2011 Kia Sorento: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Transmission · OR

While driving with family or clients in my Kia Sorento since I bought it brand new in 2011 has had ongoing gear shifting, speed increase and decreasing, stalling while driving at highway speeds almost causing accidents we were just lucky we weren't but it is very unsafe to drive. repairs have been more than the car is worth. This is just a short list estimate of repairs, but keep in mind on 3 occasions I would leave the Kia Service Department in Eugene Oregon after Transmission was replaced the first at 134, 000 miles and it would stall at highway speed and have to have it towed and replaced again this went on as you can see more than a couple times. 2 catalyst converters replaced 4 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED 1 manifold replaced 1 Alternator 1 Serpentine Belt 1 Power steering rack from leaking

Filed Nov 23, 2021 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, an abnormally loud banging sound was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then started to lose motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the contact was informed that the new transmission was also defective. A used transmission was installed, and the failure was remedied. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2021 · Engine · NY

2011 kia sorento. Consumer writes in regards to their vehicle stopping suddenly while driving. The consumer stated while driving, there was a loud bang, and the vehicle began to roll backwards. The transmission failed and needed to be replaced at 98,122 miles.

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Transmission · 130,156 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. The contact stated that the gear selector indicator did not illuminate and the check engine indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact also mentioned that the ABS, dbc, ESC, and air bag warning indicators illuminated and then turned off. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, the failures went away. The contact stated that it took multiple attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to bob bell nissan (7900 eastern ave, baltimore, md 21224, (410) 288-2500) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,156.

Filed Aug 18, 2017 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · TX

While driving the car it loses power , I start to smell burnt transmission fluid so I take it to eagles transmission here in mckinney tx. To find out the transmission needs replacing. Whis is costing me $2100 that includes new transmission & price of labor. I googled this problem on 2011 kia to see if it's a recall but unfortunately its not but it was for the 2011 kia sorento 4 , cylinder. But it's a lot of topics on our 2011 kia v6 engine but never became a recall

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · 141,000 miles · MN

Hello, it seems that the recall sc 089 that was done on my kia did not fix the issue with the transmission. Kia should come up with the better solution cause there is a high risk of the transmission failure. We had the same issue with our transmission as described on sc 089 and almost crashed on the highway. Kia dealer said it is not their issue cause the repair was done. So even kia aftersales processes do not work as they keep the dangers cars on the road.

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. While driving, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. When the vehicle was parked and restarted, it failed to engage in gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v258000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2015 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · GA

We purchased a used 2011 kia sorento from an individual. The vehicle had roughly 19,000 miles. The car was fine until approximately 35,000 miles. While leaving from a stationary position, on the interstate or just main roads, the transmission started slipping, lurching, and at times would not engage. We took the car to our loacal kia dealer and were told that they could not find anything wrong. At roughly 45,000 we again took it to the dealer and got the same response. At 58,000 the car would hardly drive so we took it back in. The dealer told us that the computer wasn't giving them any codes but could tell there was a problem. After going back and forth, kia replaced the transmission. Now at 78,000 miles, we're having a o take it in for transmission issues and the car is making terrible noises. We took it out o the dealer and were told at first that there was nothing wrong. Later in the afternoon they came back and said our intermediate drive shaft needed to be replaced. Cost $598. After some research, I saw you that there was a recall on my model year cars, but my VIN number did not fall into the recall. How can they tell me that these issues have nothing to do with the recall for the intermediate shaft!?!? These failures fit the recall details exactly. Why weren't the bad shafts caught and replaced when the transmission was replaced? I asked the dealer about the recall and was told my VIN did not fit the recall. I called kia and was told that my VIN has no open recalls. Basically again my "VIN" was not in the recall. All the exact same issues, but the problems have nothing to do with the original 2011 recall. Kia/hyundai are the only car manufacturers that do not transfer their 100,000 mile 10 year power train warranty to a 2nd owner unless it's purchased through a dealership. It's frustrating that a large car manufacturer will not just do the right thing.

Filed Jul 30, 2015 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · GA

My 2011 sorento lost all power after a high pitched whirling noise while driving on a 55 MPH highway. We had it towed and learned the transmission was gone. Once the vehicle was taken apart, the intermediate drive shaft was excessively worn, warped and obviously in need of repair. Quick research on your site and kia's site showed the recall concerning right sided drive shaft leading to transmission failure if not taken care of and the made on dates which included my car's date (march 16, 2010). My calls to kia motors, my local dealer, and the service manager only uncovered that my warranty was no longer valid. I have explained to everyone I am well aware of this but would like an explanation as to why my vehicle with a march 16, 2010, born on date, with excessive wear on the drive shaft that lost power while driving on a 55 MPH highway just as the recall states (almost to a t) was not covered. No one and I mean absolutely no one can explain to me why it is not covered.

Filed Nov 4, 2014 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. The contact stated that when attempting to shift the vehicle into reverse, the transmission failed to recognize the gear for which the lever was shifted. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted in order for it to resume normal operation. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle would make a loud knocking sound when the transmission was forced into reverse. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The dealer replaced the transmission, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000. Updated 10/02/14*lj updated 3/2/2015

Filed Jul 8, 2013 · Transmission · 33,000 miles · CA

Vehicle had transmission sensor fixed in december 2012. Vehicle was jerking and would not get into gear. Supposedly fixed. This time my daughter was driving at night with a friend on a two way road, the vehicle stopped..cold...thank god no one was hurt. The vehicle had been unable to get into gear the last few miles. The vehicle was left to cool and she was driving it to the dealer. Now being told at 33,000 a new transmission is being ordered. The car apparent, starts in third gear. Still under warranty, but the car stopped dead. This could have been a fatal accident had someone been behind her. People must be warned.