2012 KIA SORENTO Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Sorento. This model year has 872 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Considering a 2012 Kia Sorento?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 474 | 2 | 54 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 127 | 1 | 20 | — | |
| Brake System | 101 | 3 | 9 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 81 | 3 | 8 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 79 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 68 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 60 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 6 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 35 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 | — | 8 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 29 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 872 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
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 ar…
In September 2025, an authorized Kia dealership performed recall SC284XM (HECU electrical short fire risk) on this 2012 Kia Sorento. During the repair, the dealership disconnected the battery, resetting the PCM/ECU and clearing all OBD-II readiness monitors including the oxygen s…
Engine warning lamp illuminated as the engine lost some power. Code was diagnosed as the knock sensor issue. Unit taken to mechanic to evaluate and diagnose. Repair shop notified us that based on the sensor, the engine could succumb to a failure at any time. Engine oil was fl…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument panel. There was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering while depressing the accelerator …
Engine Knocking - Car enters limp mode and has a known recall. KSDS was updated in prior recall and engine has failed at 118k Miles. Car has been well maintained. Kia asks for maintenance records, records were provided and they will not take action. KIA avoided fixing the engi…
My kia Sorento shocks are really bad seems like it bounces Alot More than normal and heard a squeak coming from the shocks also hard to get the to turn when Im park and electric seems to glitch with bulbs going out faster and radio acting like it shorting out since the wiring was…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, she entered the post office; after 3 to 4 minutes, she was alerted by a consumer that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact noticed fire emerging from the undercarriage. The…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was permanently illuminated. The m…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V750000 (Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a r…
Rear subframe is completely rusted out on one side makes it completely undrivable especially with my young children.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rod bearings were knocking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V626000 (Power Train), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 20V750…
The check engine light came on 12/29 and was driven approximately 50 miles. On Jan 3, 2026 vehicle was driven app. 5 miles and left parked at a friends. There was a little smoke coming out from under the hood, but this is not unusual as car had small oil leak for at least 3 years…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that her son had reported that the vehicle was losing motive power and had failed to exceed 15 MPH while driving. The check engine warning illuminated. The contact advised the driver to pull over and to stop the vehicle. Th…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced at the local dealer for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) regarding a safety fire hazard. Days later, while the vehicle was idling, smoke was suddenly present coming fro…
Engine Intake gasket oil leak.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that, while driving at 60 MPH, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting her to attempt to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. During the attempt, the contact stated that she then heard an abnormal…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. In a…
Hey I’ve Recently Wrecked My Vehicle Due To Malfunctions This Year Just A Few Months Ago & I Reported It To The Dealer Before I Crashed It. That Something Was Wrong With The Engine And Also Sent The Dealership I Purchased It From Videos Before Hand But Nobody Would Listen To Me. …
My pearl white paint is chipping and peeling off my car
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal rattling coming from the engine. The check engine warning l…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Kia Sorento.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Sorento
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2012 Kia Sorento has 872 NHTSA owner complaints, 21 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (474 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (474 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (127 complaints). #3: Brake System (101 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2012 Kia Sorento has 21 crash-related complaints and 74 fire reports out of 872 total NHTSA complaints. 36 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2012 Kia Sorento has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.