2011 Kia Sorento lighting problems

Related recalls

• Recall 13V114000Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

  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 total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

  Risk: 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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 27, 2025NCFireElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago

   NHTSA complaint #11690083 · source
2. Filed Aug 28, 2024VAElectrical SystemLighting

   This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.

   NHTSA complaint #11611336 · source
3. Filed Apr 11, 2024CTElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   My Kia Sorento 2011 in November 2023 started having the instrument cluster warning lights flashing, abs warning light, tire pressure light and sometimes the check engine light. There is also a very strong burning or melting smell when the car is on. I was very scared to drive my car and have had to find ways to get to work when I received the notice from Kia that there was a recall SC284. About HECU fuse that many Kia Sorento 2011 owners are having issues with the engines…

   NHTSA complaint #11582458 · source
4. Filed Jan 11, 2024SCEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The ABS, downhill assist, and engine light stay on constantly, even though the clock spring has been replaced and multiple car repair shops are unable to diagnose a “problem.” When driving, the vehicle seems like the engine is getting extremely hot and starts to sputter and even cuts off at times. There are currently recalls on 2011 Sorentos for fire risk while parked and fire risk while driving. However, my VIN is not included in the recall for fire risk while driving, but…

   NHTSA complaint #11564822 · source
5. Filed Dec 11, 2023SCElectrical SystemLighting

   2011 Kia Sorento headlights come on during the bright part of the day and also turn off while driving at night in the auto mode. It is dangerous to be driving while at night when headlights just go out at any time and all the other inside dash lights go dim. It also happens that the headlights come on during the afternoon when it is bright outside also and causes the inside dash lights to go dim. Have seen several Kia owners complaining about this same issue. Very, very…

   NHTSA complaint #11559529 · source
6. Filed May 20, 2023MNLighting

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEADLIGHTS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other…

   NHTSA complaint #11523004 · source
7. Filed Sep 16, 2022138,000 miNCElectrical SystemLighting

   The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, after applying the turn signals, the headlights and instrument panel lights became inoperable. The contact related the failure to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11484770 · source
8. Filed Aug 27, 2022ILElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   My headlights are randomly going off and back on while driving. It was just happening under the auto setting while turning, then on auto only at anytime. Remained on in the “on” mode. Last night went off on the highway under the ON mode so getting worse.

   NHTSA complaint #11481531 · source
9. Filed Aug 17, 2022NCLighting

   My headlights are randomly turning off when driving at night. This is a serious safety issue and possibly a defect. Also have sensors (down hill assist) that have failed.

   NHTSA complaint #11479791 · source
10. Filed Aug 1, 2022PAEngineLightingAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Kia Sorento 2011 LX 2.4L Oil disappears weekly, I have to check it often and/or refill. I use the required oil it calls for on the engine oil cap. Vehicle jolts while driving. I've been parked with vehicle off, turned it on, reversed from parking spot and about an tenth of a mile vehicle stalled, put it in park, and restarted. While driving headlights flicker Tapping/knocking noise from engine area, checked oil and its full, mechanic can't seem to find issue. Some forums…

    NHTSA complaint #11476822 · source
11. Filed Jul 7, 2022FLElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

    Headlights either blink on and off or turn off for about 5 seconds and then will go back on. It also will blink when using the directional. It does this while driving and parked. Also, the horn has just stopped working.

    NHTSA complaint #11472752 · source
12. Filed Feb 16, 2022ALLighting

    Headlights you can't leave them on automatic the lights will stay on and kill your battery. The lights blink off and on sometimes when use turn signal, and sometime goes completely out while driving at night have a fear of running into someone or off hwy. No inspections. No lamp warning messages. I bought the Vehicle used May of 2021 and notice problems about a couple of months later.

    NHTSA complaint #11452253 · 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