Problems · by component
2011 Kia Sorento engine and engine cooling problems
37 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Sorento cite engine and engine cooling, 2% of all 1,520 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
37
2% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55–60 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled while making a turn. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was determined that the battery and bracket needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the engine and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the engine power was reduced, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact was forced to pull over onto the side of the road where the vehicle was left idling for a while. The check engine, and the oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and was not worth the effort to replace the engine, as the cost would significantly outweigh the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local service center which determined that the cam shaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The cam shaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 169,000.”
“The contact's wife owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the failure recurred three years later. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided warranty information but never received a copy as promised. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN and no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal clunking sound had emitted from the vehicle. The contact then heard parts falling out of the engine as white smoke began to release from the vehicle's hood. The check engine warning light was also illuminated on the instrument panel as the contact pulled over. The contact lifted that hood and saw flames coming from undeath the vehicle. The contact immediately shut the hood as smoke continued to discharge from the vehicle. The fire department arrived at the scene; however, the fire had dissolved on its own. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that a rod had blown in the engine resulting in engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was initially informed that her vehicle would be repaired under an extended warranty; however, the manufacturer later denied the warranty extension since she failed to have a manufacturer campaign performed on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated when she first started the vehicle in the morning, while seated in the vehicle she started to smell fumes inside the vehicle; however, after the vehicle had warmed up the fume’s odor went away. After transporting her children to school, while driving back to her residence at approximately 25 - 30 MPH, she noticed that there was smoke coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. A passing motorist then informed her that the rear bumper of the vehicle was on fire. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The State Police also arrived on the scene. A fire report and police report were filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
Showing 6 of 37 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.