WORST Kia Sorento Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

Imagine buying a house with a cracked foundation; it’s a costly mistake you’d want to avoid.

Similarly, if you’re thinking about getting a Kia Sorento, you should be careful with the 2011-2016 models. These are the years to avoid known for engine failures, transmission problems, and safety issues.

No one wants to deal with unexpected engine shutdowns or faulty airbags. So, what makes these years so problematic, and how can you make a smart choice? The answers might surprise you.

Key Takeaways

Stay away from Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2016 because they often have engine and transmission problems.
The 2011 model has issues with engines stopping suddenly and airbag lights not working right.
The 2012 model has major engine failures and paint that peels off.
The 2013 model’s engine can blow out, and the gears shift roughly around 83,000 miles.
The 2014 model has engine and gasket problems, A/C breakdowns, and paint peeling after 72,000 miles.

Worst Kia Sorento Model Years

When looking at the worst Kia Sorento model years, you should avoid the 2011 to 2016 models due to common issues like engine failures, transmission problems, and airbag light malfunctions.

For example, the 2011 Kia Sorento had engines stopping after 77,000 miles and jerking at 79,000 miles, leading to over 1,300 complaints to NHTSA.

The 2012 model faced major engine failures at 84,400 miles, with over 700 complaints.

The 2013 Kia Sorento had engines blowing out at 83,000 miles and peeling paint at 71,000 miles, resulting in 800 complaints.

The 2014 model had engine and gasket problems at 74,000 miles and A/C heater failures at 67,000 miles, leading to nearly 750 complaints.

2011 Kia Sorento Issues

If you’re thinking about getting a 2011 Kia Sorento, be aware of some common problems that owners have reported.

These include engine failures, issues with the airbag light staying on, and the transmission jerking.

These problems can be expensive to fix and might affect your safety.

Engine Failure Reports

Engine failure reports for the Kia Sorento, especially the 2011 and 2016 models, show serious problems like early engine breakdowns and transmission issues that can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks. Owners of the 2011 Kia Sorento have reported engines suddenly stopping and jerking when changing gears, which makes driving dangerous.

The 2016 models have also been affected, with some owners mentioning transmission problems that hurt the car’s performance. These issues can get worse, leading to costly repairs and big safety worries.

If you’re thinking about getting a Kia Sorento, it’s important to look into specific model years to avoid these engine and transmission problems. Doing this research can save you money and help you choose a more reliable car.

Airbag Light Problems

Airbag light problems have been a common issue for Kia Sorento owners, especially in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 models. This raises concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s safety features. Many owners report that the airbag warning light on the dashboard comes on, indicating possible problems with the airbag system. Complaints to the NHTSA highlight these recurring issues, which can lead to costly repairs ranging from $800 to over $1,000.

Fixing these airbag light problems is important for safety. Here are the main points to remember:

Common in 2011-2013 models
Indicates a problem with the safety system
Repair costs: $800 – $1,000
Essential for airbag functionality

Transmission Jerking Issues

Some Kia Sorento owners, especially those with the 2016 model, have had problems with the transmission jerking. This issue usually starts around 79,000 miles and makes driving less smooth.

The jerking happens when shifting gears and can lead to worries about bigger transmission failures. Fixing these problems can be expensive, costing anywhere from $630 to $6,800.

Because of this, it’s important for anyone thinking about buying a used Kia Sorento to know about these issues.

2012 Kia Sorento Problems

From 2011 to 2016, the Kia Sorento has had some major problems. The biggest issues are engine failures and airbag light malfunctions, leading to frequent and costly repairs. These engine problems can cause the car to suddenly stall or break down completely, leaving drivers stranded and facing repair bills from $630 to $8,900.

The airbag light issues suggest there might be faults in the safety system, which could put drivers and passengers at risk.

Here’s a summary of the main problems:

Engine failures: Sudden stalling or breakdowns.
Airbag light malfunctions: Possible safety system faults.
Peeling exterior paint: Issues with the car’s appearance and durability.
Shifting problems: Transmission issues that affect driving.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better decision.

2013 Kia Sorento Complaints

There are three main issues that people often complain about with the Kia Sorento. First, the engine tends to fail often in models from 2011 to 2015, usually around 83,000 to 84,400 miles, which can be expensive to fix.

Second, the paint on the outside of the car tends to peel, especially in the 2013 and 2014 models.

Third, the car sometimes shifts gears roughly or even stalls, particularly in the 2011 and 2015 models.

These problems are worth thinking about if you’re considering buying a Kia Sorento from these years.

2014 Kia Sorento Troubles

When thinking about buying a Kia Sorento, you should know about some common problems.

For example, the engine and gaskets often start having issues around 74,000 miles.

Also, people have reported problems with the paint peeling and the air conditioning breaking down.

These issues can be annoying and expensive to repair, so it’s good to be aware of them before you decide to buy.

Engine and Gasket Problems

Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2017 have had serious engine and gasket issues, especially with the 2.4-liter and some 3.3-liter engines. These problems can lead to various complications like gasket leaks and rod knock, which can cause severe damage and expensive repairs.

