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, Jan 3, 2018
THERE IS A RECALL ON 2012 KIA SORENTO ENGINE BUT MY VIN WILL NOT SHOW UP THAT THERE IS A RECALL. MY ENGINE SEIZED WITH ONLY 69000+MILES ON IT AND JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. NO ENGINE LIGHT OR OIL LIGHT. I HAD TO GET A JUMP TO ACTUALLY GET MY CARE STARTED AGAIN. AFTER THE JUMP MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. MY CARE HAS NEVER GAVE ME ANY INDICATION THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS OR ANY RANDOM SOUNDS. NOW I AM EITHER FORCED TO PAY OVER 5 GRAND FOR AN ENGINE FOR A CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR 2 YEARS OR BUY A NEW CAR. I AM ALSO STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2018
HI - TODAY, ON MY WAY TO THE PARK - A 10 MIN DRIVE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY CAR HAS ALMOST 130,000 MILES. READYING ONLINE - I AM DREADING TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP. I DID FIND A POST THAT IN FEBRUARY OF 2016 - KIA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT THERE IS NO NUMBER ATTACHED, THEREFORE, I AM GUESSING I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. HAS THERE BEEN ANY NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THIS ISSUE? IF SO, PLEASE CONTACT ME.
Air bags, Dec 13, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR QUARTER PANEL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH REAR PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, WHICH FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A HOSPITAL FOR A FRACTURED COLLAR BONE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. JENKINS KIA OF GAINESVILLE (3345 N MAIN ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32609, (855) 764-9404) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO READ THE DATA FROM THE BLACK BOX IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Dec 11, 2017
I HAPPENED UPON THIS WEBSITE AND DISCOVERED THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FROM OCTOBER, 2015 AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I READ TO FILE A COMPLAINT IF I HADN'T BEEN NOTIFIED.
Air bags, Dec 11, 2017
98,000 MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT STAYING ON FOR NO REASON. TOOK TO KIA DEALERSHIP. CODE 1764 OCS MAT DEFECT. HAS TO DO WITH MAT ON SEAT OF FRONT PASSENGER TO DETECT PASSENGER AND WEIGHT. PRICE TO FIX $2000.00 THAT IS RIDICULOUS! I HAVE SEEN TONS OF REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ON KIA SORENTOS. THEY ADVERTISE FOR THEIR SAFETY AND THAT IS WHY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY VEHICLE THAT HAD ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEMS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED ON THESE VEHICLES. KIA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR NOT FIXING THIS RECURRING ISSUE,.
Engine, Dec 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RAY SKILLMAN SOUTHSIDE AUTO CENTER (8424 U.S. 31 S, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46227 (317) 888-9500), BUT NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON THE DAY OF THE RECALL INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THE OIL LEVEL WAS CHECKED AND RECORDED LOW AS WELL, BUT NO LEAKS WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WERE THEY ALSO FOUND THE OIL LEVEL TO BE LOW WITH NO OIL LEAKS. THE VEHICLE WAS SET UP FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT 2,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE SHOWED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY INSPECTED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT MAKING NOISE, THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Engine, Dec 4, 2017
MY MAIN REAR SEALS OF MY ENGINE BEGAN TO LEAK OIL.
Engine, Nov 12, 2017
OUR CAR STARTED SHOWING ENGINE PROBLEMS. IT WAS BLOWING BIG PUFFS OF SMOKE OUT NOT THE EXHAUST WHEN ACCELERATING, IT WAS VERY SLUGGISH, IT WOULD ALSO TRY TO STALL OUT HERE AND THERE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT IS PART OF THE RECALL FOR THE ENGINE. THEY "TESTED" IT AND SAID THE ENGINE PASSED BUT TOOK A VIDEO OF THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND SENT IT TO THEIR TECHS TO SEE HOW TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NOW WAITING ON AN ANSWER. NO TRANSPORTATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED. PAID OUT ALMOST $300 IN THE LAST WEEK FOR A RENTAL. THE DEALERSHIP BASICALLY TOLD US WE WERE ON OUR OWN TRANSPORTATION WISE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2017
MY LEFT HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF AND ONE. REPLACED IT AND IT FLICKER ON AND OFF. I HAVE TO MESS WITH THE HEADLIGHT TO COME ON EVERY MORNING. UGH,
Engine, Nov 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STOPPING OR MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OFTHE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER (PEAK KIA LITTLETON/DENVER, 5077 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO 80123 (303) 562-0442) WAS CONTACTED, BUT AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT MADE DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.
