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2011 kia Sorento engine problems

severe 190 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints
190
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 23V877000 21/12/2023

Kia America, Inc

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

engine · filed 12/31/2024

Engine light flashes fast then Kia will slow down to about 30 mph when going up a hill, I've make claims on this Kia for the fire loss, transmission, brakes and now it won't run unless I pay $85 to have the sensor reset which lasts a short time and the light starts flashing again. Was told it doesn't qualify for a new engine because the mileage is over 150,000.

engine · filed 12/29/2011

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A SHOPPING PLAZA, GOING ABOUT 15MPH,THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING THE LOSS OF ALL POWER ASSIST FUNCTIONS AND ELECTRICAL OPERATION. THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK ON-LINE RIGHT AWAY, BUT THE CAR HAD TO BE RESTARTED. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, 4 DAYS LATER. THE CAR WAS COASTING AT ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN. *KB

engine · filed 12/29/2011

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE STARTS TO COME TO A STOP AS IF THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT BEING APPLIED. I HAVE TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESS IT AGAIN FOR THE SORENTO TO RESPOND AND CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS.…

engine · filed 12/27/2021

The engine on my 2011 Kia Sorento has failed and the mechanic at the Kia dealership told me it was because of the rod bearings. My car was serviced at the Kia dealership in April 2021 and apparently 2 weeks later an ECU update recall was placed on my vehicle. I did not receive anything notifying me of this update. In November of 2021 my engine started making a loud noise and then failed to turn …

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 kia Sorento?

It's a meaningful issue. 190 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine 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.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. 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.
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