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: hydraulic
69 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated there was an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact was adding an excessive amount of oil to the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 163,847. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to an electrical failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced an unstated failure related to the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 201 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact became aware of fuel burning which caused her legs to sting and itch. The lights on the instrument panel then went dark. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 210,875. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact drove the vehicle to her place of employment and turned off the vehicle. A coworker checked the engine oil level and discovered that there was no engine oil in the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was not due to have an engine oil change for another month. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do 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 contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminating off and on for approximately six months. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH he observed that the check engine light had illuminated and he was losing forward momentum. The contact pulled off of the road and noticed that smoke was being emitted from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and saw that flames were issuing from under the engine compartment. The contact stated that the fire department and police arrived. The fire was extinguished with water, and no reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact had recently received a recall letter from the manufacturer, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and related the engine compartment fire to the recall. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while at a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact related the failure to the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the MIL warning light, the ABS warning light, the brake warning light, and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and provided a cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 114,216. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED ROADS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR BRAKE PAD BECAME STUCK. IN ADDITION, THE TEXTURE OF THE FRONT ROTOR WAS SMOOTH AND SHINY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 23, 2013
2012 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, HIS FOOT ALSO HIT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL BELOW THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 14, 2012
DURING SLOWING, AT LOW SPEEDS, WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKES, THIS VEHICLE MAKES LOUD NOISES WHICH GO AWAY IF THE FOOT IS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKES. THE NOISE EVENTUALLY STOPS AS THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. THIS KIA SORENTO APPEARS TO STOP NORMALLY, BUT THE NOISE DOES NOT INSTILL CONFIDENCE, NOR DOES THE NOISE SOUND NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE WITH 6,615 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINOUS ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE AIRBAG LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND THE ENTIRE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE INSURANCE DECLARED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS AND BRAKES WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 385. UPDATED 11/20/15*LJ *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 13, 2012
WHILE COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION OR PULLING INTO PARKING LOT SPACE AT LOW SPEED, I COULD HEAR AND FEEL BRAKES GRINDING TO A COMPLETE STOP, UPON RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL I COULD HEAR AND FEEL WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE CALIPERS GRINDING AS THEY RELEASE. IT HAPPENS WHENEVER I COME TO A STOP OR WHEN I AM ABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKES. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. THIS NOISE OCCURRED JUST AFTER 10000 MILES. BEFORE THIS QUIET AND SMOOTH BRAKING. ON JANUARY 11, 2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND SERVICE DESK PERSON SAID THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD LIKE TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I OBSERVED THE SERVICE MANAGER DRIVE OUT OF LOT AND AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES SERVICE MANAGER WALKED BACK IN AND TALK WITH SERVICE DESK PERSON. AFTER THREE HOURS OF WAITING THE SERVICE DESK PERSON INFORMED ME THE SERVICE MANAGER DID HEAR THE NOISE FROM THE BRAKES AND APPARENTLY THEY WERE IN CONTACT WITH KIA CORP. THRU E-MAIL CONCERNING THIS MATTER TO SEE IF THE MANUFACTURER WILL COVER THE REPAIRS. AFTER A WHILE I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DESK THAT KIA HAS BEEN RECEIVING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING GRINDING NOISE FROM BRAKES, AND THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM, AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEN FOR A SOLUTION, ALSO PER KIA SO SAID THE DESK PERSON (VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL A SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND.) I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL ONE DAY IT MAY NOT STOP AT ALL. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST A QUICK REVIEW OF THIS MATTER AND HOPEFULLY A QUICK SOLUTION. *TR