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
880 reports, newest first.
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.
Air bags, Jan 11, 2022
For a year now the Air Bag Warning light has been on in my dashboard. I have taken it to two service centers and they both said I had to take it to a dealer for repair. It is a safety issue because it WILL NOT PASS inspection. The first available appointment was 2 weeks after my last inspection. The dealer had to order the part and will not be able to install and inspect until Feb 2022. I have had to pay for 3 diagnostic tests. And I do not know if the airbags will even deploy. This should be recalled.
Air bags, Jan 6, 2022
Airbag light is on and will not cut off
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2021
The passenger low beam head light keeps burning out. I have had the wiring replaced twice because it keeps melting. The brake light blow at least every 2 months
Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact noticed that the driver’s side headlamp failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring had melted, and the headlamp socket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, a couple of months later the failure recurred on the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where it was diagnosed the wiring melted and the passenger’s side headlamp socket needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure twice. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000. Headlight has replaced once 02/22/2022.
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2021
Passenger side low beam headlight keeps burning out. Had bulb replaced one month ago, burnt out again. Had it replaced several times. One time recently the mechanic had to also replace the wiring connections because it melted.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021, fire
The car randomly started to burst j to flames. Our car is now totaled because of an engine compartment fire.
Exterior lighting, Nov 18, 2021
Both of my headlights went out as I was driving down the road. I did not have any type of warning light on my dash come on.
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.
Exterior lighting, Nov 4, 2021
Low beam headlights on passenger side burn out at a rate of 1 to 2 per year. I am the original owner and the vehicle has never been in an accident. Dealer replaced headlight wiring and high beam switch on steering column under warranty because plug at headlamp melted and switch seemed faulty. This repair was approximately 4 years ago. Headlights burning out has been a problem since new. Seems to happen most often when High beams are used and going back to low beams. Inspect at any time. Living in rural Texas with little to no street lights it can be unnerving to have the low beam on one side unexpectant burn out. I write all of this because it burned out again last night and it's getting frustrating.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2021
SRS light is on.
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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 1, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front headlight had stopped working. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the wiring harness in the headlight was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The headlight assembly was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2021
Passenger side headlight went out while driving. Went to replace bulb and found connector melted. Quick internet search shows this is not uncommon and even a YouTube tutorial on how to replace the pigtail. Question remains what caused the overheating in the first place? While it's a major inconvenience at this point as we can't drive the vehicle without fear of getting a ticket or repair order until fixed, worst case scenario this happens to both at night?
Air bags, Aug 17, 2021
The air bag light on the driver side dashboard will not turn off and the concern is that the airbags will not deploy if in an accident, or may randomly deploy. The vehicle has been in no type of collision affecting the front of the vehicle. At this time, the vehicle has not been taken to the dealership or a mechanic, but it seems that the dealer should repair at no cost given the issue is related to a safety concern.