Service bulletins for the 2011 Kia Sorento
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
202 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| VSC149QA | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. SC149QA -CAMPAIGN QUESTION AND ANSWER REGARDING SC149. |
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| VSC149OWNER | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. SC149OWNER - OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER REGARDING SC149. |
| VSC149DPSM | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC149DPSM - DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer parts and service managers of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses on certain 2012 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from April 25, 2011 through June 16, 2011. In a limited production of these vehicles, a small number of headlamp connectors may lose electrical contact with a low beam bulb in one of the headlamp assemblies. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. Also, the high beams continue to function at all times. |
| VSC149DP | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC149DP - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses on certain 2012 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from April 25, 2011 through June 16, 2011. In a limited production of these vehicles, a small number of headlamp connectors may lose electrical contact with a low beam bulb in one of the headlamp assemblies. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. Also, the high beams continue to function at all times. |
| PS493 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication. |
| VSC148TSB | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. WHEELS; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC); SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING. TSB: REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HOUSING COVER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC148) - VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to inspect, clean and seal or, if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) housing covers on certain 2011-2015MY 2WD Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through April 30, 2014, originally retailed and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. If the rear wheel hub comes into contact with a significant amount of seawater, the water can enter the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers and may interrupt the rear wheel speed sensor signal and illuminate the Anti-Lock Braking System (?ABS?) and/or Electronic Stability Control (?ESC?) warning lights in the instrument cluster. |
| VSC148QA | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. SC148QA - CAMPAIGN QUESTION AND ANSWERS REGARDING SC148QA |
| VSC148OWNER | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING; WHEELS; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SC148OWNER - OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER -Notifying owners that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011-2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. |
| VSC148DPSM | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. WHEELS; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING. SC148DPSM - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. |
| VSC148DP | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; WHEELS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING. SC148DP - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. |
| TSB-CLI026R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: A/C EVAPORATOR FREEZE-UP DURING EXTENDED DRIVE - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some 2011-2014MY Optima (TF/QF) and 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles ONLY (see production dates on Page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following A/C performance related concerns below. Do NOT refer to this bulletin or the resistance specifications listed in this bulletin for ANY other models. |
| TSB-SC141R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV. |
| TSB-GEN085R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| TSB-BOD150R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. TSB: FRONT DOOR LATCH - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1603) - This bulletin provides information regarding the inspection, upgrade and/or replacement of door latches on 2011MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles. Kia has determined that after extended usage over years, the door latches may not function properly when being activated with the outside handle and the door may not open. |
| TSB-TRA055 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch. |
| TSB-BOD093R3 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS; SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY. TSB: SECOND ROW SEAT INOPERATIVE OR DIFFICULT TO RELEASE - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 to November 5, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to the second row seats being inoperative or difficult to release. |
| TSB-GEN085 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| TSB-BOD090R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: DRIVER?S SIDE POWER SEAT TRIM COVER REPLACEMENT AND WASHER RELOCATION - This bulletin provides information about some 2011~12MY Sorento models produced before November 1, 2011 that may experience a loose or disengaged driver?s side seat outer trim cover from the mounting bracket assembly. |
| TT046 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. TECH TIP: Passenger seat not as warm as the driver?s seat - There will be a difference in temperature between the RH and LH cushions. The same heaters are used in the cushions of both seats, but the RH cushion has a body sensor mat applied over the heater, resulting in less heat reaching the front passenger. |
| TSB-ENG140R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TSB: 3.5 L MPI - COLD ENGINE START-UP CHATTER - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, equipped with the 3.5 L engine and produced from October 26, 2009 to July 14, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to unusually loud engine chatter during initial start-up after sitting for several hours. |
| TT038 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. TECH TIP: Oil Leak in Rear Main Seal Area - Most oil leaks on this engine are found in the top of the engine, under the intake manifold. In some cases, oil may leak from the filter housings where they mate with the block, or from the oil pressure switch. |
| TT036 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. TECH TIP: Finding the correct wiring diagram for reverse input into audio head unit - If this vehicle is equipped with Navigation, then see wiring diagram for ?Back-Up Lamps? and you will see the Back-Up input into the audio unit. Also verify the reverse lamps operate as one of your first checks. |
| TT035 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TECH TIP: DTC P200A returns after VCMA replacement and reflash procedure - Test the vehicle battery with the GR8. If the battery fails the test then it should be replaced and the VCMA relearn procedure should be performed with the GDS. |
| TSB-ENG133R2 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECM UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC P0638 AND ETC MOTOR CLEANING (SA153) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade for some 2011-2013MY Sorento 3.5L MPI vehicles, produced from October 25, 2009 through January 31, 2013, and 2011, 2012 & 2014MY Sedona 3.5L MPI vehicles, produced from March 03, 2010 through July 12, 2013, which may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) system-related DTC P0638. |
| TSB-BOD099R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. TSB: SORENTO FUEL FILLER DOOR OPERATION UPGRADE - This bulletin provides information related to some Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 15, 2009 to September 29, 2011, which may exhibit a hard to open fuel filler door. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.