What 1,516 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the “Low Oil Pressure” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was engine oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic where it had been diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V388000 (Electrical System). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall or in the Technical Service Bulletin with the manufacturer ID number 026 and NHTSA ID Number: 10235099 (Electrical System). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11609343

Was driving on the [XXX] with my children and puppy on a truck/car route and my engine made a noise and the car slowed down and jerked. I pulled over, turned my car off to check for smoke, leaked, and my tires but nothing seemed wrong. When I tried to start the car the engine light came on blinking and then the battery and oil light came on. The safety of my family and I was freshly put at risk with hundreds of trucks passing by and my car almost swerving into and oncoming truck in the lane to my right. My car has been towed the the dealership where I purchased it to be checked today on 7/3/2024. The used vehicle was purchased at Brick City Motors at 346 Broadway Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104. I purchased this vehicle from this dealership on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11598359

Car dash lights flashed and car shut down

NHTSA ODI 11597858

I smell something burning inside the car when after one hour driving it and not feel safe, right after picking the car up from the dealership after the recall service, the engine starts shutting off every time I stop ped at a stop sign or light, the engine also stops every time I go 25 scare me so much, the kia losing power everytime going up hills. The dealership suppose to replace that Engine, I told them about the issue and nothing is done to replace it. instead they look at other issues in order to make money instead of fixing the engine recall issue before something worse happens down the road. I have always maintained my truck well. I want the engine to be replace please. VIN: [XXX] N REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11591882

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, there was a jerking and grinding noise detected when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to stop. The engine, traction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 285,658. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11589904

I have a problem with my Kia Sorento since last year and I expensed a lot money with the eng8ne. The motor is broken down. Also, one shop gave me the receipt, 4 guys for $59 because I refuse any repair again. But, the other shop mechanic where I expensed a lot of money does not give me the receipt, inspire of my request they have not given me the receipt yet. I am so embarrassed, I expensed a lot $5500 for the repair. And, another shop too for $500. Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11589687

Unknown and the engine light is on

NHTSA ODI 11589807

I brought my 2011 Kia Sorento in to Jeff Wyler Kia in Fairfield, Ohio on [XXX] to be checked after receiving notification of a recall campaign for the engine. According to the recall an engine compartment fire can start while driving, and the recall stated engine smoke and/or the smell of burning oil were causes for concern. The remedy was for Kia to replace the engine. Since my vehicle was experiencing both, I scheduled the appointment. I mentioned the smoke seemed to be coming from the rear of the engine, and that it was burning through oil but I never had any oil spots on my driveway.(They specifically asked about this.) I was told that after a complete inspection my vehicle did not qualify for the recall as something else was causing the problem, a leaky seal around the oil pan. Didn't sound right to me but since they are certified mechanics and I'm not I paid for the repair. After the service I noticed the issue was persisting, so I returned to Kia to show them there was still a problem. They assured me this was just residual oil burning off the engine and it would stop in a few days. I then started to notice oil spots under my car where I hadn't before I brought it in for service. Soon after, the engine starting shutting down while driving creating a serious safety issue. When I couldn't get it to start back up, I had it towed back to Kia at my own expense. That was on [XXX] and they still can't tell me what the problem is, only that it is not related to the recall or the service they have provided. They charged me $369.64 for an unnecessary repair that did not fix the issue it was brought in for, and they want to charge me for the diagnostics they are currently allegedly performing on it. They are assuming no responsibility for the issue, even though their negligence in that first visit clearly caused additional harm to the engine, compromising the safety of me and my family. Kia customer care called me once but since will not return my calls or emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11585758

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 recall that causes engine fires.

NHTSA ODI 11584458

12-29-2023, the Kia Sorento started smoking on the way home. When I got home I opened the hood and saw fire. I put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. On 1-9-2024, I made an appointment with Archer Kia and had the car towed there for a diagnosis. After a month with no response, the service manager at Kia advised me to contact Kia Corporation. I spoke to a representative and was assigned a case number. The representative stated that I should have gotten a software update but could not produce any information that I received a recall notice for the software update. All recall notices that I received were addressed and oil changes were regularly done at a major retail store. I was told that an investigation would be done and that I would be contacted. I didn’t receive a response for two months. I called Kia Corporation and was told that they sent information to an address that belonged to my mother which was calling her number instead of calling me. It was never determined why the information was sent to my mother. The car had been registered to my address for over 10 years. Once we established the correct information, I was asked to send service records. I was sent a letter before the representative received the service records stating that the cause of the fire was normal wear and tear. I went to the Archer Kia dealership to talk about the next step. The service manager stated that Kia didn’t send him anything so I waited. This was May 2023. January 2024, I contacted Archia Kia for information. They had received a decline notice to replace the motor. I called Kia Corporation again. I discovered that the original representative no longer worked there. The new representative wanted to call the dealership on a three way call. The service manager was not available and the representative told me he would call me back. In February 2024, I received a recall notice concerning the software issue and a notice stating that the car could catch on fire. In March 2024, I rec

NHTSA ODI 11584614

Knock Sensor Code came up when having my car checked P1326

NHTSA ODI 11582771

My Kia Sorento 2011 in November 2023 started having the instrument cluster warning lights flashing, abs warning light, tire pressure light and sometimes the check engine light. There is also a very strong burning or melting smell when the car is on. I was very scared to drive my car and have had to find ways to get to work when I received the notice from Kia that there was a recall SC284. About HECU fuse that many Kia Sorento 2011 owners are having issues with the engines catching fire while driving or parked. And the symtoms before a fire occurs are the same as I have experienced with the instrument cluster illuminating and the strong burning smell as well. Its April 2024 and I haven't had a car since November 2023 because the recall has yet to be remedied. This is completely unacceptable I cannot drive I cant take my car to emmissions and might eventually get my car towed due to not being able to it not passing emissions and cant pass for registration. There needs to be compensation for this inconvenience and for this recall not being a priority.

