If you’re in the market for a used SUV, and the 2011 Kia Sorento has caught your eye, you might want to pump the brakes to consider its issues before you fork over your hard-earned cash. As seen on CarComplaints, this vehicle’s more severe problems involve engine-related issues. Numerous instances have occurred of engines unexpectedly stopping working, often preceded by the check engine light turning on, oil leaking, rough idling, or knocking noises. Additionally, the 2011 Sorento is prone to transmission problems, with some owners reporting that the vehicle jerks when shifting gears and others reporting complete transmission failure.
According to NHTSA, the 2011 Sorento has been subject to a staggering eight recalls, spanning various components such as the powertrain, exterior lighting, equipment, electrical system, and service brakes. Alarmingly, one of these recalls was an urgent safety measure due to the potential for an electrical short in the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which could lead to an engine compartment fire, whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. As a result, over 80,000 of these vehicles were recalled due to this high-fire-risk defect.
The 2011 Sorento owners have had their share of grievances regarding the exterior, including plenty of complaints about doors refusing to open from the outside. Then there are door handles that seem to have a mind of their own, deciding to drop off without warning, as well as all sorts of body and paint issues. The interior could also act up, as if the exterior issues weren’t enough. A few owners talked about weird electrical glitches that led to warning lights flashing on the dashboard for no clear reason.
