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.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 25, 2013
KIA SORENTO STALLED WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT LOW SPEEDS OF 10-15 MILES PER HR. THERE WAS NO SOUND OR DAMAGE. DEALER NOT ABLE TO RECREATE SITUATION SO NO REPAIRS. THIS HAS HAPPENED COUPLE OF TIMES IN LAST TWO YEARS. SYMPTOMS ARE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON AND CAR ENGINE STALLS. AFTER PUTTING CAR IN PARKING AND PRESSING IGNITION BUTTON ON WOULD RE-START THE ENGINE. PLEASE FOLLOW UP AS THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS CAR CAN STALLS IN MOVING TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Oct 4, 2013
FOLLOW-UP: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10544920 AFTER A SINGLE CONVERSATION WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS, I WAS TOLD TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. I CHOSE A NEW "CLOSER" DEALERSHIP THAT WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. STATED I HAD A KIA CASE #, I ARRIVED AND IN A LITTLE OVER AN HOUR, MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THAT IS GREAT JOB ON THE TECHNICIANS PART, BUT THERE WAS NO DISCUSSION ABOUT WHETHER THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE OR NOT AND NO DISCUSSION OTHER THAN, THE "PIN WHICH HOLDS THE VEHICLE IN PARK WAS BROKEN". SOME BACKGROUND: I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JULY OF 2011, HAD THE FIRST SHIFTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO "BROKEN PART" IN MARCH OF 2012, NOW IN SEPT OF 2013, I HAD THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED AGAIN. BEFORE LEAVING THE PARKING LOT, I CALLED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO SPEAK TO THE NEXT LEVEL UP KIA CONSUMER REP, BUT WHAT I WANTED WAS TO MAKE SURE MY VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE OFF THE LOT (MY CHILDREN REFUSE TO GET IN THE VEHICLE FEARING FOR THEIR SAFETY). THAT EVENING I RECEIVED A CALL AND THE GENTLEMAN WAS NICE AND APOLOGETIC, BUT NOT HELPFUL AND NOW MY CASE IS RESOLVED. I MENTIONED THE MULTIPLE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTS AND IF THERE IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP CALL, BUT NEVER DID. SEEMS LIKE A CHRONIC ISSUE THAT KIA NEEDS TO RESOLVE OR SOMEONE WILL SERIOUSLY GET INJURED IF NOT ALREADY. SO FAR, IT MIGHT BE EASY TO DETERMINE, BUT I AM NOT EVEN 30% SATISFIED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT WILL BE THE LAST KIA I EVER PURCHASE AND IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE BRAND TO ANYONE EITHER. I FEEL FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE A NEWER VEHICLE WITH A WARRANTY, BUT IF I HAD THE OPTION TO GET RID OF IT, I WOULD TODAY. SO FAR OVER THE 2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR AT LEAST 6 DIFFERENT NON-RECALLED ISSUES AND HAVE LOST OVER 4 DAYS WORTH OF PAY...FRUSTRATING! *TR
Power train, Sep 23, 2013
PROBLEM: 7 YEAR OLD WAS ABLE TO PULL CONSOLE SHIFT LEVER ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITHOUT KEYLESS IGNITION OUT OF PARK AND INTO NEUTRAL AND/OR REVERSE (WE DIDN'T TRY PULLING FURTHER DOWN THE SHIFT COLUMN) WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION/VEHICLE TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF OUR SLIGHTLY INCLINED DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET AND STOPPED RESTING AGAINST THE CURB ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD (DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS TO STOP THE HEAVY VEHICLE AND LATER TO FIND OUT THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ABOUT HALF WAY DEPRESSED, BY MY 7 YEAR OLD SINCE THAT WAS AS FAR AS SHE COULD PUSH IT). THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER RETURNING FROM GROCERY SHOPPING AND THE TAILGATE WAS OPEN ALL THE WAY WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD IN THE REAR CARGO AREA "HELPING" US WITH THE GROCERIES. LUCKILY NO BODY WAS INJURED AND NEIGHBORS HELPED STOP TRAFFIC AS I FRANTICALLY TRIED TO GET MY VEHICLE TO STOP AND MY CHILDREN TO SAFETY. I UNDERSTAND THAT I SHOULD HAVE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE AND CHILDREN SHOULD NOT PLAY IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF A VEHICLE, BUT THIS INCIDENT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS (AFTER SEARCHING THIS WEBSITE) AND NO MATTER WHAT AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLE SHOULD NOT DISENGAGE FROM PARK, NO MATTER HOW HARD ONE PULLS ON THE SHIFT LEVER WITHOUT THE VEHICLE TURNED ON; A SAFETY MEASURE SINCE AT LEAST 1994 WHEN I FIRST STARTED DRIVING. I SHOULD ALSO NOTE, THAT WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE AREA OF THE SHIFTER ON THE CONSOLE, WHICH WAS REPAIRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO UNDER WARRANTY. I INQUIRED AT THAT TIME EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUE WAS, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE AN ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER, ONLY I NOTICED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NO LONGER THERE. NOW THE ISSUE HAD REAPPEARED BEFORE THIS INCIDENT AND I HAVE NOT HAD THE TIME TO HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN, BUT WAS ASSURED THE BROKEN PART DID NOT AFFECT SAFETY, MAYBE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 9, 2013
