CarComplaints.com Notes: Kia really changed the design of the Sorento in the 2011 model year. Instead of a truck-like body-on-frame more capable of offroad adventures, the newest Sorento is a unibody construction and is much more crossover than sport utility. The changes brought a whole slew of problems, including a frustrating problem where the door that won’t open. Is it too late to go back?

6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,200
Average Mileage:
41,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
2011 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Kia Sorento Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 132019

Sorento

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At random times when I try to start my push button Kia, it will crank for about 5-8 seconds before it roughly starts. Then the check engine light and the 4 wheel drive icon will light up. The RPM's will remain at 0 as I drive. The car will drive but a bit stiff when turning. This will occur about 3 times in a row, then not for another week or so.

In March, the car suddenly stopped running at a stoplight. There was no auto shop around so I drove it 5 miles home once it started (as described above). The next day, it started normally.

This has been happening for about 10 months. In February, I took it to the dealership and they said they fixed it...for $1200 Two weeks later, it happened again. Finally got it in yesterday and the mechanic says it is a crank shaft sensor....$500. They have to order the part so it will not be fixed today.

Is there a recall on this part?

- Kathy E., Davenport, US

problem #2

Mar 012014

Sorento SX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Bought brand new 2011 Sorento SX v6 sports model MSRP 36000. Engine rough starting for the first 10-15 seconds (Sounds like no oil) started acting up in 2014. Intake manifold replaced.....1300 repair All the lights on the dash came on......500.00 + repair oil sender replaced wheel sensors need replaced front struts......450.00 front coils........400.00 rear shocks....200.00 tires, brakes and rotors continually replaced Steering wheel clock spring replaced 200.00 door locks would not work the remote keyless entry would not work front seat will not adjust, stuck in one position

everytime I ask about the recalls or lemon car....I get the run around......I will never buy another KIA

- Goofy D., New Kensington, PA, US

problem #1

May 222015

Sorento EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

The third time I took my Sorento in for an oil leak. It was also in because it would not start. Then the check engine light came on. When it did start & the engine surged while I was backing out of my garage, over 1500 RPM's. As soon as I would take my foot off the brake, it would rev right back up. The dealership said the fault code had something to do with the transmission shifting gears. They cleared the code & couldn't get it to repeat so they said it was nothing to worry about. June 13th, my vehicle had another rough start & then the RPM's were between 1500-2000 while backing out of my garage. It's been at the dealership for the last 9 days for the 4th oil leak, they "haven't gotten a chance" yet to look at the issue with the engine surging & rough start.

- Kim J., Imperial, PA, US

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