CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Sorento has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 880 complaints with NHTSA, including 21 crashes, 77 fires, 36 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (461 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Kia Sorento recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause the engine's bearings to wear out prematurely.
Vehicle Can Shift Out of Park Without Brake Pressed
On certain 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles built between October 2009 and January 2013, the brake-shift interlock mechanism can chip or crack if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever.
Most common 2012 Kia Sorento problems
Problem areas named in the 880 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| 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 |
What owners report
Unknown
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was diagnosed and DTC: V1481 was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
While driving I smelled gas, a few minutes later I saw smoke coming from the hood of the car. I stopped, turned the car off, got my dog, exited the car, which then exploded into flames. I saw that I was not safe the minute I saw the smoke. I was unsure that the gas smell was coming from my car until I saw that my gas needle was on E when I had filled up 3 hours prior. The police and the fire department was on scene. No warnings came up on the dash board other than the gas light.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the air bag warning light was also illuminated. 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 failure reoccurred six months later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by wiring issues with the front pass
I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and lost power, leaving the vehicle inoperable. This occurred without warning. The vehicle received routine maintenance, including regular oil changes, and the failure was not due to intentional neglect or misuse. I am concerned because this vehicle is equipped with the Kia Theta II 2.4L engine family, which has been associated with previous recalls, investigations, settlements, and numerous consum
2012 Kia Sorento safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (16.8% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (17.8% rollover risk) |
2012 Kia Sorento questions
Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk; Vehicle Can Shift Out of Park Without Brake Pressed. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?
Based on 880 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (461), Electrical System (127), Unknown Or Other (81).
How safe is the 2012 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Kia Sorento up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia Sorento has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.