Problems with 2011 Kia Sorento EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicles interior lights, interior dash lights, headlights and other panel lights click and flicker off and on during various periods of time. the headlights stay off for a few seconds and repetitively at random times. this has occurred both early in the morning, in the evenings, it also happens just in the middle of the day to the dash lights and with the clicking. this has occurred in winter as well as summer. originally it only occurred when it was raining, now it occurs daily. this has occurred when the vehicle has been in park and while driving on highways, on back roads, also at stop lights or a stop sign. the clicking has also occurred when the vehicle has been off, it will start making clicking noises coming from the dash area, the same noise as it makes when the headlights and interior and dash lights flicker when it is on. also after having a recall repaired i am still having problems with the engine start stop not starting, as well as the doors not unlocking with the kia remote or by pushing the button on the exterior handle. the vehicle has also lost steering control during excessive rain. this occurred on a side street while i was attempting to turn off of a main road onto a side road the vehicle would not turn. it proceeded to go at a diagonal, only partially turning into a front lawn during the turn. it was raining when this occurred. i know there have been other issues with the phantom headlights in other kia models. and they are not fixing the issue, they are saying it is not occurring. also they are saying they need to replace a part that cost $400 but it may not fix the issue. i have left the manager a message at the kia in myrtle beach and have asked for a good faith repair and i have not heard back.

Headlights come on and off randomly. this is a serious safety hazard that can cause deaths or injuries. i'm very afraid and extremely nervous when this happens especially when i have my children in the car. i've had to replace the lights about every other month which is ridiculously expensive

Headlight low beam light not working. replaced bulb and within a few weeks, it would work intermittently. i could wiggle the connection and light would come back on. then that no longer worked. i took the bulb out of the connection to replace and noticed the connection was melted where the bulb connects to the wire harness. i removed bulb until connection can be replaced.

The low beam lighting "h11" pigtail is a melted connector and the low beam lighting is going out constantly. we have replaced the lights and the pigtail twice this year.

Vehicle has consistently needed headlights replaced every 3 months. vehicle lights will come on and or off while driving in the dark. this is a deadly safety hazard and should be remedied.

My room lp fuse keeps blowing. it had a recall for the same problem. i went out and started my car and seen that the clock and interior lights were not working. i pulled fuse put a new one in and when i started it again it blew again. then the airbag light came on and it is staying on. i have replaced the room lp fuse about 12 times. it was a recall got fixed and having the same problem again.

I have had the front passenger high and low beam replaced twice and it is out again. this is the second time this year within 6 months

I have a head lights that keep going in and out . i have had it repairs a lot of times but it keeps doing it . ithen got a paper in the mail for a extension on the lights for my model vehicle cause the connectors in the headlight assembly needed to be replaced so i took it to kia. they told me that because i had it fixed so many time that theres not enough wire to replace it again this was on may 14 2019 and they said that my whole headlight assembly needed to be changed in order to fix it but they would have to ask kia for coverage . on may 30th i called again to see if they were gonna cover it and they said no even tho this a safety concern. that because i didn't go to them to fix it in the first place they wont cover it .

Engine light is on, keeps stalling out at a stop or when turning, smells like something burning, now making a rough grinding noise from motor. keeps going through oil, putting two quarts of oil in every other day. passenger side door in back wont open from the outside. the passenger side headlight keeps blowing out, the tires on the front end keep going bold.

My vehicle has continuously melted wiring harness after wiring harness that run my headlights. not sure if this happens while in motion or stationary, i just notice it when i am down to one headlight. this has become very dangerous because i constantly have to drive in the dark with one headlight. also it really scares me that my vehicle is melting wires that connect to other wires that could easily cause a fire!

Headlamps quit working, even though i have repeatedly replaced. happens about 1 every three weeks. usually happens on the highway during night driving.

My air bag light stays on and my headlights are black and have melted wires

First warning sign was the headlight, low beams, and all interior electronics would shut completely off for about 2 seconds randomly when the turn signal was used. next the driver side headlight, low beam, went out when replacing the bulb the replacement bulb worked until the bulb was placed in the socket. after cleaning the sockets to create a better connection, still nothing worked. i switched bulbs from driver to passenger to see if the bulb would get a good connection on the passenger side and now neither low beam headlight works. this is a light switch issue that was recalled for 2012-16 kia sorento's but i'm having the same issue in a 2011.

