Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I tried months ago to have my 2011 KIA Sorento LX 3.5L v6 AWD to get the recalls fixed @ KIA in Yorkville,New York. They said they couldn't fix the recalls that were on the vehicle because supposedly the suspension is unsafe. But I already had the vehicle on a lift 4 times since,6 times total to get parts installed from my mechanic. If it was so unsafe,how could my mechanic lift the vehicle without any issues. I needed to get the underbody sprayed to stop rust and corrosion but KIA refused me.The recall for the ABS module needed fixing,they refused me. Having problems with the ABS and my subframe/crossmember broke. I feel the spray could've helped
Brakes feel softer, rear brake burnt smell, replaced brakes one month ago. Headlight and taillight bulbs replaced several times in last 3 months due to blinking blowing replaced and starts over again. Screen will not turn on until car has run for 45 minutes. Cannot use back until screen turns on. Leaving car parked until I can get brake system fixed. Noticed brake light on dash and car with swerve light on dash. Too scared to drive until at least brakes are fixed. Reached out to dealership. No part available for recall which most likely is failing my brakes
3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
Transmission, shocks and struts had to be replaced. Kia was having a hard bump knock when it changed gears driving down the highway, we had it looked at several times by the Kia dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. Eventually had to replace the parts above.
For awhile now the suspension seems to be worse. Almost every time I go around a corner either to the left or to the right there is a clanging clanging noise. It seems as thought the car is falling apart coming from the back of the car.
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.
2011 Kia Sorento ex 3.5 engine sport utility vehicle has randomly changed in the way its feels safe with rough instability in my suspension components.my brakes failed while driving on a random basis as well as when car is parked will randomly click in my gear shift mechanism and will fail to lock when car is parked and shut off it will click when brakes are depressed.my front lights have dimmed and both brake lights have burned out consistently as well as my steering wheel has failed with electrical components randomly.car horn is inoperable and my cruise control stop functioning. My alternator burned out on me and my car has historial proof of consistent maintenance with car fax report in hand .my gas milage has since decreased. …
At approximately 9 a.m. On September 11th 2014 my family and I were traveling eastbound on 66 from front royal virginia to the dulles airport . My boyfriend [redacted] was driving at the time and I was seated behind him next to our 3 year old daughter. We were traveling in the left lane of 66 at about 70 miles an hour when all of a sudden our vehicle went wildly out of control. We fishtailed, went through the right lane of 66 all the way across, slamming us head on into the dewey wall and guardrail. I was violently jolted forward and smashed my face into the back of the driver seat. I was taken by ambulance to fraquier co. Hospital. I suffered multiple nasal fractures and 2 abrasions to my nose and gash on my knee. I required a ct scan, stitches, and my nose to be reset. I had black eyes, severe head aches and swelling for several weeks. …
All of the Kia sorrento 2011 suspension struts, shocks, strut mounting plate front left needed to be replaced. It sounded like loose bolts and the noise would then be a loud knocking especially on road going up and down hills and turns. Also had to replace the TPMS sensors, front and rear tension rods on both sides. This is the most costly car ever online numerous reports of same issue this should have a recall here is one reflecting same problem with sedona model - I suggest you check this forum under sedona 2002-2005 "sedona front strut". Kia has a history of strut noise related problems. They finally came out with a TSB (kt2007020501) on the front strut issue for 2002-2005 sedona's in early 2007 !!! We have to remember that TSB's are for acknowledged problems by a manufacturer and that they have a fix for said problem, thus the TSB to carry out fix. …
Suspension complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Kia Sorento, 4% of the model year's 1,520 complaints. The component named most often is front (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Sorento suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2011 Kia Sorento, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Sorento suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.