NHTSA ODI 11582458

Preventative complaint. I received a recall notice on November 14, 2023 regarding recall of my 2011 KIA Sorento. Recall #23V652000. Manufacturer's recall #SC284XM. I have contacted my dealer, Danbury CT KIA to find out when they can repair the recall. They just keep stating that they don't have the parts. The recall is not done in a timely fashion and I am greatly concerned that my only car could catch fire at any time. This should be repaired immediately if such a great hazard is possible. Lives could be in jeopardy since I seldom have my grandchildren in my car. Please provide Danbury Connecticut KIA the necessary parts to address the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11581113

I received a letter in the mail dated February 9th, 2024. This letter stated there was a recall on my car to mitigate any unreasonable fire risk due to potential engine damage. It states to take the car to a Kia dealer so they can inspect and, if need be, replace the engine. It is recall number [XXX]. It states the recall will be repaired at no cost to me. However when I took the car to the dealership, the employee i dealt with told me that it had a very strong burning plastic smell, valve cover is warped, leaking oil onto exhaust manifold and suggest to replace the intake valve and valve cover. I was also told the engine was leaking oil, valve cover and intake leaking. I was then estimated for a total of $1,213.78+tax for the manifold replacement, $454.62 for valve cover replacement, and $211.27 for rear brake lamp assembly. So I would like to file a formal complaint against the BIll Walsh Kia Dealership in Ottawa, IL. for their inability to remedy this defect without charge. I drive my 3 year old daughter around in this car, it is my biggest asset, it gets me to work, it feeds my child, it pays my bills. If my safety is at risk or my child's safety because of the negligence of Kia, they should fix it at their cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11578994

Unknown. Oil leaked totally out happened March 16th 2024. Had car towed oil light came on when oil totally leaked out. Having it looked at on March 26th 2024

NHTSA ODI 11577963

Oil was serviced mid-January, driven intermittently where oil level checked right after service before trip to college (it was full) and oil level checked again March 7 before a trip to Florida and it showed full.   During trip (approx 590 miles after starting trip0, engine failed while driving on interstate causing a safety concern - driver was not able to steer or do any movement of vehicle causing a potential dangerous situation for driver, passengers and other vehicles on interstate. A tow truck was called and vehicle was towed to nearest auto mechanic shop, Will's Auto Mechanic Shop in Jasper, Florida. They indicated the engine was locked up and no longer functional with diagnosis of no oil in engine where dip stick was dry and they did not see any visible leaks. In addition, no check engine or oil light appeared throughout drive prior to engine stopping on interstate. Called insurance although doubtful anything will be covered. Will's Auto indicated will cost approx $3K for engine plus minimum $1,500 in labor to replace engine. If doesn't make sense to replace engine, car worth $150 in scrap as they do not purchase and re-sell vehicles at shop which is 14 hours away from our home. Researched and saw same engine for 2012 Kia Sorento was recalled for similar engine issues with no warning lamps.

NHTSA ODI 11578111

Family and i were driving home from soccer and car violently stuttered felt like we hit a deer. This has happened three times now and has caused solenoid a in transmission to fail which i fixed . My wife smells a burning smell also randomly.

NHTSA ODI 11577776

I’ve gotten approved to buy another car and was going to trade my 2011 Kia sorento but still has open recall and Kia dealership has no answers when they can fix. What do i do. Thank you for your help!

NHTSA ODI 11577790

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and drove as intended. The LIMP Mode message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced; and the dealer stated that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11577301

My 2011 Kia Sorento is leaking oil.(possibly from an oil pressure sensor from inside engine compartment) Unable to drive vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11576982

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made a loud noise while the contact was accelerating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact made it to a safe location. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the residence, but the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The oil light and check engine warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was blinking continuously. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise and the contact smelled smoke. The contact drove the vehicle in LIMP Mode to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000 (Engine) however, the engine was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

NHTSA ODI 11576039

The engine showed signs of overheating and smoke emissions. The vehicle was taken to a authorized Kia dealership where the recall components: KSDS software, and one other out of the three recall components was replaced. The KSDS software failed to activate and the engine overheated several days later, the vehicle was taken to a dealership where the engine recall replacement order was refused and instead was given a cost estimate of $10,000 USD to replace.

NHTSA ODI 11575420

Exhaust system flex pipe was repaired and the next day the exhaust muffler/ resonator failed at the seam, causing hot gases to escape into the undercarriage and melt the lower bumper cover assembly on the right passenger side. See photos attached.

NHTSA ODI 11572849

There is a engine recall for this vehicle u have to be safe where u park it at all time

NHTSA ODI 11571204

While driving on the freeway, the car began to lose power. As I struggled to maneuver to the right lane to pull over, something under the hood caught on fire and black smoke came billowing out. We were able to get out of the car before a young man traveling in he opposite direction saw us and turned around to help. With his help we were able to get my grand kids out and into his car. Thank God that he was not criminally minded. I then called AAA who towed the car back to our home. This happened in July 2023. In October, I received a safety recall notice warning of a possible fire happening. I contacted the local Kia dealership and was told that there was nothing they could except wait and that it could take up to a year or receive the part to remedy the problem. I then contacted Kia Headquarters and was told the same thing. It is now January 2024, and still no remedy and no operable vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11568390