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, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that Customer Satisfaction Number: 2304 (Anti-Theft S/W Logic Upgrade & Decal Installation) was also performed, which could have caused the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 81,476.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2024
My 2012 Kia Sorento has a recall for the motor, and I had taken it to Kia for an inspection and the dealer stated to me that my car does not have a recall on it. Recently my car stalled on the road while I was driving, and it nearly caused an accident because someone behind me had to break suddenly to stop.
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2024
The low-beam headlights frequently burn out, approximately every 6 months. Upon inspection by multiple repair shops, the wiring harnesses have been found to be blowing the bulb yet each shop has replaced with a variety of parts. The suspicion is the wiring and power source are causing issues. Each side of the vehicle has had the wiring harness replaced with the right side being replaced twice and currently in need of a third replacement. The initial replacement was in 2018 and most recent replacement was 2023. The headlight will flicker on and off intermittently before the bulb or wiring harness blow. There is no predicting when this will occur which leaves the driver at risk of losing one or both headlights, needing immediate repair for safety and to avoid a potential ticket from the police.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle required several attempts to start; however, the vehicle failed to remain running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 8, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 25 MPH, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle caught on fire. No further information was provided. The contact stated that her son immediately pulled to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle became engulfed in fire and exploded, causing damage to another parked unoccupied vehicle. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the fire department. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned to the ground. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which she related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 24, 2024, fire
While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 20, 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 stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and there was a burning-like plastic odor coming through the vents. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 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 and confirmed that the parts were 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact detected a burning rubber odor. The TPMS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the air vents, causing the front windshield to fog. The contact was unable to see and crashed into the side of a residential porch, scraping the driver's side mirror and front driver's side quarter panel. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where a leak test was performed, and it was determined that an unknown fluid had leaked onto the starter. The starter was replaced; however, the vehicle hesitated to start. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), the ABS, Brake, and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed by the technician that the HECU fuse had been replaced. The contact attempted to disable the check engine light with a scanner; however, the light failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an ABS HECU Hydraulic Control Unit malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormally strong gasoline odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and unlatched the hood, only to discover gasoline flowing on top of the engine. The contact stated that he had made it home safely and ran water through the engine to clean the gasoline off. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 21, 2024
Unknown… This is what happened. I was at a stoplight first car in line. While waiting for the light the car just shut off without warning. It would not go into park, key would not turn, the dashboard was lit up & radio on. I turned on my flashers. I called a tow and kept doing everything to get the car to start after about 15 -20 minutes or so I finally got it to go in park turn the key and it started and the car drove like it never happened. It didn’t make a noise before stopping no warning lights came on or anything.
Engine, May 21, 2024
Driving from a parking lot to roadway the engine seized. We have never had a recall. We bought it in 2019. I understand this has been a problem for many. Can I get the engine replaced on the recall? We had just had a lot of work done. Oil change, struts, brakes, etc.
Electrical system, May 20, 2024
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: The electrical problem started with battery power drainage. After two battery replacements, other electrical problems started to occur. Turn signal lights would not work, windows would not open or close, the left headlamp failed, was replaced, but did not work, all warning lights stayed on. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: The various electrical failures first occurred while driving the vehicle. I was inable to signal to change lanes. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No. Q:Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes. Before the battery drainage issue ocurred, the check engine light and ABS indicator lights began staying on all the time.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 17, 2024
The contact's ex-husband owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, May 16, 2024
This morning the panoramic sunroof on our 2012 Kia Sorrento spontaneously exploded. Shattered and chunks of safety glass came down on us. My son and I sustained superficial injuries (I sustained laceration over left eye and on left hand) - he has a lump on the right side of his skull. When we pulled over the glass was also on the rear portion of the roof. Nothing struck the vehicle. There was no vehicle/truck in front of us for potential debris. Open sky above. It sounded like a gunshot before the glass exploded over us.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 14, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed he smelled a burning fuel odor, and smoke began coming into the vehicle from the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and unlatched the hood of the vehicle only to find a sizeable amount of fire coming from the engine, which left him with burned hairs on his left arm, no medical treatment was needed. The contact stated there was a cop parked nearby who came to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was called to make sure the fire was extinguished. The contact did not recall filling out a fire department report. A police report was filed, however the contact did not have the information available. The insurance company towed the vehicle and deemed it totaled. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23v652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in that recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also confirmed there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was not included in that recall. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, May 13, 2024
While driving on the Highway at 70 mph car started to slow and stall. I pulled out on an access road where I was able to come to a stop and push car into a fast food restaurant. This was the first incident. The second time it also stops while I was driving. We had to have it towed back home.
Engine, May 13, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the malfunction indicator lamp warning light illuminated and the contact heard a loud sound. The contact stated that the sound was like something had fallen from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke that exited the rear exhaust and white smoke that exited from under the front hood of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. The local Fire department and Police department arrived on the scene. A police and fire reports were filed however limited information for the reports was available. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer inspected and determined that the failure was no fault of the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2024
The manufacturer of Kia has not resolve the fire issue to the vehicles. The recall has not be looked into or updated since letter in 2022. I’ve asked multiple Kia reps when the recall will be handled and was told there is no remedy. This recall is super dangerous and is a liability when driving on highways or long travel. My car can catch on fire at any time and nothing is being handled to resolve the issue.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 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, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Services 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, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brake, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.