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?
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
19 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
22 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,385 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
ABS light came on around 120,000 miles. Believe it is causing issues for steering wheel controls. Light will not turn off. Clock spring sensor bad. Repairs estimated at $2,000. This is a safety issue, will air bags deploy at all"??? why is this not recalled??" read many complaints of the same issue.
Dashboard continuously illuminates that there is a problem with the vehicles air bags. Light is on when the ignition is on or the engine is on. There are no problems driving he vehicle but unsure if airbag will deploy if I am in an accident.
Takata recall - my 2011 Kia sorrento air bag has stopped working and stays on red. I now have no air bags. Also the whole front panel keeps flashing on then off at night while driving on the highway. This is a safety hazard. I've search for a recall on my vehicle and none is showing up.
Air bag light came on at 70000 miles. Dealer ran a scan and we were told the passenger OCS mat was bad. They quoted us at $1600 to fix. Needless to say we are not happy as this is a safety issue that should be recalled.
- Peosta, IA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Car shifter is not engaging and disengaging resulting in not being able to place car in park. This issues was a recall before however; the fix didn't resolve the problem and Kia has not offered a new fix. Also, air bag light still illuminating after recall fix. Again Kia refuse to fix and issue could cause air bag not to deploy in an accident. Also, back rear passenger door won't open from the inside or outside.
Air bag illumination light came on & stayed on at 65450 miles. Dealership states air bag won't deploy as system is rendered inoperable. Needs sop clock spring & OCS matt. Total estimate for repair is $2000. & it's not under warranty. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Kia sooner rather than later.
At 100,900 miles my air bag light came on, car brought to the dealership and I was informed by air bag sensor is defective. In order to fix the problem I will need to pay $1900 to get entire drivers seat replaced. I currently am driving with no air bags in the entire car.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. While driving 30 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (jim ellis Kia of kennesaw, 1221 auto park drive northwest, kennesaw, ga 30144) where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed replacement. The contact stated that the clockspring was replaced, but was concerned that the air bag inflator was not also replaced. The contact was also concerned that the vehicle might have an electrical failure because the headlights failed to illuminate and the headlight bulbs had been replaced several times. The same dealer stated that the air bag warning indicator would remain illuminated because there was also a failure with the air bag sensor in the seats. The contact stated that the air bag sensor in the seats was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the air bag seat sensor replacement. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The check engine light came on with about 115,000 miles on the vehicle. I brought it to the Kia dealer and they informed me that the code was dtc B1764 the passenger OCS mat was defective and gave me an estimate of $2,000 to repair.
Airbag light stays on. Took it to a shop and ran a diagnostic. It stated that the drivers airbag resistance is too high at the first stage. Was told to take to dealer. I have looked on line and have found a number of similar complaints that lead back to faulty wiring or sensor.
Purchased 2011 sorrento from dealer in 2011. Airbag light illuminated since 70K miles. Also, ABS light illuminated about one year ago - took in for ABS recall with set appointment and was turned away as dealer did not have 'the tool needed '' to perform recall that day. Also, dbc and ESC indicator light have been on for years. Finally, within first year of purchase gear shift would jam and not into park. Dealer instructed me over the telephone how to manipulate and fix which worked.
Kia has been selling cars with faulty air bags. My clock spring went out, and I had to pay well over $600 to pass inspection, that Virginia requires. The mechanic told me the airbag could have went off without even hitting anything.
For no reason airbag light came on and stays on. Checked with diagnostic tool- code B1481-driver airbag resistance too high(2nd stage) showed up. Car has 84000 miles. Reading a lot of complains about airbag problems. Should be a recall.
Airbag light went on for no reason. Coil spring is under recall, but mine was the passenger seat sensor. $2000 to replace the seat. Should be covered or bypass option offered. I don't need the sensor.
Air bag warning light came on and has stayed on. Took car back to dealer was told that the clock spring replacement is under a recall and that the OCS mat is defective I cant pay $2000 for this repair and think that this should be recalled as it goes hand in hand with the clock spring. Please look into this matter as it is not cover under warranty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Parma, OH, USA