Here are four key points to remember:

Engine problems: The 2.4-liter and some 3.3-liter engines often have issues.
Gasket leaks: These can cause oil and coolant to mix, leading to engine overheating.
Rod knock: This noise means there’s severe engine damage and it might fail.
Early engine failure: Some 2011 models have had engines fail early, making them less reliable.

Be careful if you’re looking at these model years.

Paint and A/C Issues

Alongside serious engine and gasket problems, Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2015 also have big issues with paint and air conditioning.

For example, the paint on the 2014 Sorento tends to peel after about 72,000 miles, and the 2011 model often has chipping paint. This can make the car look bad and might lead to rust. It also lowers the car’s resale value.

Many 2014 models have problems with the A/C breaking down around 67,000 miles. This makes driving really uncomfortable, especially in hot weather or on long trips.

With nearly 750 complaints to the NHTSA for the 2014 Sorento alone, these paint and A/C problems seriously affect how happy people are with their cars and how reliable they think they are.

2015 Kia Sorento Concerns

Certain model years of the Kia Sorento have some serious problems like engine failures, airbag issues, and peeling paint. These can lead to expensive repairs and safety concerns. The 2011-2015 Kia Sorento models are especially known for these issues.

Here are some specific problems to watch out for:

Engine Failures: The 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 models often have engine failures between 77,000 and 84,400 miles.
Airbag Issues: The 2011 and 2012 models commonly have airbag light problems, usually showing up around 82,000 to 92,000 miles.
Peeling Paint: The 2013 model often has peeling paint at about 71,000 miles.
A/C Heater Failures: The 2014 model tends to have A/C heater problems by 67,000 miles.

2016 Kia Sorento Faults

When thinking about the Kia Sorento, it’s important to know about some major problems like engine failures, high fuel usage, and wiring issues.

These problems usually happen between 70,000 to 85,000 miles and can be expensive to fix.

Being aware of these potential issues can help you make a better decision.

Engine Failure Issues

If you’re thinking about buying a used Kia Sorento, watch out for the 2011 to 2016 models. These years are known for serious engine problems, including major failures and early engine stops. Fixing these issues can be expensive, costing anywhere from $630 to $8,900.

Common issues include engines blowing out, gasket leaks, and rodents chewing on wires. Big engine problems usually happen between 55,000 to 124,000 miles.

Here are the main engine issues:

Blown engines: Often need to be completely replaced.
Gasket problems: Cause oil leaks and overheating.
Rodent damage: Rodents chew through important wiring.
Premature engine stops: Can make driving dangerous.

Fuel Consumption Concerns

Many owners of the 2016 Kia Sorento have noticed that their cars use a lot more fuel, especially around 68,000 miles. They’ve seen their vehicles consuming more gas than expected, which has made them worry about the SUV’s fuel efficiency.

The main issues are that the car uses more fuel and gets poor gas mileage, which might mean there’s something wrong with the engine. This ongoing problem with fuel consumption has left many owners upset because the extra fuel costs can really hurt their budgets.

If you own or are thinking about buying a 2016 Kia Sorento, it’s important to know about these fuel consumption problems and keep an eye on your car’s fuel efficiency.

Wiring Problems

Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2016 often have wiring problems because rodents chew through the soy-based wiring insulation. This can cause electrical issues and expensive repairs. Various parts of your vehicle, like the engine, sensors, and lights, can be affected.

The soy-based wiring is appealing to rodents looking for nesting material, making it more prone to damage.

To prevent these problems, you can:

Use rodent repellents to keep animals from chewing the wiring.
Install wire covers to protect the insulation.
Set up traps around your vehicle to catch rodents.
Regularly check your vehicle for signs of wiring damage.

Taking these steps can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle safe.

Engine Failures

Owners of Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2016 have reported various engine problems, ranging from severe breakdowns to ongoing gasket issues and high fuel consumption. Common issues include the engine stalling, rod knock, and early engine failure, which often lead to expensive repairs.

You might also face problems like high oil consumption and engine seizing, which can be both annoying and costly. While Kia has fixed some of these engine problems in newer models, you should be careful when looking at older Sorento vehicles.

These engine problems have caused big maintenance headaches and financial burdens for many owners. It’s important to know about these issues so you can make a smart choice when buying a used Kia Sorento.

Transmission Problems

When thinking about buying a Kia Sorento, you should know about some common transmission problems, especially in models from 2016.

These issues include trouble with shifting gears and general performance, which can end up being costly to fix.

Knowing which years are affected and what the repair costs might be can help you decide better.

Common Transmission Issues

Several Kia Sorento model years, specifically 2011, 2016, and 2018, have had ongoing transmission issues that affect how well they drive and how reliable they are. These problems can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks.

Here are some common issues you might face:

Shifting Delays: The gears take a while to engage, making the drive jerky and unpredictable.
Slipping Gears: The car can suddenly lose power, which is especially dangerous when you’re trying to speed up.
Transmission Failure: The transmission can completely fail, often needing costly replacements.
Unusual Noises: You might hear clunking or whining sounds when changing gears, which means there are underlying issues.

Steering clear of these model years can help ensure a more reliable driving experience.

