2011 Kia Sorento Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento?
265 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento, 17% of all complaints for this year and the 3rd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 18,000–91,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
265 complaints 17% of all 2011 complaints 37,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (219 of 265). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by Sorento year
Related recalls
Gear shifter can leave Park without brake
Crash riskHard force on the gear shift lever can chip or crack the part that requires the brake pedal to be pressed before leaving Park. The car can then shift out of Park without the brake applied, so it may roll and crash.
Fix: Your dealer will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism free of charge.
Recall 15V626000 · Oct 2015Driveshaft
Can stall4l 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. 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.
Recall 11V258000 · Apr 2011Get an email when your 2011 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2011 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Other 2011 Kia Sorento problems
Common questions
What are common 2011 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, driveline and torque converter.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Sorento transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 18,000–91,000 miles. The middle value is about 37,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
Yes: 15V626000, 11V258000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Sorento year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2011 Sorento, with 265 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.