2012 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 880 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 21 involved a crash and 77 involved a fire. 36 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 6, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
Campaign 15V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
475 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine seized due to a missing oil plug How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car shut down on the highway with no indication/dash warning lights that there was an issue prior Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealership informed me that the oil plug was missing and could not explain why the oil indicator light never illuminated Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, dealership denies fault Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NONEE
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 24, 2023
I was driving my car on the highway and entered a ramp to another highway and as I began to accelerate again it was like my engine shut down and there was no response to the gas pedal for throttle. I pulled my car over to the side, sat for a moment, and then turned the car back on. I was able to accelerate, but if I accelerate too fast the engine would shut back down. I contacted Kia and they said all recalls have been processed for my vehicle, but now out of nowhere it's hardly driveable. I am still forced to use this car for short distances under a couple miles for work, but the vehicle's engine will try to shut off over 2k rpms. I have maintenance records for every year with this vehicle and I don't get how this just happens. My mechanic says a Knock Sensor is telling the engine to turn off and my local kia store said there wouldn't be anything to do without a recall.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 23, 2023
As I was driving down the highway my car died and all the lights on my dash came on, I lost my power steering. I noticed a cloud of white smoke from tailpipe. I was able to coast to the side of the highway, thankfully no one was hurt. O tried to start it back up but it wouldn't start. We opened the hood and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. I had to pay to have it towed. Currently waiting to get it evaluated from dealership. I've took it in for every recall and serviced my own car. Called Kia they said the engine will be replaced for free if the problem has to do with the rod bearings.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 25, 2023
I have owned my 2012 KIA Sorento since 2014 and thoroughly enjoy my car. After 9 years of satisfactory ownership which include dealer servicing, my car scared me and now I question my safety. On Friday 24th, 2023, I pulled into my driveway and the car suddenly accelerated out of control. The brakes did nothing to slow its acceleration. By the time I reached the key and turned the car off it had accelerated thru 130 feet of a very muddy back yard. (The all-wheel drive is very effective) Fortunately, I just missed a huge 100-year-old pecan tree and stopped just short of the tree line in the back. This ripped the tire off one of my rims and I had a mechanic change the spare so we could retrieve the car. I am taking the car to the KIA dealer on Monday morning 27th. to find out what happened!!
Suspension, Engine, Feb 22, 2023
Engine shut down
Engine, Feb 17, 2023
My vehicle engine light went on. Error codes P0014 Exhaust timing and P0661-Intake valve control were scanned according to KIA dealer. The oil control solenoid valve inline4 right and left were replaced at substantial cost. Kia would not repair under warranty. The oil level would go down shortly after oil change and engine was louder and vehicle doesn't operate as before even after repairs. It is my understanding that there is a Class Action Lawsuit Leslie Flaherty et al v Hyundai Motor Company et al Case No 8:18-CV-02223 US District Court for Central District of California. I do not know if my problem is covered under this class action lawsuit
Engine, Feb 7, 2023
I purchased this vehicle used in August of 2021. It has not been a pleasant experience, nothing but problems. Yesterday 2/6/2023 my Mechanic changed the oil and said there is iron shavings in the oil and the motor is shot and needs to be replaced. He said I should check on the recalls as this is known to be problems with this vehicle. I have checked on the NHTSA Site and it says 0 unrepaired recalls, however I would like to dispute this as this is what is wrong with my Sorento according to my Mechanic. He verified that this could definitely cause an engine compartment fire. If you need a list of all the things I have already paid to have fixed let me know and I will gather the list together. There have been warning lights coming on constantly, Yes the vehicle is available for inspection however I am driving it as it is my only car I have. Please let me know my next step. Thank you!
Engine, Dec 13, 2022
Started smelling a burning smell of my car was driven more then 5 miles from under the hood thought it could maybe be the oil. I got an oil change but that didn’t change the burning smell it comes through the vents if I have the button selected to us the outside air and to recycle the air in the cabin. There was a recall on this make and model for engine fires and I’m unsure if mine was one and if it was fixed as I just got this car a year ago.
Engine, Oct 28, 2022
While passing a vehicle car started missing and shut off with the engine locking up.No prior warning giving. Very dangerous situation.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 15, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal fuel odor began to emit from the vehicle without warning. His wife was then waved down by a fellow motorist that alerted her that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact stated that his wife had difficulty stopping the vehicle as depressed the brake pedal. Once the vehicle was stopped, an unknown color smoke filled the vehicle's front cabin as she and the other occupants exited the vehicle. No occupants were injured and no medical assistance was rendered at the scene. The vehicle was extinguished by the fire department and a fire report was filed. In the fire report, the investigator linked the cause of the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000(Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine); however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an investigator was sent to diagnose the cause of the failure; the contact had yet to hear back from the manufacturer. The dealer was also notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Engine, Jul 17, 2022
Was driving down the highway and went accelerate and seem my RPMS reach the top, then noticed vehicle was ‘off’ . Seemed to have no brakes or steering. It was dark and wintertime and my car died in the middle of the highway. Feel lucky to be alive with all the vehicles that nearly missed me.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
was driving and no warning lights came on and then the engine seized up after buying it 3 months ago. then took towed to kia vw billings mt and they now have had the car for almost two weeks and none of my rights are being met and no communication back to me wont respond to several of my calls. i will be filing a lawsuit against either auto resource in billings mt for selling me a faulty vehicle or going after kia vw of billings mt for lost wages as i drive for a living and im disabled and have been treated very very poorly.
Engine, Jun 12, 2022
Engine started making noise. Took to Kia dealer who suddenly stated engine had to be fully replaced. Problem was confirmed by 2 Kia dealers. There were no warning signs, messages, lamps or indicators to the catastrophic nature of the engine failure needing to be fully replaced.
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. As the contact was restarting the vehicle there was a clicking noise. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic but no cause of failure was determined. The vehicle was towed back to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. The contact stated that the battery, check engine, and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
Driving and all power stopped and vehicle had to cruise on a busy route. Car going downhill was able to turn into a restaurant parking lot a few hundred yards away. Lucky to escape cars going past on on the other side in which I had no choice but to turn into. My mechanic looked over vehicle and determine engine seized. Vehicle being towed to dealership where it was purchased for their evaluation this Friday. No warning lights. Dealership is stating that there are no recalls, but we will be covered if the connecting rod is at fault. One of the recalls 17V224000 or Kia's SC147 states that this engine, which was manufactured between Aug 2010 and May 2014 (Feb 2012), may have bearing wear resulting in engine seizing. I will have to await the dealerships diagnosis to answer some of the above fully.
Engine, May 19, 2022
I take very good care of my Kia, but over the last year I have been losing oil. The dealer said that it's consumption and command problem. We have not been able to get a hold of Kia. Please help.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2022
We had some kind of fuel leak that caused smoke to come from the hood and the car to overheat. The check engine light did come on. We were on our way to the mechanic and the car died on us in the middle of the road. The car was taken to two different mechanics 3 different times. We had the thermostat housing replaced, the intake manifold, and the head gasket. Submitted documents to Kia showing our problem. They said they needed more proof showing there was some type of leak. I found the original papers today from the first mechanic that states "fluid leaking, smoke from under the hood, car shut down". I asked if I could submit those documents since they say exactly what Kia was looking for. I was told that those documents wouldn't make a difference in the outcome and they would not be reimbursing me anything on this matter. I have paid almost $3000 to have my car fixed and Kia will not reimburse for anything even tho I have the proof they told me that they needed. Kia has not been helpful at all through this matter. They have no intention of reimbursing me even tho my recall letter states they will if I have proof showing there was a leak and smoke coming from the engine. I received the recall letter 4-6 months after I had made the repairs.
Engine, May 6, 2022
We were traveling down the highway and without warning engine cut off. We were able to put in neutral and start back up and continue our drive. I took it to my personal mechanic and he replaced the charcoal cartridge (it was clogged), the cost was $750. 2 weeks later i was driving and while sitting at a red light, the engine cut off again. I put car in N and it started right back up. My mechanic then took the car to KIA to be evaluated and they found nothing. I drove car and 2 weeks later it did it again! slowing down for a red light ahead and engine cuts off. There is NEVER any warning to this, and it doesnt prmpt the check engine light to come on, so it is not showing any codes from the ECM. This is becoming a safety risk and needs to be solved. As this has occured 3 times in the last month.
Engine, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine oil light illuminated. The contact heard some knocking sounds coming from the engine. The contact drove to her residence and refilled the engine oil reservoir with approximately three quarts of oil. The contact stated that all of the oil had leaked out and puddled on the driveway the following day. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The failure was diagnosed and it was determined that the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact reported that the vehicle was still leaking oil. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Engine, May 2, 2022
When I acquired the 2012 KIA Sorento, in 2018, I noticed that it was burning oil; it also has a mild-to-moderate clicking sound. I received a notification from KIA, instructing me to take the unit to the nearest Dealer for repair. Said Dealer flatly refused to repair it, claiming that it had been imported from the Continental US to PR, a US Territory. I appealed their decision to no avail. My wife is the main driver of the Sorento, and I am extremely concerned for her safety. Can a Dealer "refuse" to obey/fulfill an Official Recall from the Manufacturer? Finally, just to give you an idea of the oil-consumption problem, I have to add a quart of synthetic oil every 200 to 300 miles. Now consider the price of oil nowadays. I would truly & humbly plead for your help on this matter. Thank you.
Engine, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine started knocking and then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to get the vehicle home. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and had a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall did not apply to her vehicle as she was not the original owner. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in a traffic circle the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the vehicle was shaking while driving back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the RPM’s would rev without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2022, fire
There was the smell of gasoline inside the cabin. Then the check engine light came on. Smoke began coming from the engine compartment. The fire completely engulfed the vehicle.
Engine, Feb 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair in January 2020. The dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH inadvertently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle would not exceed 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (Ed Voyles Kia of Smyrna - Atlanta 2145 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080) where it was diagnosed that the knock sensors malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to go on limp mode; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who updated the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the engine replacement under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) because the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,705.