Affected Model Years

You should know that the 2011, 2016, and 2018 Kia Sorento models have had a lot of transmission problems. Owners of these years have reported issues like rough shifting and even complete transmission failure.

The 2011 Sorento often gets complaints about its transmission, and the 2016 model isn’t much better, causing frustration for many drivers. The 2018 Sorento also has its fair share of problems, which can be expensive to fix.

If you’re thinking about getting a Kia Sorento, make sure to read user reviews and talk to mechanics to understand how bad the transmission issues are for these years.

Repair Costs Breakdown

If you’re looking at the 2011, 2016, and 2018 Kia Sorento models, it’s important to know about the possible repair costs for their transmission issues. Fixing transmission problems can be quite pricey, usually costing between $1,500 and $4,000.

These issues often show up as slipping, jerking, or rough shifting. The high costs come from:

Replacing parts like solenoids or sensors: These are key components that might fail.
Replacing the entire transmission: Sometimes the whole system needs to be swapped out.
Labor costs: Paying for the work can add a lot to the total bill.
Regular maintenance: While it helps avoid big problems, it still costs money.

Knowing these potential expenses can help you make better decisions about these Kia Sorento models.

Electrical System Malfunctions

Kia Sorento models from 2011 to 2016 often have electrical problems like dashboard display failures, air conditioning issues, and problems with interior features. These electrical issues can also cause paint chipping and sunroof leaks, making ownership more complicated. These problems can lead to expensive repairs and affect the car’s reliability.

Common issues include flickering dashboard lights, unresponsive air conditioning controls, and malfunctioning power windows and locks. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are key to preventing or fixing these electrical problems.

If you’re thinking about getting a Kia Sorento from these years, be aware of these potential issues and budget for possible repairs.

Brake System Issues

If you’re looking at buying a Kia Sorento from the years 2011, 2012, or 2014, be aware that many owners have reported serious brake problems. These issues can be dangerous and might lead to accidents. Fixing these brake problems can also be very expensive, sometimes costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

To avoid these headaches, make sure to check the brake system thoroughly before buying one of these older models.

Here are the main things to watch out for:

Brake Failures: The brakes suddenly stop working completely.
Loss of Braking Power: The brakes don’t work as well as they should.
Premature Wear: The brakes wear out faster than normal.
High Repair Costs: Fixing the brakes can be very expensive.

Suspension Concerns

When looking at different model years of the Kia Sorento, you’ll see that suspension problems keep coming up. Owners have talked about issues with parts like shocks, struts, and control arms. These problems can make your ride rough, affect how well the car handles, and cause uneven tire wear, which overall hurts driving performance.

Fixing suspension problems right away is important to avoid more damage and ensure a safer drive. It’s a good idea to check for any recalls or service bulletins about suspension issues for specific model years. Doing this can help you avoid problems and keep your Kia Sorento running longer.

Make sure to stay informed and take action on these issues.

Safety Concerns

We’ve seen some safety issues with certain years of the Kia Sorento. One big problem is that airbags mightn’t work properly in some models. There are also reports of seat belts not working right, which is a major concern for anyone riding in the car.

On top of that, the blind-spot monitoring system doesn’t always do its job, making it harder for drivers to see what’s around them. Lastly, the collision avoidance system has had problems, which means the car mightn’t help you avoid crashes as it should.

Here’s a quick look at the main safety concerns:

Airbags not deploying in some model years.
Seat belts not working as they should.
Blind-spot monitoring issues that make it tough to see other cars.
Problems with the collision avoidance system that affect crash prevention.

These issues show why it’s important to be careful about which Kia Sorento model year you choose.

Recall Information

Several Kia Sorento models have had recalls because of problems with fuel systems, steering parts, software updates, safety sensors, and airbag inflators. These recalls are important for fixing safety and performance issues in different model years.

Keeping up with recalls is essential for the reliability and safety of your Kia Sorento. Responding to recalls quickly can prevent accidents, make your vehicle run better, and ensure the safety of everyone inside.

Always check for any recalls on a Kia Sorento before buying it. This helps you know the vehicle’s condition and safety. Ignoring recall notices can lead to serious problems, so make sure you pay attention to this important part of vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance and Condition

Taking good care of your Kia Sorento is key to making sure it stays reliable and performs well for a long time. Regular maintenance by previous owners is also important for the car’s lifespan. If you ignore upkeep, it can lead to expensive repairs and lower the car’s resale value.

To keep your Kia Sorento in great condition, try these tips:

Stick to the maintenance schedule: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance plan to avoid unexpected issues.
Use good quality parts: Ensure that only high-quality parts are used for any repairs or replacements.
Watch your driving habits: Drive gently to minimize wear and tear.
Keep service records: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance work for future reference.

These simple steps can greatly improve your Kia Sorento’s performance and reliability.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Kia Forte, Kia Optima, Kia Rio and Kia Sedona. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a 2011-2016 Kia Sorento, you might want to think again. These models often have problems like engine failures, jerky transmissions, and peeling paint.

Despite their nice look and modern features, these issues can be costly and unsafe.

It’s wise to look for a more reliable car.

About the author

David Lawrence

David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.