Recall 23V877 affects 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 79,812 2011 Sorento vehicles because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. A fire increases the risk of injury, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge for vehicles whose VINs are included.
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What's wrong?
The 2011 Kia Sorento in this recall uses a Theta II 2.4L MPI engine. The engine assembly turns fuel and air into power, and the surrounding engine compartment holds the wiring, hoses, fluids, and heat shielding that keep that process controlled while the vehicle is moving.
Kia has not identified a single root cause for the engine compartment fire condition. The recall covers Sorento vehicles built at the Kia Georgia plant with this engine that have not received the Knock Sensor Detection System software. Without that software installed, the vehicle is missing a layer of monitoring intended to detect certain engine knock conditions before they progress. The official defect description is narrower than a full engine redesign: an engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Owners can notice engine noise, a check engine light, a burning smell, or smoke before the fire condition. Treat those signs as safety warnings, especially if the vehicle has not had the KSDS software installed.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Kia Sorento | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 79,812 |
Not every 2011 Kia Sorento SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine fire increases the risk of injury. Engine noise, a check engine light, a burning smell, or smoke are warning signs owners should treat as serious. If any appear, pull over safely, turn the vehicle off, and call a Kia dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free KSDS software installation and engine inspection for the engine compartment fire risk.
- Ask the dealer whether the engine needs replacement after inspection; parts and labor are covered.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V877 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about scheduling or recall SC291.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician installs Knock Sensor Detection System software, known as KSDS, and replaces the engine if the inspection shows replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, including covered parts and labor. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses owners already paid before the recall repair. If you have prior engine related repair paperwork, contact Kia customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 21, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| February 7, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 9, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 9, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V877?
Recall 23V877 covers 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles with an engine issue that can lead to an engine compartment fire while driving. Kia dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System software and replace the engine as necessary for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 23V877. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the KSDS software installation and any needed engine replacement. Reference Kia recall number SC291 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kia dealers will install the KSDS software and replace the engine as necessary free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V877?
NHTSA campaign 23V877 says an engine compartment fire can occur while driving, increasing the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask Kia customer service or the dealer what to do if you smell smoke or see warning lights.
What if I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Sorento is included, then contact a franchised Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC291.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V877000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V877 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V877000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →