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

I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago

NHTSA ODI 11690083

My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums

NHTSA ODI 11633934

This very dangerous issue has happened at least 3 times. It happens in frequently but is terrible when it happens because at night you are put into immediate darkness with no warning. Upon flashing the high beams on or using the turn signal the headlights go dark/off. Then you need to restart the car. This is particularly dangerous when driving on dark or high traffic roads because the driver cannot see anything.

NHTSA ODI 11611336

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

The ABS, downhill assist, and engine light stay on constantly, even though the clock spring has been replaced and multiple car repair shops are unable to diagnose a “problem.” When driving, the vehicle seems like the engine is getting extremely hot and starts to sputter and even cuts off at times. There are currently recalls on 2011 Sorentos for fire risk while parked and fire risk while driving. However, my VIN is not included in the recall for fire risk while driving, but I believe it should be based on the inability to diagnose a problem with my engine. Vehicle is well maintained. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11564822

2011 Kia Sorento headlights come on during the bright part of the day and also turn off while driving at night in the auto mode. It is dangerous to be driving while at night when headlights just go out at any time and all the other inside dash lights go dim. It also happens that the headlights come on during the afternoon when it is bright outside also and causes the inside dash lights to go dim. Have seen several Kia owners complaining about this same issue. Very, very dangerous to drive at night. No warning of this is going to happen. This is putting us and others at risk of a life threatening situation. No dealership or auto repair shop can address the problem unless they are there when it actually happens. It is available for inspection at anytime to fix this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11559529

Both low beam headlight out at same time with no indication or warning . On dash it showed lights operational

NHTSA ODI 11558047

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEADLIGHTS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO Started a while ago. Haven’t driving it since fall.

NHTSA ODI 11523004

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, after applying the turn signals, the headlights and instrument panel lights became inoperable. The contact related the failure to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484770

My headlights are randomly going off and back on while driving. It was just happening under the auto setting while turning, then on auto only at anytime. Remained on in the “on” mode. Last night went off on the highway under the ON mode so getting worse.

NHTSA ODI 11481531

My headlights are randomly turning off when driving at night. This is a serious safety issue and possibly a defect. Also have sensors (down hill assist) that have failed.

NHTSA ODI 11479791

Kia Sorento 2011 LX 2.4L Oil disappears weekly, I have to check it often and/or refill. I use the required oil it calls for on the engine oil cap. Vehicle jolts while driving. I've been parked with vehicle off, turned it on, reversed from parking spot and about an tenth of a mile vehicle stalled, put it in park, and restarted. While driving headlights flicker Tapping/knocking noise from engine area, checked oil and its full, mechanic can't seem to find issue. Some forums have suggested throttl control module?

NHTSA ODI 11476822

Headlights either blink on and off or turn off for about 5 seconds and then will go back on. It also will blink when using the directional. It does this while driving and parked. Also, the horn has just stopped working.

NHTSA ODI 11472752

Headlights you can't leave them on automatic the lights will stay on and kill your battery. The lights blink off and on sometimes when use turn signal, and sometime goes completely out while driving at night have a fear of running into someone or off hwy. No inspections. No lamp warning messages. I bought the Vehicle used May of 2021 and notice problems about a couple of months later.

NHTSA ODI 11452253

Headlights go on and off while driving at night, especially when using turn signals. We cannot use Kia Sorento at night. All bulbs are OK

NHTSA ODI 11445724

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the contact was noticed while making a slight turn, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights stopped functioning as designed. The failure also occurred while using the turn signals. The contact had to manually activate the headlights after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Subsequent to the initial complaint, in December 2021, the car owner, Ed Ruzicka, decided to see if replacing the turn signal/wiper control shaft would fix this problem. I did so at my own expense. The lights no longer blink off. Still this seems to be a manufacturer defect rather than mere wear. This has never happened on any vehicle which I have owned before. I am 70. The concern is that this is dangerous. I believe that it should be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11439411

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at nighttime, the front headlights turned off independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11437514

My 2011 Kia Sorento headlights blink on and off when I’m drinking it’s very scary driving at night because I don’t know when it may happen it’s been happening on and off

NHTSA ODI 11436975

Passenger low beam kept burning out. I kept replacing. This morning, on my way home from work (I work nights on an ambulance) I could smell burning, and saw that the light was out once again. Got home, and the entire connector/wiring to the bulb was completely melted and sizzling, with a small flame at the base of the plastic connector. This is outrageous. There were recalls for this EXACT issue for other Sorentos, but mine was not included. This could have started a major vehicle fire, and I cannot afford a vehicle electrician. Kia should be replacing this.

NHTSA ODI 11436094

Tail light continues to blow. Changed both bulbs twice in a week. The left socket has burn mark, and light blows immediately after replacing bulb. This has been continously over the past 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11433479

When driving at night my headlights flicker off and on for about 3 seconds, also when I attempt to use my turn signal, the lights will blink out and I have to jiggle the handle to get the lights to come back on. Sometimes when I turn the corner the head lights will blink off and then come back on and this takes about 3 scary seconds. Unable to drive in an unfamiliar or dark area because the lights are subject to go out. There is no warning light, message or other symptom to address the problem. I was told that there might be a recall on this issue. Is there any technical service bulletin addressing this issue. Please advise as this can be a very dangerous situation

NHTSA ODI 11432916

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while, driving at an undetermined speed at night and making a turn the headlights became inoperable without warning for a few seconds. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11427563

MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. A FEW WEEKS AGO, I LEFT FOR WORK AT 5AM, TRAVELING ON AN UNLIT ROAD WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY FLICKER OFF. I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL DAYLIGHT TO GET TO WORK. WHEN I GOT BACK IN AFTER MY SHIFT, THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I REPLACED IT. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT WENT OUT AGAIN. MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT AND FOUND THE PART THAT THE BULB GOES IN WAS MELTED. NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK, CHANGED BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES, TRIED CERAMIC PARTS, EVEN REWIRED IT. MECHANICS TELL ME IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, BUT THEN THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY LOOK AT MY CAR. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SORENTO. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE TRAVELING AT NIGHT. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL ISSUE?

NHTSA ODI 11402900

GENERAL COMPLAINT-THE MATERIAL ENCLOSING VEHICLE FRONT LIGHTING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT LIGHT TO PASS THROUGH. ALL ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN THE SURFACE FAILED, AS IT APPEARED (TO A LAYMAN) THAT THE MATERIAL WAS CHANGING CHEMICALLY. DEALER REPLACEMENT WAS EXCESSIVELY EXPENSIVE. I PURCHASED AND INSTALLED AN AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT-TOO SOON TO EVALUATE OVER TIME, BUT INITIAL RESULTS SHOW EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE WITH NO APPARENT CHANGE.

NHTSA ODI 11400107

MY DOOR HANDLE OR DOOR LATCH WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE ON MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND ALSO MY LEFT BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. IT IS DANGEROUS FOR AND MY KIDS. ALSO, MY HEADREST HAS FALLEN OFF. I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY LIGHTS, THEY WILL NOT WORK FOR THE INTERIOR.

NHTSA ODI 11386698