Car Yearsto Avoid

2011 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento?

316 owners have reported engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento, 21% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 49,000–136,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

316 complaints 21% of all 2011 complaints 100,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Engine 4
Catalytic convertor 1
Emission control 1
Crank / camshaft position sensor 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (214 of 316). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Sorento year

2008 Sorento 43
2009 Sorento 4
2011 Sorento 316
2020 Sorento 68
2021 Sorento 69
2022 Sorento 53
2023 Sorento 32
2024 Sorento 6
2025 Sorento 19

Related recalls

Engine

Fire risk

An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. 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.

Recall 23V877000 · Dec 2023
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Other 2011 Kia Sorento problems

Common questions

What are common 2011 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Complaints most often name the engine, catalytic convertor and emission control.

At what mileage do 2011 Kia Sorento engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 49,000–136,000 miles. The middle value is about 100,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Yes: 23V877000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Sorento year has the most engine complaints?

The 2016 Sorento, with 718 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.