gears, gets locked, jerks back and forth till it unlocks or changes gears while at the same time slowing or stopping car in it's tracks. Rpm go to 0. Feel like a transmission slippage . Sounds like trying to change gears. It happens…
2011 · 4 miles · Throttle and speed control
Throttle position sensor (part of throttle body) hazard! Random. The vehicle radio will shut off, all dashboard lights will illuminate (same lights illuminate when the vehicle is started), and then the throttle pedal loses the ability to accelerate even when pressed all the way to the floor. There is no…
2011 · 6 miles · Electrical system
Built from 4,302 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page