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: service brakes
103 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 5, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall while idling. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the first repair and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The purge valve was replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 114,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 31, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated the ABS warning light was illuminated intermittently. The failure mileage was 81,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 26, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 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 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, Jan 18, 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 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, Jan 10, 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, 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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2023
The abs brake light, traction control, and downhill assist lights all came on at the same time. This is being caused by a faulty speed sensor. This item was recalled on the two wheel drive kias, but not the all wheel drive models... hiwever.. looking for answers in the forums show that there is a systemic problem in the kia system, just Google search it and watch all the other car owners stories pop up.
Service brakes, Jul 4, 2022
Since I purchased the car on 9/14/2020 I have had to get brakes done 3 times. First bought and replaced the brakes within 30days then on 12/22/21 replaced again and on 6/24/2022 brakes rotors and calipers.
Service brakes, Apr 5, 2022
In 2017 there was a recall on the Rear Wheel Sensor that I had already paid to have fixed in 2016. I was refunded in 2017 for the paid recall. The same issue has come up again on my car with the ABS, traction and stability control lights coming on. I will be taking it to the shop to repair again. I feel this could be another recall issue.
Service brakes, Air, Jun 21, 2021
The rear wheel speed sensor housing covers are prone to water intrusion. The rear wheel sensor signal is interrupted and illuminates the ABS(anti-lock brakes),the ESC(electronic stability control) and the downhill sensor warning lights in the instrument cluster.Kia fixed the problem on July 24 2017. The same problem is occuring again (the warning lights came on last month) and Kia states that its out of warranty. I am not certain if it is a safety concern, but I don't want my rear wheels to fall off. Thank you
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 26, 2019
DRIVING TO WORK THIS PAST TUESDAY 12/24/2019, WHILE DRIVING MY CAR DID THIS JERK MOVE AND THEN ALL THE ELECTRICAL SIGNS POPPED UP I COULDN'T BRAKE OR STEER MY STIRRING WHEEL .ITS AS IF MY CAR LOCKED UP ON ME. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF A SIDE ROAD AVOIDING ON COMING TRAFFIC. AND BUT THE CAR IN PARK. I WAS STUCK FOR 2 HOURS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS THE ONLY LIGHT THAT STAYED ON. I COULDN'T START THE CAR AT ALL. LUCKILY I CALLED MY COUSIN TO SEE IF SHE COULD TRY AND GIVE ME A JUMP TOO SEE IF IT WORKED. IN WHICH IT DID I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE UP TO AUTO ZONE WHERE THEY OUT IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. WHERE MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE FINE. IT WAS VERY SCARY FOR THIS VEHICLE TO HAVE SHUT OFF ON ME LIKE THIS I AM JUST GLAD I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN A REALLY BAD OUTCOME FOR ME. THE UPLOAD OPTION ISN'T ALLOWING ME TO UPLOAD THE VIDEO OR MY PICTURE FROM THE SAY IT OCCURED.