Visibility, Oct 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF INADVERTENTLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (EVANSVILLE KIA AT (812) 473-0215, 4000 E DIVISION ST, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2017
HEADLIGHT FAILURE, REPEATED PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM FAILURE FOLLOWED BY DRIVERS SIDE FAILURE. HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR MELTED & WAS HALF MISSING. FAILURE FREQUENCY INCREASING OVER TIME. WE HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT BULB MANUFACTURES BUT FAILURE REOCCURS WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF REPLACING REGARDLESS OF MANUFACTURE
Structure, Oct 26, 2017
THIS MORNING JUST 5 MIN AFTER PUTTING MY DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT I WENT TO GO GRAB HER OUT OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I AM NOT A VERY STRONG PERSON SO THIS SURPRISED ME GREATLY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO GOOGLE I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHICH IS INSANE AND IF I HAVE TO GO REPLACING ALL MY DOOR HANDLES AS THEY BREAK I WILL NOT BE BUYING A KIA AGAIN. I HOPE THIS IS A ONE TIME THING BUT THINK THAT IS REALLY IS AN ISSUE AS SOME PEOPLE USE THE CHILD LOCK AND WOULD MAKE IT HARD TO GET IN THAT SIDE IF THAT WERE THE CASE.
Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2017
ISSUE #1: THE LF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ON MY VEHICLE EVEN AFTER BEING REPAIRED AND THEN REPLACED CONTINUES TO STOP WORKING. IN AUGUST 2017, MY LF HEADLIGHT STARTED INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT AND BY SEPTEMBER 2017 FAILED PERMANENTLY. I CHECKED THE LIGHT BULB WHICH WASN'T THE ISSUE AND FOUND THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE BULB WAS BURNT OUT WITH ONE OF THE PRONGS MELTED. I CUT OFF THE END AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW SOCKET (A H8/H11 HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS SOCKET - DORMAN# 84783). AFTER REPLACING THE SOCKET, I DROVE MY VEHICLE A COUPLE DAYS AND LF HEADLIGHT FAILED ONCE AGAIN. FIRST SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN COMPLETELY. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, DARCARS LANHAM KIA, 9020 LANHAM SEVERN RD, LANHAM, MD 20706. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLE HAD A SHORT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, ORDERED A NEW HEADLIGHT, INSTALLED IT AND THEN DROVE MY VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE MORE DAYS. ONCE AGAIN, THE HEADLIGHT STARTED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THE NEW HEADLIGHT FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW ASKING ME TO BUY ANOTHER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WHILE THEY REACH OUR TO KIA TO IDENTIFY ANY OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR THE FAILURE. ISSUE #2: IN SEPTEMBER 2017, BOTH THE LF AND RF FOG LIGHTS STARTED ALSO FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAY THAT PIECES OF THE HOUSINGS FOR BOTH FOG LIGHTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE LIGHTING AREA AND ARE HITTING THE LIGHT BULBS CAUSING THEM TO INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT. AND, OF COURSE MY EXPENSE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER THE LF HEADLIGHT NOR THE FOG LIGHTS! MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES AND THE PREMIUM WARRANTY WHICH LAST UP TO 100,000 MILES IS COMPLETELY USELESS. SO NOW, MY VEHICLE NOW ONLY HAS ONE WORKING HEADLIGHT AND ITS A RELATIVELY NEW VEHICLE!
Engine, Oct 23, 2017
OUR 2012 KIA SORENTO WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND BEGAN. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE CAR STALLED. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE KIA DEALER AND A NEW ENGINE HAD TO BE PUT IN. WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP THAT RECALL SC147 ADDRESSES 2012 KIA SORENTO'S AND THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS OUR CAR HAD. HOWEVER, THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE HER ENGINE TYPE. GIVEN WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT SHE WAS PUT IN, WE FEEL THAT THESE SORENTO ENGINE TYPES SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS WAS CONTACTED AND THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF COMPENSATION OR ADD THIS VEHICLE ENGINE TYPE TO THE RECALL.
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2017
ONE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I REPLACED BOTH BULBS. IT APPEARS, WHEN STANDING IN FRONT OF MY CAR, THAT THE LIGHTS ARE ON, BUT THEY ARE VERY DIM. WHEN I AM DRIVING, IT IS NOT LIGHTING MY PATH. MY PASSENGERS HAVE NOTICED, AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC OFTEN FLASHES THEIR LIGHTS AT ME. I NEED IT FIXED IMMEDIATELY, BC I DRIVE UBER/LYFT FOR EMPLOYMENT. I WAS DRIVING IN A DIMLY LIT AREA, WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THAT I COULDN'T SEE WELL IN FRONT OF ME. LATER, THAT HOUR, AN UBER CUSTOMER, INFORMED ME MY LIGHTS WERE OUT. AFTER THE BULBS WERE REPLACED, I WAS DRIVING WHEN I STILL NOTICED THE ROAD WAS DARK. THE NEXT DAY FRIENDS WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME & SPONTANEOUSLY INQUIRED ABOUT WHY MY HEADLIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING. MY RESEARCH SHOWS A RECALL RE HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS WHICH CORRODED, BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY CAR'S YEAR YET.
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2017
PURCHASED CAR IN APRIL 2016 USED. A WALMART BATTERY WAS IN CAR. I MENTIONED TO SALES PERSON THAT IT HAD A WALMART BATTERY, HE SAYS "O YEAH, THEY HAVE GOOD BATTERIES". SO, CAR IS AT LEAST ON SECOND BATTERY. THAT BATTERY DIED IN APRIL 2017. NEW BATTERY FROM O'RIELLY'S. THAT BATTERY IS NOW LOSING IT'S CHARGE WITHIN 5 DAYS OF NOT DRIVING. NOT NORMAL. ALTERNATOR IS THROWING 14.1 TO BATTERY. NOTHING IN CAR IS EVER LEFT ON.
Engine, Oct 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000(ENGINE) WAS RECEIVED IN APRIL OF 2017. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2017
BATTERY IS GOOD. HAVE TO JUMP START EVERY TIME.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2017
ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS AND WIRING ECT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OWNERS WITH THESE VEHICLES FOR YEARS. NOT ONLY IS IT EXPENSIVE FOR THE OWNERS BUT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHEN IT IS DOCUMENTED. LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS WHY KIA HAS NOT BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD OF LETTING THEM CONTINUE MANUFACTURING VEHICLES WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHTS. MY LOW BEAM PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I PURCHASED A NEW BULB BUT WHEN MY HUSBAND INSERTED THE NEW BULB IT WOULDN'T WORK. MY HUSBAND DOES ELECTRICAL WORK AND SAID THIS HAS TO BE A SHORT OR SOMETHING IN THE WIRING. WHY DOES THE OWNERS HAVE TO CONTINUE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE AND SUBJECTED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT DUE TO NO WORKING LIGHTS OR POSSIBLE FATALITIES. IF WE HAVE SERIOUS INJURIES OR FATALITIES THEN WILL YOU RECOGNIZE HUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM. LOOK AT THE COMPLAINTS. THESE GO BACK FOR YEARS. AND STILL OCCURRING ON NEWER VEHICLES. OWNERS ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY OUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FREQUENTLY FOR REPAIRS THAT DO NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM IT IS ONLY A BAND AIDE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME
Engine, Sep 26, 2017
AFTER 88,000 MILES, THE SORENTO'S ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE ENGINE STAYED ON BUT CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD SOUND. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PEAK KIA IN LITTLETON, CO WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED AT A COST OF $7000-$10,000 DOLLARS. THE VEHICLE HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES UP TO THIS POINT. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED AN MY VIN NUMBER AND SAID THAT I DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL FOR ENGINE PARTICLES. AS A SECOND OWNER, I DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY. I FEEL AS IF THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED AND HONORED. MY 5 YEAR OLD WELL MAINTAINED CAR HAD NO REASON TO HAVE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS DANGEROUS AND THAT IS EFFECTING OWNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Engine, Sep 21, 2017
WRITING TO YOU AND FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA FOR THEIR LACK OF RESOLVING HIS PROBLEM WITH HIS KIA SORENTO; ASKING FOR ANY ASSISTANCE THAT CAN GET HIM IN HAVING HIS MONIES REFUNDED. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS MAILED TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT RESPOND TO THE REQUEST. UPDATED 09/21/2017*JS
Engine, Sep 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE PROGRESSING NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA AND, UPON EXITING A RAMP, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT NOT YET NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2017
VEHICLE STALLS DURING OPERATION TRAVELING AROUND 15 MPH; HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ON FREEWAY AND HIGHWAY; HAPPENS AT RANDOM; VEHICLE STARTS IMMEDIATELY ON NEUTRAL; UNSAFE POTENTIAL COLLISION ON MAJOR FREEWAY AND HIGHWAY; CHILDREN IS TRANSPORTED IN THIS VEHICLE.
Engine, Sep 11, 2017
ON 09/10/2017 WHILE DRIVING A 2012 KIA SORENTO DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WITH A LOUD BANG A FEW SECONDS LATER.THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT ON 03/17/2017 KIA ANNOUNCED A RECALL FOR 2012 SORENTOS. KIA'S RECALL: SC147: " BEARING WEAR MAY RESULT IN ENGINE SEIZURE" THIS IS ON KIA'S AND NHTSA'S WEBSITES. [ NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 17V224000 "MACHINING ERRORS DURING THE ENGINE MANUFACTURING PROCESS MAY CAUSE PREMATURE BEARING WEAR WITHIN THE ENGINE"] I CONTACTED KIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1800-333-4542 AND BETHANY TOLD THAT MY 2012 KIA SORENTO WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VIN # WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SHE SAID THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD CHECK THE OTHER 2 RECALL THOUGH. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO SEE OIL POURING OUT FROM A 3 INCH HOLE IN THE BLOCK, TOWARD THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE THROWN ROD BROKE THE BLOCK. OIL IS CHANGED EVERY THREE MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE HAS 120,129 MILES ON IT. THE COST OF A USED ENGINE ALONE IS NEAR $3000, PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL A MOTOR THAT COULD DO THE SAME THING. I WOULD LIKE KIA MOTORS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE WITH A NEW ENGINE AT NO COST.