2011 Kia Sorento body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 8, 2026OHFireBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11748972 · source
2. Filed Jun 17, 2025WABody & StructureElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key, the front driver side door opened; however, the other doors failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that on another occasion, the interior lights failed to work as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11667409 · source
3. Filed Aug 23, 2024FLBody & Structure

   Non working door handles which is a KNOWN issue with Kia! Extremely dangerous obstruction in an event of an emergency where occupants need to get in and out of the vehicle. The ineffective door handles also makes the car less secure because someone who is not authorized can access the safety measures that the vehicle has. This is not right that Kia customers have to spend hundreds for an ongoing issue! This is two out of the four doors now. I replaced one door handle already…

   NHTSA complaint #11610451 · source
4. Filed Jul 19, 2024PABody & Structure

   The door latch behind the driver side of the vehicle does not work. It will not open from the outside of the vehicle. This is a safety concern especially since this is my [XXX] daughter's car. I have called KIA, and they will not honor this repair since the car was purchased and used in January 2024. I also have another 2011 Kia Sorento with the same issue. This is definitely a problem with KIA and this should be repaired regardless of how old the vehicle is since it is due…

   NHTSA complaint #11603415 · source
5. Filed Jul 19, 2024PABody & Structure

   The door latch behind the driver side of the vehicle does not work. It will not open from the outside of the vehicle. This is a safety concern especially since this is my [XXX] daughter's car. I have called KIA and they will not honor this repair since the car was purchased used in August of 2021. I also have another 2011 Kia Sorento with the same issue. This is definitely a problem with KIA and this should be repaired regardless of how old the vehicle is since it is due to…

   NHTSA complaint #11603411 · source
6. Filed May 10, 2024INBody & Structure

   My vehicle has the Snow White Pearl paint on it, and it has been peeling from years. I have taken this to a number of body shops and they say its a factory defect. Kia acknowledges that it is a defect and have offered if I got it fixed to submit a case to see if they would reimburse it, however, this is over 10k out of pocket.

   NHTSA complaint #11588136 · source
7. Filed May 7, 202492,000 miCABody & StructureElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to unlock the vehicle with the key fob, the contact heard the doors unlocking, but the rear doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure initially started after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was…

   NHTSA complaint #11587430 · source
8. Filed Apr 22, 2024TXFireBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   12-29-2023, the Kia Sorento started smoking on the way home. When I got home I opened the hood and saw fire. I put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. On 1-9-2024, I made an appointment with Archer Kia and had the car towed there for a diagnosis. After a month with no response, the service manager at Kia advised me to contact Kia Corporation. I spoke to a representative and was assigned a case number. The representative stated that I should have gotten a software update…

   NHTSA complaint #11584614 · source
9. Filed Mar 22, 2024NJBody & Structure

   Both passenger doors and the driver door will not open from the outside. All three have malfunctioned out of nowhere for no reason.

   NHTSA complaint #11578888 · source
10. Filed Feb 20, 2024MAFireBody & StructureEngine

    Exhaust system flex pipe was repaired and the next day the exhaust muffler/ resonator failed at the seam, causing hot gases to escape into the undercarriage and melt the lower bumper cover assembly on the right passenger side. See photos attached.

    NHTSA complaint #11572849 · source
11. Filed Nov 12, 2023173,719 miCABody & Structure

    Both rear doors will not open from the outside. Driver rear door had child lock engaged when outside latch stopped working making the door completely inoperable. Upon contacting Kia consumer affairs it was stated that although both front door actuators are covered under a campaign number the rear doors are not covered. Kia consumer affairs refused to cover replacement of rear door actuators. Due to both rear doors being inoperable from the outside if an accident was to…

    NHTSA complaint #11554758 · source
12. Filed Oct 17, 2023TXBody & Structure

    Exterior pearl white paint is rapidly delaminating and causing severe rusting of the body in many places. This is NOT due to any scratches, dents or crashes. Kia corporate is aware of the defect and it appears to be a serious manufacturing defect in the primer or paint. I understand there are hundreds, if not tens of thousands, of Kia vehicles affected who have reported this. A recall needs to be issued as this is a major defect and body shops insist that the only fix is a…

    NHTSA complaint #11550462 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology