Equipped with standard safety features like antilock brakes, hill-descent control, and stability control, the 2011 Kia Sorento SUV gives you added peace of mind behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, recall notices affecting your car could put your safety (and the safety of other motorists) at risk. If you drive a 2011 Sorento, there are some specific recall notices you should be aware of. While not every recall may affect your specific vehicle, it’s never a bad idea to check Kia’s official recall page to find out whether there are any open recalls on your Sorento.
Wiring Harness Short
The first recall on the 2011 Kia Sorento was issued on August 31, 2010, potentially affecting more than 35,000 Kia Sorento and Soul models. With this recall, it was discovered that some of the vehicles’ wiring harnesses, which are located inside the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered. These wiring harnesses, which were supplied by a third-party company known as JCI, are designed to control the vehicle’s lighting and speakers. Under certain conditions, the botched soldering may cause an electrical short, which can increase the risk of fire.
To remedy this issue, Kia dealers are offering to replace the wiring harnesses in all recalled Soul and Sorento models.
Brake Calipers
This recall, which was issued by the NHTSA in November of 2010, potentially affects more than 7,600 Sorento vehicles. Specifically, it was found that the rear brake calipers on affected vehicles were not properly machined. Over time, improper machining of these calipers can lead to a gradual brake fluid leak, which can reduce braking power and increase the vehicle’s stopping distance. Ultimately, these issues could increase the risk of a crash.
In vehicles that are affected by this issue, a dashboard warning will typically illuminate drivers that the brake fluid level is low and needs to be checked. From there, drivers may also notice a less responsive brake feel. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible before the leak worsens. Kia is offering to inspect and repair all affected rear calipers as needed; if a caliper cannot be repaired, it will be totally replaced at no charge.
Intermediate Drive Shaft
This powertrain recall, which was issued in April of 2011, affects more than 12,600 Kia Sorento front-wheel-drive models equipped with 2.4L, four-cylinder engines. With this recall, it was discovered that the intermediate shaft may be misaligned with the side output gear. Over time, this misalignment could lead to a whirring and/or whining noise coming from the transmission itself. It could also cause damage to the automatic transmission itself. Depending on the severity of the damage, affected vehicles may also be at risk of losing power, which increases the risk of a crash.
On all affected vehicles, Kia is offering to replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft completely. Having these parts replaced by an experienced and knowledgeable Kia service technician will ensure that they are properly aligned.
Wire Harness and Converter Module
Issued in October of 2011, this recall affects more than 2,398 Sorento and Veracruz models equipped with the available Curt Manufacturing towing package. On some of these vehicles, the wiring on the tow package harness that connects the vehicle’s circuits to the trailer lighting circuits may not be watertight. As a result, moisture could seep into the converter module over time and deteriorate the internal circuit protection. In turn, a lack of circuit protection may cause the module to overheat and start a fire.
A replacement wiring harness is being offered by Curt Manufacturing to address this defect.
Stop Light Switch
This recall is the largest on record for the 2011 model, affecting more than 980,000 Sorento, Sportage and other Kia vehicles. Specifically, vehicles affected by this recall may be at a greater risk of crash due to a malfunctioning stop lamp switch. When the stop light malfunctions, the car’s brake lights will fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. If cruise control is being used at the same time, the cruise control feature may also fail to deactivate when the brake pedal is depressed. All of these scenarios increase the likelihood of a crash.
On vehicles equipped with push-button start, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch can also prevent the vehicle’s shifter from being moved out of park. This may allow the vehicle to be moved out of park without applying the brake, which could lead to a rollaway accident.
To address this recall, Kia is offering to replace all stop lamp switches on affected vehicles at no charge.
Brake Shift Interlock Mechanism
More than 377,000 Kia Sorento vehicles may be affected by this recall after it was discovered that excessive force applied to the gear shift lever may cause the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock mechanism to chip or crack. If this occurs, the transmission may be able to shift out of park without the driver’s first having depressed the brake pedal.
Vehicles with this issue fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements and may also be at a greater risk of rollaway accidents, which can cause injury and property damage.