Left headlight connecter melted and shorts out the connection to the light bulb. overheats really bad. will have to replace the entire headlight assembly.

Wiring is bad for headlights, melted the headlight assembly. replaced that and then it melted the wires connected to the headlights.

The airbag light has come on and will not go off. hook up the device to see what it says and do not even get a code to help. ask kia and they say it will cost around $1,000 dollars to repair.

When the left blinker is activated, the headlights, and lighting of interior driver panel), turn off. this occurs when in motion or stationary. i have to tap the blinker arm to get the lights to turn back on. this is a major safety concern driving down dark streets at night. in essence, i'm driving "blind" and it causes confusion to oncoming traffic.

Low beam headlight socket keeps melting after replacing. fire hazard

Head lights go out when making turns and just driving at night when head lights are on. been to dealer they say can't find issue. this has happened many times now came close to hitting car this last time.

The wiring harness for the passanger side headlight keeps melting. i have replaced it several times and it continues to happen.

All of a sudden all my interior dash lights and headlights started blinking while the car was running. i shut the car off and it continued, turned the car back on and it was still going. then the flickering randomly stopped. the car was stationary in my driveway.

The passenger side headlight socket keeps melting and the bulb stops working i already replaced the socket 2 times. look online and there are a bunch of the same complaints.

Headlight housing has become overheated and melted causing me to replace one headlight at $900. when it happened again i spliced the new housing yet the bulb keeps blowing needing replaced. there is knocking in the engine that gets worse when my speed increases and have been told that it sounds like the engine is not getting enough oil. the head gasket has been replaced and it still seems to be burning or losing oil. the indicator lights on the dashboard all randomly come on and then go off. while driving the car seemed to lose power at times then would die at a stop light. this all has been going on for the past six months or more. in the past year i have paid $1900 plus on random repairs

Low beam assembly wiring on both low beams has melted. this has been reported in numerous car blogs as a known issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. while driving 30 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer (jim ellis kia of kennesaw, 1221 auto park drive northwest, kennesaw, ga 30144) where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed replacement. the contact stated that the clockspring was replaced, but was concerned that the air bag inflator was not also replaced. the contact was also concerned that the vehicle might have an electrical failure because the headlights failed to illuminate and the headlight bulbs had been replaced several times. the same dealer stated that the air bag warning indicator would remain illuminated because there was also a failure with the air bag sensor in the seats. the contact stated that the air bag sensor in the seats was not repaired due to the cost. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the air bag seat sensor replacement. the failure mileage was 96,000.

Both low headlight bulbs have gone out many times. despite being replaced, they continue not to work. the wiring seems to have a short in it because when it is wiggled the light comes on but goes right back out. the socket is very hot to touch and smells hot. i'm afraid the wiring will cause a fire. this has happened to both front low beam lights. most recently today to the passenger side light. i currently have two non workable low lights

Low beam headlamps are failing due to wiring harness melting causing a short. this a safety issue for visibility at night and could start a fire in the engine compartment. this problem was identified when driving on the i-17 in north phoenix and verified once we got home. the harness was replaced by a certified mechanic twice and both times the harness melted. oe headlamps are being used.currently, we have no driver side headlamp due to a concern for fire.

Clock spring malfunction causing airbag light to illuminate on dash. steering wheel controls do not work. this is a constant and daily issue. it happens while driving as well as parked. low beam socket melted. since been replaced by me. both issues are under a recall but my vin is not listed. my vehicles year make and model are listed in a current recall but my vin does not fall within it.

Our interior lights quit working shortly after purchasing the vehicle so we had it repaired. 2 weeks later we had an electrical fire and damage to wireing the mechanic didn't replace. $5,000 later, now the headlights flicker while driving if you use the turning signal. huge safety issue!!!! also while driving the car out of the blue jerks quick and hard. we don't feel safe in this vehicle anymore.

While returning from my aunts funeral in kansas, making my way to georgia. the car began to slow down and stop, on the highway. then it cut off, wouldn't start or move. there was this whining and clanking sound, white smoke and fire shot out from under the car, as i was told by a person that was passing by, he stopped to make sure that i got out of the car. it just got to 130,000 miles. had it towed to a shop and was told that the engine was gone.

Head lights go out every month and have to be replaced. lights go off while driving which is very scary when it happens at night or on a highway.

2011 kia sorento 116,000. regularly maintained.the first problem was the driver side back door will not open from the outside, that happened about 6 months ago. now, my driver side door won't open from the outside. in addition, recently my car has just shut off while driving; foot on the gas at it is not doing anything (no engine light). we park it, shut it off and restart and it will work fine for a while. there is some sort of acceleration problem. i can stop at stop sign and lightly increase my speed and it will tug like engine. no accidents. this is a huge safety concern with having 2 small children in the back seat. if i were in an accident, i would not be able to get my child out of the back. if i was in accident, someone couldn't help me or my children. this to me is very serious! sept 2017 date of back door issue not opening from outside. 3/22/18 drivers door not opening from outside. car shutting off and not working properly as been since about jan/2018. there is something wrong with headlights too. since 1/2017, bulbs are good but they just work for a while and then one or the other stops working out of nowhere.

I have had to replace the head lights on my vehicle long before they should have ever been needed to. in fact i literally just got it back from dealer today after they did recalls on the vehicle and the driver side is out, which was replaced by auto zone not even a month ago. the side blinker that is next to the headlight is also out now too. i'm not sure of they knocked something loose, but it was working this morning. however, now reading the other complaints about the headlights burning out too quickly, i'm starting to wonder.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. the contact stated that the passenger side fog light failed to illuminate and was replaced. shortly after, the driver side headlight failed to illuminate. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an internal short within the headlight assembly unit and the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for repairs. the contact scheduled a diagnostic appointment with kia fargo (3901 2nd ave s, fargo, nd 58103, 888-569-7621). the manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was out of the five year/60,000 mile warranty. the contact was advised to call a dealer to diagnose and repair the vehicle. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

When driving car jerks and engine cuts out losing all power and mobility. usually comes back on within seconds. this happens when driving at any rate of speed. a few times i had to pull over to the side of the road with no power and restart the car. when losing all power i have been on the highway driving 55-60mph. all power is lost and with no power steering i have had to get the car off the road out of the way of traffic. this has happened about 6 times. often smell something burning or melting. smoke from dash a few times. no fires yet... also passenger side head lamp continues to go out because of the wires and harness melting.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. while attempting to open the passenger side door from outside the vehicle, the lock failed to open the door. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact also received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 156260000 (power train) and 13v114000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting). the part needed for the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Left low beem light is out in my car it is a new bulb.this is the 2nd time it has happened also the lights go out for no reasion i will be driving and they go out, i have to use the on and off lever flick it multipal times to get themto come back on i have taken it to dealler 4 times they cant find out why it dose it also last night for some resion my right door will not open from out side nor the driver side rear door is doing the same thing as of last night ?????????

I have had my 2011 kia sorento for 2 years now and at about 115k miles after starting the car the air bag indicator light came on and will not go off. after researching, it appears that this is a common problem. i suggest that kia looks into this and issues a recall since this is a obvious problem and i like others carry children as passengers and do not feel safe anymore and am looking into other auto manufacturers.

For the second time in the past 3 years, the passenger side low beam headlight socket has melted, making the low beam headlight non-functional. i do not use my low beams as daytime running lights and, after the first meltdown of the socket, i consciously tried to use the headlights sparingly. the manual references a 55 watt replacement bulb and that is what i am using. the auto parts store clerk also looked up the replacement bulb and guided me to the bulb i am using. i am concerned the melted socket could cause a fire and, therefore, i fear driving the vehicle at night, in the rain, or at any other time low beams are required. my mechanic thought it is a voltage problem. with a 6-year old vehicle and nearly 150,000 miles, i am reluctant to sink a large sum of money into repairs. given this is the third time the sockets have melted (2x passenger side; 1x driver side), i believe this is a chronic issue that kia should address. a simple internet search reveals this problem is not an issue solely with my sorento, but is a more widespread problem.

Headlight low beam bulbs are burning out at the rate of one (1) to two (2) weeks. the left bulb burned out a couple of years ago. approximately a month ago both of the low beam bulbs burned out at night when my wife was driving home from church. she almost wrecked before she turned the lights on high beam. since then the left side bulb had burned out twice. i have replace these bulbs at a cost of approximately $15.00 each. i am afraid that the lights are going to go out when driving when it is not possible to change to high beam. the last bulb burned out just last night when it was dark.

4 months ago, both low beam headlights burned out at the exact same time. i replaced both. this morning, the passenger side low beam headlight burned out. i will replace it this evening. 2011 kia sorento ex, v6, auto trans, no towing package.

My 2011 kia sorrento parking lights stopped working. mechanic stated that wire harness had to be replaced from turn signal switch/inside steering column and down through to rear lights. he stated that the area was packed with dirt and debris even into the headlight assemble. mechanic couldn't figure out why the area was so packed with dirt and water. total repair cost $398.00

Low beam headlights keep shorting out every couple months.

Original owner '11 sorento 4cyl, awd w/tow package & approx 88k miles. problem 1st noticed about 2 mos ago when seat belt light began flashing with audible clicking coming from relay behind dash. it was daytime when this happened 1st few times & i could not duplicate problem. this issue seemed to happen after starting car & would go away after a few moments of driving. releasing & re-connecting seat belt had no effect. the 1st time it happened @ night i realized that the headlights & dash lights would flash on & off also. still could not duplicate problem, but being a mechanic i watched for it to happen and tried different things to see if they had any effect on the issue. always would begin after initially starting car, but not do it most times. then 3 evenings ago, i found it happening every time i would start the car & would even do it afterwards driving down the road. i was 70 miles from home & tried to get back. it didn't matter whether the headlight switch was on, off or auto, it would still flash all lights & seatbelt light w/clicking from relay. on the way home, while driving a rural road, the lights again started blinking on & off causing me to hit a metal pole a drainage ditch thru farmer's fence into his field. accident pushed metal bumper (behind bumper cover) back about 12", tore the entire front end &lights from car & bent hood back 1 1/2 feet and buckled it upward - all of this without ever deploying the airbag.these problems are prevalent in this car as i have read, but i now have a vehicle which despite it's damage will now duplicate the lights going on & off every time the car is turned on. have contacted kia corp in hopes that they will want to use my car to get to the cause of this issue & finally correct it. as a mechanic i very well understand the need to be able to duplicate problem to find cause ..... kia now has no excuse.

My car was out of warranty by 2 weeks. i had a problem with the headlights. i had the driver's side head lamp assembly replaced and then the passenger side went out due to a bulb issue it burnt out. i took the car to dealer and he said it was not a kia bulb. that is ridiculous. bulbs are the same wattage. i took the car to my mechanic and he said that was stupid it should burn. he said the funny thing was the head beam light was burnt too and that was a kia bulb. there are more complaints on-line about this issue. this is a safety issue and needs to be taken care of.

The bulbs for the low beam headlights have been "burning out" at the rate of once a month. last month, the entire assembly plugin to the bulb was melted due to "a poor contact" or short in the wiring". unfortunately they said i need an entire headlight assembly (about a $400 part and $250 labor) as they won't just sell the connection plug. frustrated i found a great mechanic who cut and spliced a new connection plug and it seems to be working. however the concern is that there is still a "short" in the wiring and will eventually do the same thing to the new plug. i have now had the same issue with the other side and am hoping that someone else has found the source of the problem. the other complaint is that this is not covered by the any warranty. there have been numerous complaints about this isse and i stillhave not seen a recall from kia. this is my 2nd kia and i am rethinking about buying another unless this issue is resolved.

While driving at night the headlights will go off then come back on after being off for approx 2 seconds. it also occurs sometimes when changing lanes and using the turn signals. i feel that it may be a defect in the turn signal headlight assembly switch on the steering column.

Low beam headlight on passenger side went out. repaired. one month later driver side low beam headlight went out. repaired. two weeks later passenger side low beam light went out. this time i examined the light, reinstalled same light, and it worked. shortly after these incidents i stopped driving the vehicle for the summer, but it is clear that a problem exists. i doubt that the first two bulbs were actually burned out.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia sorento. the contact stated that the low beam head lights failed to illuminate and the wires around both head lights melted. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. the headlights were replaced, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Purchased 2011 sorrento from dealer in 2011. airbag light illuminated since 70k miles. also, abs light illuminated about one year ago - took in for abs recall with set appointment and was turned away as dealer did not have 'the tool needed '' to perform recall that day. also, dbc and esc indicator light have been on for years. finally, within first year of purchase gear shift would jam and not into park. dealer instructed me over the telephone how to manipulate and fix which worked.