Of the 203 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Kia Sorento,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
2 (100%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Kia Sorento we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 203.
Owners have filed 203 electrical complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 203 complaints per campaign.
Kia is recalling certain model year 2010 soul and model year 2011 sorento vehicles manufactured from september 7, 2009 through july 30, 2010
When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.
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 are reporting
3 most recent
electrical
· filed 12/28/2023
I'm supposed to park my 2011 Sorento outside and away from structures, and not drive it until Kia comes up with a part/solution to fix the engine compartment fire issue relating to NHTSA Recall # 23V652000 (manufacturer recall # SC284XM). This warning was issued Sept 25th, 2023. It's now been over 3 months. Am I supposed to walk everywhere, use a Ride Share service, or take public…
electrical · 117,000 mi
· filed 12/26/2020
The headlights will go off at sporadic times while driving. This condition is frightening, particularly at night since we live in a rural area with no street lights on many of the roads. It is extremely dangerous to find yourself in total darkness on country roads that have deep ditches on either side.
electrical · 112,543 mi
· filed 12/23/2018
Passenger side headlight bulb went out. Went to replace bulb and the connector was melted
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 203 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 140 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 60,000 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 93,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 127,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.