Makes›Kia›Sorento›2011

2011 Kia Sorento

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Kia Sorento
Pictured: 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD, LX/EX 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
Length
183.9 in
Curb weight
3,605–4,050 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,174 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 110 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Kia Sorento is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb (LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 15% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1174 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2011

  • New body dimensions: 3.2 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines added: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 18 to 24

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Sorento →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD183.9 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,050 lb56/44
LX/EX 4dr SUV FWD183.9 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,605 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+15%$2,800370
Sorento 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+22%$2,900386
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+5%$3,050404
Sorento 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+5%$3,050404
Sorento 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Kia Sorento (this car)24 MPGNot rated7
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated11
2011 Honda CR-V24 MPGNot rated13
2011 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated10
2011 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated16
2011 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (7)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Engine · Dec 21, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V877000 · 79,812 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
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 Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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 the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V626000 · 377,062 vehicles

Problem
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 may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
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.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 980,377 vehicles

Problem
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 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk
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 transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
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 may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Apr 25, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V258000 · 12,690 vehicles

Problem
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 MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Risk
DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Nov 24, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V599000 · 7,697 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Aug 31, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V388000 · 35,185 vehicles

Problem
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 LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.
Risk
WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
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 SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,174Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
58Involved a fire
27Injuries reported
86,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine254
Structure › Body228
Unknown Or Other205
Electrical System190
Air Bags165
Power Train125
Exterior Lighting90
Service Brakes47
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 524/09: 124/10: 224/11: 124/12: 525/01: 425/02: 325/03: 125/04: 225/05: 125/06: 325/07: 225/08: 425/09: 325/10: 325/11: 226/01: 326/02: 226/03: 126/04: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 126/10: 224/0824/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0326/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 254 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Structure › Body — 228 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Electrical System — 190 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sorento years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sorento37–Not rated00
2026 Sorento37189 inNot rated29
2025 Sorento36189 in★★★★★4136
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9228
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5276
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★81,261

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →