Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Sorento, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine461
- Electrical system127
- Unknown or other81
- Air bags81
- Service brakes, hydraulic69
- Exterior lighting60
- Power train55
- Structure35
- Service brakes33
- Fuel/propulsion system31
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 36 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 54 2012 Sorento vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 30 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Kia Sorento failed the safety check 3.26% of the time — 29% more often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 128,821 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
10,120 new Kia Sorento cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Germany (3,315), the United Kingdom (2,178), Spain (704).
- Average mass
- 1,896 kg
- Average power
- 140 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 98% · Petrol 2.1%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Kia Sorento cars on Dutch roads are the 2.4 petrol (128 kW, 172 hp) and 2.2 diesel (145 kW, 194 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 petrol | 128 kW 172 hp | 79 |
| 2.2 diesel | 145 kW 194 hp | 24 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
115 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 23% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €47,818.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde60
- Band onvoldoende profiel60
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)38
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt32
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling26
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan25
- Stofhoes aandrijfas beschadigd en dicht niet af25
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm24
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,641 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 109 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,978 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 60% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17.8% | 12.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 14.6% | 14.3% |
| Brakes | 12.5% | 7.7% |
| Tyres | 8.2% | 7.0% |
| Steering | 4.2% | 2.3% |
| Visibility | 4.0% | 5.0% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
258 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 270,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
341 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 5% arrived as used imports, 94% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 16.8 % |
| 2012 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 17.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 9.6–11.5 L/100 km (about 20–25 mpg US), CO₂ 221–265 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.2 | 7.8 | 9.6 |
| Sorento 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 8.9 | 10.4 |
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.0 | 8.8 | 10.6 |
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 9.1 | 10.6 |
| Sorento 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.0 | 9.7 | 11.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2023529 26 Sept 2023 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire ris… |
| 2020597 4 Dec 2020 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI or 2.4 L Theta II MPI engine, an engine compartment fire could occur while driving. Kia is conducting t… |
| 2019153 21 Mar 2019 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2018742 28 Dec 2018 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, when repairs were completed under recall campaign 2017-199 (Kia RC109), the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on… |
| 2017199 7 Apr 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.4L engines, the engine may contain residual metallic debris from factory machining operations. If debris is present… |
| 2016120 17 Mar 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, the sunroof can break due to external impacts, which can cause the sunroof crosspieces with some tempered glass attached to dislodge and dr… |
| 2015468 14 Oct 2015 | Powertrain Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 102 - Transmission Control Functions. The transmission shift selector asse… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2012 Kia Sorento: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010507 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the su |
| 11001595 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10252086 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the su |
| 10243924 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10242913 | PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause. |
| 10240558 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10239724 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10239714 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10236650 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10236078 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined |
| 10233638 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on |
| 10233308 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10219692 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that the tool provides accurate readings when testing the engine rod bearing wear. The calibration and BCT measuring point maintenance is included in this bulletin. |
| 10210431 | PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring harness. If the condition is present, it is possible that the injector harness was not installed correctly. The connections may be swapped from cylinder No. 1 and cylinder No. 4, and from cylinder No. 2 and cylinder No. 3. |
| 10209438 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10206642 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10205866 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns |
| 10205426 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10203695 | This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that the tool provides accurate readings when testing the engine rod bearing wear. The calibration and BCT measuring point maintenance is included in this bulletin. |
| 10203659 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns |
| 10202226 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia m |
| 10201615 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return t |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Engine Fires
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Headlight Failure
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Scope and Timeliness
Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation