repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2012 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 880 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Kia Sorento has problems
880 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
461Engine55 crash/fire/injury
127Electrical system21 crash/fire/injury
81Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
69Service brakes, hydraulic8 crash/fire/injury
60Exterior lighting
55Power train
35Structure
33Service brakes
31Fuel/propulsion system
17320 other systems19 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 461 | 55 |
| Electrical system | 127 | 21 |
| Air bags | 81 | 10 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 69 | 8 |
| Exterior lighting | 60 | 6 |
| Power train | 55 | 6 |
| Structure | 35 | 6 |
| Service brakes | 33 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 31 | 10 |
| 20 other systems | 173 | 19 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2012 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Engine
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2017 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
100kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 345 engine complaints. 50% were reported before 100,000 miles.
41under 30k miles174under 100k miles171100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
37 owners mentioned a cost$6,400median
Middle half: $1,400 – $9,000
Air bags
24 owners mentioned a cost$2,000median
Middle half: $875 – $2,367
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Sorento year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Kia Sorento safety ratings
2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
10 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Kia Sorento, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 18V-934
- Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesNo recall
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Panoramic Glass Sunroof BreakageNo recall
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- Panoramic Sunroof BreakageNo recall
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 20V-750
- Headlight FailureNo recall
- Scope and TimelinessLed to recall 17V-224
In owners' words
What Sorento owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact’s spouse stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The contact's spouse noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, prompting the contact’s spouse to pull…
The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 2012 Kia vehicles (specifically the Sorento) with V6 engines are covered under…
Own a 2012 Sorento?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.