The 2011 Kia Sorento has 321 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
321
Engine complaints
15%
Share of year
8
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
“After my daughter pulled into her school parking lot on Friday morning, 4/19/24 she reported smelling a very bad smelling smoke. She immediately got out of the car because she then saw flames from under the hood. The car lit on fire, and was completely totaled. I have since been made aware of the…”
NHTSA has 321 complaints about the 2011 Kia Sorento engine — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 23V877000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.