2012 Kia Sorento recalls and problems
The 2012 Kia Sorento has 5 safety recalls and 880 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Sorento vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Kia Sorento recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-750: Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-224: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 15V-626: Power Train
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 461 | |
| Electrical System | 127 | |
| Unknown or Other | 81 | |
| Air Bags | 81 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 70 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 60 | |
| Power Train | 56 | |
| Structure | 37 | |
| Service Brakes | 33 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 31 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | |
| Suspension | 22 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 30
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 16
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Kia Sorento complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-750 (engine), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline), 17V-224 (engine and engine cooling), 15V-626 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Sorento?
Owners report engine problems most often (461 reports), followed by electrical system (127). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.