The problem
Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 sorento 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4l engines manufactured from the start of production through May 22, 2010. The intermediate shaft May suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission.
The risk
Damage to the transmission May cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 11V-258 (11V258000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC089 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft |
| Report date | April 25, 2011 |
| Owners notified | May 31, 2011 |
| Vehicles affected | 12,690 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 11V-258 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 12,690 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.