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE IN ENGINE. NO ACCELERATION AND LUCKILY HAD AN EXIT CLOSE TO PULL OFF SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WOULD TURN ON, BUT WOULD NOT DRIVE AT ALL. CAR WAS TOWED TO NEARBY DEALERSHIP. WE WERE 8 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. KIA WAS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL WITH DEALING WITH THIS. CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS TERRIBLE. WE HAD ALL PAPERWORK FOR OIL CHANGES IN CAR AND THEY MADE THE DEALERSHIP FAX THEM OVER BEFORE STARTING ANY WORK - WHICH HAPPENED TO BE 4 DAYS LATER BECAUSE THEY STILL DIDN'T WANT TO AUTHORIZE KIA TO WORK ON THE CAR. KIA MADE IT SEEM LIKE WE HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAD 19,000 MILES ON IT. WE FINALLY GOT THE CAR AUTHORIZED TO WORK ON AND WERE AUTHORIZED TO GET A RENTAL CAR (ON DAY 5). WE WENT BACK HOME, THE CAR WAS STUCK IN TOWN 8 HOURS AWAY GETTING WORKED ON. WHEN CAR WAS DONE, KIA WANTED MY HUSBAND TO DRIVE 8 HOURS TO PICK UP THE CAR! THEY ARGUED AND ARGUED WITH US UNTIL THEY FINALLY AGREED TO PUT IT ON A TRUCK AND HAVE IT TRANSPORTED. SERVICE PAPERWORK SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF METAL DEBRIS IN BOTTOM OF OIL PAN. THEY REPLACED THE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY. WHEN THEY REPLACED THAT, THEY FOUND THE OIL FILTER TO BE DAMAGED AND REPLACED THAT AS WELL. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 27, 2013
I AM BEYOND DISAPPOINTED IN MY 2012 KIA SORENTO. IT ALL STARTED WHEN MY SORENTO BEGAN TO VIBRATE WHEN TRAVELING AT INTERSTATE SPEED, THEN IT JUST LED TO MORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT NORMAL INTERSTATE SPEED OF 70 OR GOING 50 AND IT WILL GO CRAZY MAKING UNUSUAL SOUNDS AND ALL THE LIGHTS START GOING CRAZY. THEN THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING SINCE I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD AND 1 YEAR OLD IN MY BACK SEAT AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA. I PURCHASED THE SORENTO BECAUSE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE CONSIDERED A FAMILY VEHICLE. THAT'S ISN'T IT. I CAN BE TRAVELING IN TOWN OR WHERE EVER AND WHEN AT A YIELD ENTRANCE WAY I CAN PULL INTO THE MAIN ROAD AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW. THE SORENTO STALLS OUT. IT DOESN'T WANT TO INCREASE SPEED. THIS SAME THING ALSO HAPPENS WHILE I AM SPEEDING UP AS WELL. IT GETS UP TO 5RPM BEFORE CHANGING GEARS. I CAN'T LET OFF OR I WILL GET REAR ENDED. MY SORENTO ALSO HAS A HORRIBLE PULL TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE PUT NEW TIRES, HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS AND ALL. NOTHING HELPS IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT WHATSOEVER, BUT IF THESE PROBLEMS KEEP UP THERE SEEMS TO BE ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I HAVE ALSO TOOK IT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO GET THE OTHER ISSUES CHECKED OUT BUT I GET THE SAME RESPONSE. "THEY NEVER CAN FIGURE ANYTHING OUT" I HAVE GOT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE TO DRIVE IT AS WELL JUST TO BE SURE IT WASN'T THE WAY I DROVE. I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND ESPECIALLY ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN IT. I'M SURE ALL OF US WITH THE SIMILAR ISSUES ARE NOT IMAGING THINGS. I AM SO FRUSTRATED AND TO THE POINT I WANT TO CONSIDER A LAWSUIT BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T WANT A FATAL WRECK RESULTED FROM THESE MALFUNCTIONS TO FINALLY MAKE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES. NOT MY FAMILY, YOUR FAMILY, OR ANYONE ELSE'S. PLEASE HELP US! OUR LIVES AND OUR CHILDREN'S LIVES ARE AT RISK! *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 20, 2013
I LEASED MY KIA SORENTO 2012 LX V6 AWD NEW, AFTER ABOUT 5 OR 6 MONTHS I NOTICED WHEN BREAKING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR THE ENGINE SOMETIMES STALLS COMPLETELY, ONCE I SHIFT BACK IN N I CAN RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY, THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING PRECEDING THIS INCIDENT, IT HAPPENS ON ITS OWN, ONCE ACTUALLY IT HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES, THEY EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO CALLING A KIA FIELD TECH TO COME INSPECT THE CAR, LASTLY THEY INSTALLED AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE WHICH WAS APPARENTLY RECORDING ANYTHING HAPPENING TO YOUR ENGINE, AND SURE ENOUGH ABOUT A WEEK AFTER INSTALLATION I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, I PRESSED THE BUTTON BUT UPON RETURNING TO KIA DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE DEVICE HAD NOT RECORDED ANYTHING, APPARENTLY NO CODES ARE GENERATED WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS THIS WAY. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS CAN BE RESOLVED SINCE NO ONE KNOWS HOW EXACTLY THIS OCCURS AND THE ISSUE CANNOT EVEN BE REPLICATED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 31, 2013
WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO AROUND 20 MPH, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. NO POWER, AT ALL. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Structure, Jul 26, 2013, crash
MY 6 YEAR OLD CHILD GOT INTO THE VEHICLE TO GET A DRINK. SHE HIT THE GEAR SHIFT AND IT WENT FROM PARK TO GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL COMING TO A STOP BY HITTING A TREE. MY NEIGHBOR TRIED TO STOP THE CAR FROM ROLLING BUT HE COULD NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN BECAUSE IT LOCKED. MY CHILD WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. KIA SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT GO OUT OF PARK UNLESS THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION AND THE BRAKE IS PUSHED. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOTHING HIT THE GLASS TO CAUSE IT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VINE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/08/14*LJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A CUT FROM THE GLASS. UPDATED 01/09/14
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 25, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (55-65 MPH) OUR VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT DOWN; ALL ELECTRICAL POWERED OFF, ENGINE SHUT DOWN, LOSS OF ABS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL SHIFTING INTO 'PARK' POSITION. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, ALL UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. *TR
Engine, Jul 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *TR
Engine, Jul 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ALL THREE TIMES BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2013
WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, THE RPM GAUGE DID NOT MOVE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FORWARD AT ENGINE IDLE SPEED (REACHING ABOUT 20MPH ON A LEVEL SURFACE). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Seats, May 15, 2013
2ND ROW SEAT DIFFICULT TO FLIP DOWN TO ACCESS 3RD ROW. LATCH DIFFICULT TO DISENGAGE. BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND THEIR FIX WD40 ONLY LASTS A WEEK OR 2 AT BEST. *TR
Engine, Apr 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ENGAGED INTO LIMP MODE. THE DEALER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO WAIT 15 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED CHANGING THE ECT ACTUATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,671 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 13, 2013
MY FAMILY AND I (WIFE, 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER) HAD JUST EXITED THE FREEWAY AND ENTERED OUR HOUSING COMPLEX. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD OUR VEHICLE'S ENGINE AS WELL AS ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TURNED OFF. WE WERE IN MOTION AT THE TIME IT TURNED OFF. WE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND US, BUT LUCKILY THEY SAW OUR VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN AND DROVE AROUND US. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND STATED EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND, AS EXPECTED, SHE HAD TO MUSCLE THE STEERING TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALSO DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND HAD NO ABS. WE HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE BACK UP. I INITIALLY TOLD MY WIFE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BUT AFTER TRYING THAT, IT DID NOT WORK. AFTER WE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK ON WE DROVE STRAIGHT HOME. I CONTACTED CITRUS KIA THAT DAY AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THAT ISSUE AND WOULD HAVE NO WAY CONFIRMING WHAT HAPPENED UNLESS IT DID IT WHILE THEY WERE INSPECTING IT. MY VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FROM 4/10/13- 4/13/13. THE END RESULT IS THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT DID DO A NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS TO "HOPEFULLY" PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM RE-OCCURRING. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO AS THEY HAVE NO WAY OF ACTUALLY VERIFYING WHY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION. AS OF THIS WRITING I WAS ADVISED I COULD COME DOWN AND PICK UP MY VEHICLE, BUT WILL REFUSE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FOUND AND RESOLVED, AS THIS IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE AND I DO NOT WANT THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING AND IT RESULTING IN A INJURY OR FATAL COLLISION. I HAVE READ EDMUNDS.COM (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F13B7CA/40) AND SEE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION. PLEASE PLEASE HELP. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2013, crash
MY WIFE PARKED CAR IN DRIVEWAY AND OPEN GARAGE DOOR TO TAKE TRASH OUT TO CURB. SHE LEFT THE CAR IDLING AND IN PARK. MY DRIVEWAY HAS SLIGHT INCLINE. IT TOOK HER ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES TO BRING TRASH TO CURB. WHILE APPROACHING THE KIA SORENTO SHE NOTICED IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. PANICKING SHE TRIED TO REACH IN AND KILL THE ENGINE. SHE WAS HIT BY DOOR AND KNOCKED HER ONTO THE DRIVERS FLOOR WITH HER FEET OUTSIDE THE CAR. SHE TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH NO LUCK SLOWING DOWN THE CAR. AS SHE GOT TO THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY THE CARS SPEED HAD INCREASED ENOUGH WHERE SHE COULDN'T HOLD ON ANY LONGER. SHE WAS THROWN FROM THE CAR INTO THE STREET. TAKE ONE STEP BACK NOW. WHEN SHE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY SHE PUT THE CAR IN PARK ALLOWING HER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. WHEN I GOT THERE AFTERWARDS NO ONE HAD TOUCHED THE CAR YET AND THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE SORENTO HAD TO SLIP OUT OF PARK AND INTO NEUTRAL. REASONING IS BECAUSE 1) IF LEFT IN ANY GEAR OTHER THAN PARK DOOR WOULDN'T OF UNLOCKED. 2) IF LEFT IN GEAR THE CAR WOULDN'T OF STAYED IN ONE PLACE IN THE DRIVEWAY HILL FOR 3 TO 5 MINUTES BEFORE STARING TO ROLL. TRYING TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THEIR KIA SORENTO SLIP FROM PARK INTO NEUTRAL! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE. *TR
Power train, Jan 29, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2012 KIA SORRENTO WITH 24 MILES ON 12/20/11. 10/24/12-I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL WITH A LINE OF CARS BEHIND ME AND STUDENTS WALKING BEHIND ME MY VEHICLE JUST STOPPED. I WAS FORCED TO BACK DOWN THE HILL. I HAD GONE TO VISIT MY SON IN COLLEGE AND AS SOON AS I GO THERE I HAD TO TURN AROUND AND GO HOME. I WAS 160 MILES FROM HOME AND DIDN'T WANT TO RISK BREAKING DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE DARK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 11/1/12-TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED-VEHICLE WAS KEPT A WEEK.OUR FIRST REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. 1/1/13-MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND LOST ACCELERATION. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. WEEK 1-OUR 2ND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. WE CALLED ABOUT VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY INSTALLED TRANSMISSION BUT THAT IT STILL WASN'T WORKING CORRECTLY AND THAT THEY WERE SPEAKING WITH THE MANUFACTURE. THEY NEEDED TO PUT IN A 3RD TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER WEEK PAST. END OF WEEK 2-STOPPED IN TO CHECK ON VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED TO PUT IN YET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND THIS TRANSMISSION WOULD BE COMING DIRECTLY OFF THE MANUFACTURE FLOOR. ONCE COMPLETED THIS WILL BE THE 4TH NEW TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE THIS TIME FOR 27 DAYS AS OF 1/29/12 AND IT'S STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION THE FIRST TIME, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2011 KIA SORRENTO. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE.THE DEALERSHIP HAS SPOKEN WITH THE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE AT KIA TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES UNSUCCESSFULLY AND I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE. I NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURE AND FILED COMPLAINT. 5 TOTAL TRANSMISSIONS AND OVER 30 DAYS IN THE SHOP..IT'S TIME FOR KIA TO STEP UP AND MAKE THIS RIGHT! *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 24, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE SNOW OR ON WET PAVEMENT. YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE - IT JUST GOES WHERE IT WANTS TO. THIS SITUATION IS GOING TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC PROBLEMS AND LOSS OF LIVES. I DON'T KNOW IF THE PROBLEM IS THE VERY LIGHT 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, PROBLEMATIC SUSPENSION, STEERING, OR TIRES, BUT IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WILL DEFINITELY CAUSE ACCIDENTS. SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE MUCH, MUCH SAFER TO DRIVE IN WET AND/OR SNOWY WEATHER. IT IS DIFFICULT NEGOTIATING A HILL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHETHER GOING UP OR DOWN. I LITERALLY SLIDE INTO THE STREET FROM MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS BY NO MEANS A VERY STEEP DRIVE AND I CERTAINLY CANNOT MAKE IT UP THE DRIVE IN THE SNOW WITHOUT FIRST BACKING UP INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S DRIVE AND GETTING ENOUGH SPEED UP TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF MY DRIVE. WE BOUGHT AND UTILIZE THIS VEHICLE TO MAKE DELIVERIES AND PUT UP TO 500 MILES PER WEEK ON THE CAR AND OUR DRIVER NOW REFUSES TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE IMMINENT DANGER -- HE CALLS IT A DEATH TRAP! *TR
Engine, Jan 9, 2013
I WAS STOPPED AT RED LIGHT WHEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. STARTED THROUGH INTERSECTION WHEN CAR DIED IN MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED. WAS TOLD THEY FOUND CODE P2110 LIMP HOME MODE. THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS IF IT OCCURED ON INTERSTATE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 8, 2013
I OWN A 2012 4 CYLINDER KIA SORENTO. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN NOV 2011. HAD IT ABOUT 8 MONTHS AND WAS DRIVING UP A HILL WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AND IT JUST STOPPED....HAD TO LET TRAFFIC AROUND ME AND THEN LET OFF BRAKE TO COAST BACK DOWN HILL UNTIL I GOT TO A PLACE I COULD PULL IN. TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP...TRANSMISSION ISSUES-HAD TO GET NEW ONE...DEALERSHIP KEPT IT OVER A WEEK.LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LATER MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING UP A HILL AND AGAIN SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP I NEEDED ANOTHER TRANSMISSION....IT'S BEEN AT DEALERSHIP 1/2 A WEEK AND NOT SURE WHEN I'LL GET IT BACK. *TR
Engine, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND AS A RESULT, IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000... UPDATED 01/04/13 *BF THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE BLOCK UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 01/09/13
Structure, Seats, Nov 11, 2012
SEAT TRIM ON DRIVERS SEAT BREAKS ALLOWING SEAT CONTROLS TO MOVE SEAT WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING. IT CAN MOVE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARD WITHOUT DRIVER DOING ANYTHING. THIS TRIM HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES WITH THE SEAT MOVING TWICE (2) OUT OF THE FOUR (4) TIMES. KIA DEALER HAS REPLACED TRIM ALL FOUR (4) TIMES AND ACKNOWLEDGED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE TRIM DESIGN, HOWEVER KIA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. TRIM IS HELD ON BY PLASTIC, AS IT MOVES THE PLASTIC BREAKS, ALLOWING SEAT CONTROLS TO MOVE AGAINST DOOR OR FLOOR MAKING SEAT MOVE. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON 8/27/11, 06/16/12, 08/04/12 AND 11/09/12. TALKING TO KIA DEALERS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD AND THE ENGINE RPM WOULD RAPIDLY INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD SECURE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE A REGIONAL OFFICER FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE REGIONAL OFFICER NEVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND THE APPOINTMENT WAS CANCELLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2012
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. THE 2012 SORENTO HAS A PUSH BUTTON START. THE ISSUE STARTED THE DAY WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS A REPEATED ISSUE. THE KIA DEALER IN OMAHA NEBRASKA REPLACED THE SWITCH TWICE AND THE DEALER IN FAIRVIEW HTS, IL HAS REPLACED THE SAME PART AT LEAST THREE TIMES. I'M THINKING LEMON. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER IN FAIRVIEW HTS, IL FOR THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. *TR