Kia Recalls 2011 Sorento Vehicles for Driveline Misalignment Defect
Kia is recalling 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions due to a driveline misalignment that can damage the transmission and increase crash risk.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (driveline misalignment) that can lead to loss of motive power and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors Corporation is recalling certain model year 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines. These vehicles were manufactured from the start of production through May 22, 2010. The recall affects approximately 12,690 vehicles.
The recall addresses a defect where the intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition can lead to a whirring or whining noise and may eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission. Damage to the transmission may cause a loss of motive power, which increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall was expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- KIA SORENTO
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV
- Affected units
- 12,690
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- SORENTO
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · KIA
- HighKia Recalls 2025-2026 EV9 Vehicles for Front Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-21
- SevereKia Recalls 2020-2024 Telluride Vehicles Due to Front Seat Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- SevereKia Recalls EV6 and EV9 Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- HighKia Recalls 2027 Telluride Models for Seat Belt Retraction Defect
NHTSA · 2026-06-02
- High2022–2026 Kia Carnival vehicles recalled for fuel system leak risk
NHTSA · 2026-04-10
Same manufacturer · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
See all →- SevereKia Recalls 2014 Cadenza Vehicles Due to Wheel Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2014-05-30
- ModerateKia Recalls 2014 Sportage Vehicles Due to Incorrect Tire Pressure Label
NHTSA · 2014-01-27
- SevereKia Recalls Sedona Minivans Due to Front Control Arm Corrosion Risk
NHTSA · 2013-11-05
- SevereKia Recalls 2014 Sorento Vehicles Due to Front Axle Shaft Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2013-08-13
- SevereKia Recalls 980,377 Vehicles for Stop Lamp Switch Malfunction
NHTSA · 2013-04-01
Same hazard · loss of motive power
See all →- SevereAutocar Recalls 2024 E-ACTT Tractor for Battery Cable Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2025-12-17
- Severe
- Severe
- SevereToyota Recalls 2016 Prius Vehicles Due to Inverter Capacitor Defect
NHTSA · 2017-10-18
- Severe