Kia Sorento 2011–2015 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation (XM)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20265,122 complaints, 3,202 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Kia Sorento
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,520
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine284 reports · median 103,000 mi
- Body structure268 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline265 reports · median 34,000 mi
Recall areas Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Sorento
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 880
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine461 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system127 reports · median 71,000 mi
- Airbag system81 reports · median 94,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Kia Sorento
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 981
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine496 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Electrical system116 reports · median 74,000 mi
- Body structure91 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Kia Sorento
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 988
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine388 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Body structure160 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Electrical system153 reports · median 66,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Kia Sorento
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 753
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine363 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise113 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Body structure100 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2015, and the 2012 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2015 Kia Sorento reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 81,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 143,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,202
- Recalls
- 13
Most reported
- Engine38.9% of complaints · median 96,000 mi
- Electrical system13.7% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
- Body structure12.8% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
Owners filed 5,122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2015 Kia Sorento; the engine leads with 38.9% of them, and half of the 3,202 that record an odometer reading came by 81,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 47,000 to 113,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2015 Kia Sorento last?
On the 2011–2015 Kia Sorento, half of the 3,202 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 81,000 miles and 90% by 143,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
272 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 54 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sorento reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015 · 3,202 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 213 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 54 complaints (1.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 47,000
- Median
- 81,000
- 75%
- 113,000
- 90%
- 143,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 213 | 6.7% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 69 | 2.2% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 81 | 2.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 70 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 79 | 2.5% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 61 | 1.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 77 | 2.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 58 | 1.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 69 | 2.2% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 59 | 1.8% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 82 | 2.6% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 84 | 2.6% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 136 | 4.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 118 | 3.7% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 139 | 4.3% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 130 | 4.1% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 139 | 4.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 136 | 4.2% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 128 | 4.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 118 | 3.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 160 | 5.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 117 | 3.7% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 97 | 3.0% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 84 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 101 | 3.2% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 76 | 2.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 93 | 2.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 56 | 1.7% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 68 | 2.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 32 | 1.0% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 71 | 2.2% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 30 | 0.9% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 34 | 1.1% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 20 | 0.6% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 18 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 7 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 18 | 0.6% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.0% |
| 200,000+ | 54 | 1.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sorento problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline503 reportsmedian 49,000middle half 17,000–98,000
- Electrical system700 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 34,000–112,000
- Body structure654 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 60,000–101,000
- Exterior lighting409 reportsmedian 85,000middle half 65,000–121,000
- Problems owners could not categorise644 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 60,000–115,000
- Airbag system405 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 70,000–117,000
- Engine1,992 reportsmedian 96,000middle half 62,000–123,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,992 | 38.9% | 96,000 | 62,000–123,000 |
| Electrical system | 700 | 13.7% | 75,000 | 34,000–112,000 |
| Body structure | 654 | 12.8% | 80,000 | 60,000–101,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 644 | 12.6% | 86,000 | 60,000–115,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 503 | 9.8% | 49,000 | 17,000–98,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 409 | 8.0% | 85,000 | 65,000–121,000 |
| Airbag system | 405 | 7.9% | 90,000 | 70,000–117,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 234 | 4.6% | 100,000 | 66,000–147,000 |
| Brakes | 205 | 4.0% | 63,000 | 33,000–108,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 169 | 3.3% | 29,000 | 11,000–69,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2015 Sorento
Engine 2011–2015
Theta II GDI connecting rod bearing failure from crankshaft machining debris restricting oil flow to the rod bearings; presents as knocking, power loss, then seizure or stall, occasionally with a punctured block and oil fire. Recall 17V-224 covered Theta II GDI Sorentos in this generation, and the later Knock Sensor Detection System software campaign added early-warning limp mode.
Steering 2011–2013
Electric power steering assist loss and column coupler complaints.
Before you buy a 2011–2015 Sorento: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,202 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2011–2015 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check steering on 2011–2013 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sorento problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi31% below | At 90k mi56% below | At 120k mi78% below | At 150k mi92% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 62,000–123,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 34,000–112,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 60,000–101,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 60,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 17,000–98,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 65,000–121,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 70,000–117,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Sorento 2011–2015 · 3,202 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 31% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 56% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 92% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2015 Kia Sorento recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
3 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (4), the engine (3), the transmission and driveline (3) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2023 · 2011 · EngineA fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. A fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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…
Sep 2023 · 2011–2014 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of…
May 2021 · 2014–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing…
Dec 2020 · 2012–2013 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free…
Aug 2020 · 2014–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideIf the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles…
Dec 2018 · 2012–2015 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product…
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Mar 2017 · 2012–2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingBearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
What can happen. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Oct 2015 · 2011–2013 · Power TrainWithout requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism…
What can happen. Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.…
Aug 2013 · 2014 · Power TrainA fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels.
The defect. Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
What can happen. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of…
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number…
Apr 2013 · 2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009…
What can happen. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the…
The free fix. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners…
Apr 2011 · 2011 · Power TrainDamage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 Sorento 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from the start of production through may 22, 2010. The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a…
What can happen. Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2011. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Nov 2010 · 2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating…
The defect. Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 Sorento vehicles manufactured from september 14, 2010, through october 4, 2010. Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined.
What can happen. As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on december 10, 2010. Owners may contact Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
Aug 2010 · 2011 · Electrical SystemWhen the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a…
The defect. Kia is recalling certain model year 2010 soul and model year 2011 Sorento vehicles manufactured from september 7, 2009 through july 30, 2010. A limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by jci and used for the lighting in the Kia soul vehicle's advanced…
What can happen. When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harnesses for the lights in the Kia soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, and the wiring harness for the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination. This…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 5,122 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 129 (2.5%)
- Fires
- 244
- Injury reports
- 108
- Fatality reports
- 1
Sorento problems by model year
The 2011 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,520, most of them about the engine, and the 2015 the fewest, 753. A typical year drew about 981.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,520 | 1,116 | 80,000 | Engine (284) | 7 |
| 2012 | 880 | 600 | 90,000 | Engine (461) | 5 |
| 2013 | 981 | 646 | 82,000 | Engine (496) | 5 |
| 2014 | 988 | 499 | 80,000† | Engine (388) | 6 |
| 2015 | 753 | 341 | 75,000† | Engine (363) | 3 |
What Sorento owners reported
The contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly seized in the middle of an intersection, and the contact was…
2015 · 207,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and the engine seized, causing a crackling sound and a fuel leak. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
2014 · 184,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the roof of a parking garage, the vehicle caught on fire unexpectedly. The emergency services were called to the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an…
2011 · 106,000 miles · Firerelated
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone auto parts store. The contact was notified of an open recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact referenced an…
2015 · 119,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 3,202 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sorento generations
- Sorento 2003–2009 1,228 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Sorento 2016–2020 907 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Sorento 2021–2025 103 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline