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
Engine, Feb 16, 2022
We were on our way home from the grocery when the oil light started coming on and off. We noticed a line of oil down the driveway, the car made a low kind of buzzing sound. Husband climbed under and looked. Massive oil leak, appeared to be coming from bottom of engine block around oil pressure sensor switch. Vehicle is a 2012 Sorento 3.5 liter with 90,000 miles. Kia said it is not on the recall list but this is the same problem with the vehicles that are on the recall list. Dealer wants nearly $1000 to fix the issue. My vehicle is parked and undriveable. We had no issues before this.
Engine, Feb 10, 2022
The engine shuts of going down the road. Can not be driven. Talked to mechanic, and they said to send in information as that is a common recap issue for Kia.
Engine, Feb 7, 2022
The car was running hot and I took it in and the mechanic said liquid was coming out of the head gasket. Kia gave me a quote to replace the engine. We were fearful the car would just shut off while driving with our infant son and hot engine air blowing through the vents. The vehicle was inspected by Greenway Kia in Franklin, Tennessee. The check engine light came on and I took it to the Kia Dealer.
Engine, Jan 13, 2022
As I was driving on the freeway, the vehicle started decelerating on its own. At that time All warning lights on the dashboard flashed including the engine light. As the vehicle decelerated, I put my foot on the brakes to slow down but the clutch jammed up as well as the steering wheel. At that point, I placed my foot on the emergency brake and maneuvered the wheel as best as I could to get into the emergency lane. There was absolutely no warning of the vehicle stalling or any known issues before this happened. Fortunately I avoided an accident that could have been fatal or injuries that could have occurred. The suv had no warning of any sort before this happened. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership. I spoke with a service rep there who previously worked on my recall and he stated it could have possibly been a rod-bearing failure. I feel that Kia should provide a loaner so that I could get to and from work.
Engine, Dec 20, 2021
oIL IS BURNING . rEPORTED ISSUE A YEAR AGO AND WAS TOLD NO ISSUE WAS FOUND, NOW i'M HAVING TO PUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN PER 4-5 DAYS
Engine, Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 mph and passing another vehicle and abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to independent mechanic and was informed the piston was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to another independent and was also informed the piston was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) , however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Engine, Oct 14, 2021
The engine blew a piston or maybe a rod out of the bottom of the motor causing two big hole above oil pan bottom of motor will get pictures later
Engine, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while stationary, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was next towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure from the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Sep 22, 2021
This vehicle has an oil consumption problem. It has shown on separate oil consumption tests from the dealer, that the vehicle is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The vehicle does not have any visible oil leaks. I feel unsafe driving this car because in the past, I've experienced shakiness on the freeway and loss of acceleration, which forced me to quickly exit the freeway.
Engine, Sep 17, 2021
While driving the vehicle it felt smooth and after a while a clicking sound started very faintly. I stopped at a red light and when I tried to accelerate at the green light the engine stalled and wouldn't power the vehicle. Everything worked well except the engine, it was locked. My safety and my passengers safety were put at risk because I was driving the vehicle on the street and it could've gave out while driving causing a major accident by an intersection. The issue has been address by an independent mechanic who stated a full engine is needed. The vehicle is currently on its way to a Kia dealership. There were no other lights or signed of engine failure.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
We bought this 2012 Kia Sorento on November 2018, never miss a oil change. But The engine light was flashing and lost power immediately when I was driving on 09/10/21, my husband and me bought it to auto shop they told us the oil was leaking caused the engine problem, and we’ve to replace the engine. They also mentioned kia is recalling 2012 Kia Sorento because engine problem. We called Kia customer service but they said we haven’t upgraded a software which we just received a software update notification on 09/06/21, so they couldn’t fix this problem for free. Shall NHTSA help me figure out is it my problem or their? Thank you very much!
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
I doing oil change every 3 month. The engine light was on and lost power immediately when I was driving on the road. Brought to auto shop, they told me the engine oil was leaking pretty bad , and it will cost me $7k to put a new engine in. I’m at a tough situation.
Engine, Aug 10, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on the startup of the vehicle, the engine would begin to knock and blue smoke would emit from the muffler. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer with needing gaskets replaced but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2021
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 dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving 60 mph and changing lanes, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to Sansone Kia (90-100 US-1 North, Avenel, NJ 07001) who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and the failure was related to the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was repaired but consumer could still smell the gas leak. The approximate failure mileage was 77,250.
Engine, Jul 31, 2021
The vehicle has been diagnosed with oil leaking out through the exhaust. On July 31st, 2021 I was on the highway and my car started making a loud clicking sound. It lost power and the engine light came on blinking. The safety of others and myself/passenger was in danger as it lost power on the highway and the speed limit was 75.
Suspension, Engine, Jul 18, 2021
Hi, I get my car fixed at the dealer Inver Grove Kia in West Saint Paul in Minnesota. There is s problem with my suspension. With that being said, the first problem was my sway bar and that was not fixed correctly. I am now hearing the same noise on the passenger side of SUV and they are telling me it is strut. I need to have all information and recalls sent to me. Then dealer is not looking into other problems that the 2012 Kia Sorento has right now. The dealer has put me in a bad situation and also in danger with not inquiring more about the suspension problems associated with my 2012 Kia Sorento. https://www.lutherkiamn.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2021
Car will shut off randomly while driving. Usually slowing down or speeding up in the 0 to 30 mph zone. Does not show any codes for KIA or my mechanic to read. Car will not restart for about 20 seconds. Car will slow down and loose all RPM's of it doesn't shut all the way off and will only run 20mph until I can get off the road and restart it.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2021
Engine suddenly lost power while on 125 mile road trip. Tachometer flat lined at 60 mph and speed and engine power rapidly decreased ( as if in creeper mode) and I was not able to accelerate above the 20 mph , enough to get to the shoulder. I was towed to the Kia dealership and after a day the couldn't replicate the problem as the vehicle returned to it's proper operational mode. This happened again 3 weeks later at 80mph in the center lane under cruise control with the same issues, sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate and no tachometer reading yet still running at idle. This time I pulled into a gas station and took the battery cable off for 5 minutes then replaced it. The vehicle became fully operational and I drove another 125 miles home. I bare was able to get over as I couldn't accelerate the vehicle and had to creep up the exit ramp. This being extra hazardous as it was nightfall and both times I had my 2 year old grandson with me. If I was in the left lane I would not have been able to make it across the highway and possibly would have caused a major back up putting myself, grandson and the other drivers on the road at risk of a collision...There are many blogs in line with Kia owners reporting this same problem and with no resolution if the dealerships can't replicate the problem while they have the vehicle.
Engine, Jun 10, 2021
Miles on vehicle is at 130,000 miles and never missed an oil change however noticed at 125,000 miles that it has really started to burn oil. Took to the Kia dealership and they told me that I could be eligible for a free engine replacement and I needed to pay for a engine oil consumption test. Paid the amount and engine failed and I figured I'd go the the next necessary step for the replacement however they then told me it didn't cover oil consumption...Took vehicle to different shop and will cost me $4,400.
Engine, Jun 5, 2021
Hello,My engine began to make a knocking noise and high rev when started approx. 2 weeks from today. I took it to a local mechanic, Archers automotive, Whittier, Ca., and he advised that I needed a new engine. The mechanic advised me of numerous recalls on the 2012 Kia Sorento engine and recommended I take it to the dealer. I made an appointment with Kia Cerritos and about a week later I took it to Kia in Cerritos, Ca. on 06/02/21. On 6/4/21 I was advised by Service advisor "Ryan" i needed a new engine, I advised Ryan that I am the original owner who purchased this vehicle new and I advised him there are numerous recalls and safety issues with the 2012 Sorento but I was advised my engine for some reason is not recalled. I advised him It is obvious Kia has an engine issue with their 2012 Sorento based on the recalls and the numerous complaints on the web.There were no warning lights of an engine issue. The moment I noticed an issue with how the engine was sounding I took it to a mechanic and then to Kia Cerritos. It had been inspected by Kia Cerritos by a mechanic and on a diagnostic machine. When I initially asked for the reason why the engine needed replacing, On 6/4/21, I was advised the mechanic did not list any reasons. When I asked for the service codes I was advised the mechanic misplaced the diagnostic print out and he had to put it on the machine again, which leads me to believe they initially did not test it on the machine. I was told by Ryan at 10am I would get a call back that day, no call. On 6/5/21 Ryan at Kia Cerritos advised me the engine needs replacing and the cost would be $10,000, but they could not say why because the bearing test used on 4cyl recall engines would not work for 6cyl engines but he advised the "sound" it makes is similiar to the recall engines. My vehicle is available, anytime, within a reasonable distance from zip code 90604, for inspection from NHTSA and anyone from Kia.I look forward to hearing from you. I have included all ppw
Engine, Jun 3, 2021
Since purchase of the Vehicle there has been non stop issues with the engine and cooling system. I had the engine replaced after purchase which took 2 months and now the Vechicle started to smoke again and a smell of burning rubber. I took it to the dealership to have repaired and the entire cooling system was replaced, only weeks after the same issue occurred again to find out it was now the water pump that was not replaced. Researching to resolve the car has serveral recalls for the same exact issues that have been occurring. My concern is the safety of me and my children and the unknown of being repeatedly charged for a vehicle that was sold knowing that it was not in good standing with the State for Odometer Variance.
Engine, May 25, 2021
2012 Kia Sorento, approx. 135,000 miles, driven by my daughter who is away at college. Vehicle is rapidly losing oil, but it is not leaking/dripping or smoking. At a recent regularly scheduled oil change (which was done sooner than recommended) the mechanic advised that no oil drained out. Over the next several days and 550 miles later, my daughter needed to add two quarts of oil just to get the dipstick level to "low". I have read numerous complaints from Sorento owners with the same issue, who have been told they need a new engine. Our vehicle is no longer under warranty, but that may be a moot point as I have also read that Kia is somehow not repairing the ones that are still under the original manufacturer warranty. I am concerned about the safety of my daughter driving a car that may experience sudden engine failure. For now, she is adding oil every week until we can get the car diagnosed.
Engine, May 20, 2021
Driving on the highway the suv completely shutted off, we almost died with my 1 year old daughter. I was able to start it again, within 2-3 minutes the engine seemed very weak, stalled again. Never had any issues prior. The only sign was the oil light was on, (it was never on before) we checked the oil, it was fine, 3/4 full. The engine is dead, with only 40k miles. I'm lucky to be alive.