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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD | 183.9 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,050 lb | 56/44 |
| LX/EX 4dr SUV FWD | 183.9 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,605 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Sorento 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Sorento 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Sorento 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Sorento 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Kia Sorento (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2011 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (7)
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.
Not every 2011 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 254 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 228 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 190 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 Sorento | 36 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 136 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 228 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 276 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →