2011 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · SH61 VAX
2011 KIA Sorento (2.2L, diesel). First registered 21 Oct 2011. Recorded mileage 136,507 miles. MOT valid until 24 May 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- KIA SORENTO
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,507 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SH61 VAX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/05/2026
- 136,507 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SH61 VAX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 Kia Sorento (SH61 VAX) between June 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (13 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Brake performance unable to be tested pipe leaking DO NOT DRIVE (1.2.1 (g))”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.
SH61 VAX Mileage History
- 25/06/2024128,273 mi
- 27/06/2025132,777 mi+4,504 mi
- 27/06/2025132,777 mi
- 26/05/2026136,507 mi+3,730 mi
- 26/05/2026136,507 mi
Average of roughly 4,298 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Kia Sorento (XM)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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KIA SORENTO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2011 model year cars.
- ABS Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) Short Circuit Fire RiskSerious
A major safety issue affecting 2011 to 2014 Sorento XM models involves the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) within the anti-lock braking system. Moisture or brake fluid can penetrate the internal electrical circuitry of the module over time, causing an electrical short circuit. This failure can result in unexpected electrical fires within the engine compartment, which can occur even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off. Kia issued safety recalls in the UK to inspect the HECU and install a revised multi-fuse assembly to prevent overcurrent events.
- Rear Subframe and Trailing Arm Crossmember CorrosionSerious
The rear suspension of the Sorento XM utilizes a multi-link arrangement mounted to a pressed steel subframe crossmember. Due to road salt accumulation, gravel blast, and trapped water in the hollow structural cavities, the rear subframe and the attachment areas for the upper and lower trailing arms suffer severe rust perforation. In advanced cases, the steel weakens and cracks around the suspension arm pivots, causing rear-axle misalignment, dangerous handling instability, and immediate MOT test failure. Kia dealers initiated service campaigns to inspect and wax-treat rear subframes, but neglected vehicles frequently require full subframe replacement.
- AWD Transfer Case Spline Stripping and Driveline ShudderSerious
On second-generation all-wheel-drive Sorento XM models (particularly the 2.2 CRDi automatic), the splined coupling between the transmission differential and the power transfer unit (PTU / transfer case) suffers from fretting corrosion and spline stripping. Uneven tyre wear between the front and rear axles causes the electronic AWD system to detect false wheel slip, continuously loading the coupling splines. Once the metal teeth strip, the rear axle loses drive, resulting in violent shudder at motorway speeds, clunking during low-speed turns, and total loss of AWD traction.
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