2011 Kia Sorento: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Suspension · MI

Subframe, in the rear, where lateral arms are connected completely rusted off from the rest of the subframe. The control arm has broken off and is now rubbing against fuel tank. Car is unrepairable and undrivable.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Engine, Suspension · 200,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the axle popped out of the transmission, and fractured the lower ball joints and steering system. There was an abnormal burning electrical odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2020 · Suspension · 99,200 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and attempting to turn in either direction, the vehicle wobbled with an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to battleground kia (2927 battleground ave, greensboro, nc 27408, (336) 295-1542) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side front lower control arms and bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 99,200.

Filed Jul 5, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 117,000 miles · NE

First issue began when car started pulling to right when going around corners on highway. Took to shop; paid for new brakes including pads, rotors, front calipers plus front driver side ball joint replaced. Ball joint rusted out so bad it crumbled to pieces when tire was taken off. Not out of shop for even a full day when the car started pulling again. This time it was a hard pull to the right while going straight on highway and in town. This time the pull was so strong the car went off road. This time it felt like steering went out completely. So back to shop to find out that the front passenger side ball joint was also shot and needed replaced. Car been out of shop barely 2 wks; now front end is making a hard clunky noise when turning and going over just the slightest bumps. The car feels like you are driving over boulders and sounds like the whole front end is about to fall apart. So back to the shop for third time in less than one month. Read multiple complaints online regarding these same issues? Im pretty sure I'll be paying for struts, shocks and/or complete repair of front end suspension after already putting $800 in to it. How has this car not been recalled for such issues?

Filed Apr 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

My kia sorento 2011. My problem is that my car started acting different. Every time I turn it makes a noise. I got the ball joint done. The right site. Also I got the strut done . I was told that I need new strut again. .went I drive it sound like if the car gonna fall apart.

Filed Apr 22, 2018 · Suspension · 800,000 miles · NY

I made a appointment for kia service complaining that the front and rear suspention r making a noise. Kia replace the front right side ball joints and said the rear and left front suspention are working fine the car still sounds very loud when going over bumps.

Filed Apr 29, 2016 · Suspension · OH

While slowly backing out of driveway, loud bang noise, shook car. Front right coil spring broke off. Had towed to kia dealer, front right coil spring, right ball joint, and left front strut was replaced. Extended warranty covered all costs. Over$ 1,000. 73.600 miles.

Filed Sep 10, 2015 · Wheels · 50,622 miles · PA

Vibration, knocking and thumbing noise in the rear passenger's side and both front wheels. Dealer verified thumbing noise as left lower ball joint was loose,replaced both ball joint. Vibration, knocking and thumbing noise continues. Returned to dealer. Dealer replaced rear motor mount. Problems still remains. I phoned dealer, stating vibration, knocking and thumbing still remains including additional problems. In addition to the vibration, knocking and thumbing noises... Inside the car, underneath dashboard (glove compartment) causing huge amount of water on the passenger's side floor.

Filed Nov 24, 2011 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · WA · crash

My 2011 kia sorento 2.4 l w/ auto tranny fwd was fixed on recall almost two months ago.after driving 26 days I had bad accident. From my house to work I stopped at mcdonald rest. To buy breakfast. I got on, started my vehicle, step on my brakes to engage in reverse, the vehicle start shaking, reversed, span 360 degrees, hit the railings and ramp of the restaurant and drive forward in the middle of the parking lot. It stop because the two control arm/axles were damaged. I was shaken and it was hard to remember what really happened what I explained was the same as what the witness saw while lining up on the drive thru to order her breakfast. The witness came over and helped me. The damaged was so expensive that I have to fix the damage thru my insurance. I had the vehicle fixed by reliable shop not by kia dealership in order for me to verify if the accident was the cause of the recall repair. I almost forgot that on the early morning before the accident the vehicle reversed from my garage @ unreasonable speed that I have to control by applying the brakes. The vehicle is drivable and I am still waiting for some parts from kia. Do I have to notify kia what happened or wait until the problem happen again. What is your advise. As of now I am driving the vehicle and I have phobia everytime I back up, at least I am aware what happened. Thank you