CarComplaints.com Notes: As long as catastrophic engine failure at under 60,000 miles is the top owner complaint, it'll be pretty hard to recommend the 2012 Sorento.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 40
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,616 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Kia Sorento:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 14 of 20)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #128

Oct 202017

Sorento

  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While stopping or making a left turn at low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause ofthe failure could not be determined. The dealer (peak Kia littleton/denver, 5077 S wadsworth blvd, littleton, co 80123 (303) 562-0442) was contacted, but an appointment was not made due to the diagnostic fees. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The contact researched the failure online and found many other complaints. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

- Morrison, CO, USA

problem #127

Feb 202017

Sorento

  • 65,392 miles
Our 2012 Kia Sorento was in motion on the highway when a loud knocking sound began. At this point the engine seized and the car stalled. It had to be towed to the Kia dealer and a new engine had to be put in. We were told by the service manager at the Kia dealership that recall SC147 addresses 2012 Kia Sorento's and the exact same issue as our car had. However, the recall does not include her engine type. Given what happened to our 17 year old daughter and the dangerous situation that she was put in, we feel that these Sorento engine types should also be included in the recall. Kia Consumer Affairs was contacted and they refused to provide any type of compensation or add this vehicle engine type to the recall.

- Hoschton, GA, USA

problem #126

Apr 012017

Sorento

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000(engine) was received in April of 2017. The contact stated that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- New Braunfers, TX, USA

problem #125

Sep 242017

Sorento

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After 88,000 miles, the Sorento's engine started making a loud sound while driving at highway speed. The engine stayed on but continued to make a loud sound. The car was towed to peak Kia in littleton, co where it was determined that a new engine was needed at a cost of $7000-$10,000 dollars. The vehicle had regular oil changes up to this point. The dealership checked an my VIN number and said that I didn't qualify for the recall for engine particles. As a second owner, I did not have access to the 10 year warranty. I feel as if the recall needs to be expanded and honored. My 5 year old well maintained car had no reason to have catastrophic engine failure. I believe this is a manufacturing defect that is dangerous and that is effecting owners across the country.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #124

Jul 012016

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
Writing to you and filing a complaint against Kia for their lack of resolving his problem with his Kia Sorento; asking for any assistance that can get him in having his monies refunded. The consumer stated the necessary documentation for reimbursement was mailed to the manufacturer, but the manufacturer did not respond to the request. Updated 09/21/2017

- Calabash, NC, USA

problem #123

Sep 212017

Sorento

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise progressing near the engine compartment area and, upon exiting a ramp, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could be restarted, but the noise continued. The vehicle was parked at the contact's residence. The contact was included in a recall but not yet notified of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Yantic, CT, USA

problem #122

Sep 102017

Sorento

  • 120,129 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 09/10/2017 while driving a 2012 Kia Sorento down the highway I heard a rattling noise from the engine with a loud bang a few seconds later.there was smoke coming from under the hood. I researched and found that on 03/17/2017 Kia announced a recall for 2012 Sorentos. Kia's recall: SC147: " bearing wear may result in engine seizure" this is on Kia's and NHTSA's websites. [ NHTSA campaign # 17V224000 "machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine"] I contacted Kia's customer service at 1800-333-4542 and bethany told that my 2012 Kia Sorento was not eligible for the recall because the VIN # was not part of the recall. She said that I could take it to the dealer and they would check the other 2 recall though. When the vehicle was towed I looked under the vehicle to see oil pouring out from a 3 inch hole in the block, toward the rear of the vehicle, where the thrown rod broke the block. Oil is changed every three months and the vehicle has 120,129 miles on it. The cost of a used engine alone is near $3000, plus labor to install a motor that could do the same thing. I would like Kia motors to replace the defective engine with a new engine at no cost.

- Owasso, OK, USA

problem #121

Jun 172017

Sorento

  • 108,000 miles
Kia Sorento engine recall - my car was delivered to the dealership on 6/17 due to engine failure which was associated with the recall. They called me to pick up my car on 8/19. After exiting the lot, I continued to hear the metal grinding sound in the engine area to the right of the passenger side, additional noises could be heard in the rear axle and an extremely tight steering wheel when turning. I immediately called the dealer and spoke with the service manager who asked that I return the vehicle. I returned it on Monday morning, 8/21 and waited 3 hours while they checked the car. The manager then informed me that I needed a new steering shaft which would cost me $518. My car did not have a tight steering wheel when I last drove it before being towed into the dealership lot. The technicians had to pull my car apart to replace the engine and adjusted my steering shaft, which they are unwilling to repair or replace. In addition, Kia also owes me over $900 for a previous repair and two expenses that was originally submitted on 6/21. As I continue to keep a log of all my calls to Kia and the dealer to make my case against the company. The car has not improved with a refurbished engine, it has become worse, which places me and my family in danger. I have given all the documentation to my attorney to file a formal complaint with the company and with the necessary regulatory body. My car was working efficiently before breaking down and I would like to be reimbursed and my car fixed or replaced.

- Goshen, NY, USA

problem #120

Aug 102017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 123,937 miles
On 08/10/12017 while driving my 2012 Kia Sorento on I-40. I heard a "rattling noise" from the engine. As I slowed down the sound got louder. I turned on a side street into a safe area and parked my vehicle. There was smoke coming from under my hood. I opened the hood and saw 2 small patches of fire. I was able to put them out, then ran to a best western hotel and asked for a fire extinguisher in case a fire would erupt again. I researched and discovered that on 03/17/2017 Kia announced a recall for 2012 Sorentos. Kia's recall: SC147: " bearing wear may result in engine seizure" this is on Kia's, NHTSA's, pbs and forbes websites. [ NHTSA campaign # 17V224000 "machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine"] I contacted Kia's Consumer Affairs # and the person told that my 2012 Kia Sorento was not eligible for the recall. He said my VIN # was not part of the recall. I had just returned with my family 1 day prior from a trip to mobile, al. (1500 miles round trip). On 08/12/17 I had my vehicle towed to battleground Kia where the advisor & technician showed me the problem a "thrown rod".this hole is 3" to 4" diameter. (pictures attached). I asked what could have caused the rod to be thrown? I had my oil changed on schedule the latest was 07/26/2017. This vehicle has 123,937 miles on it. He replied he didn't know what caused it. On 08/15/2017 I was informed that to replace the engine with a used one with 99,000 miles was $6400 plus labor. [that is about 24,000 miles less than mine current mileage with the same potential problem lingering to happen again] it is obvious that the problems with the recall engines are identical with mine. I would like Kia manufacturing to replace my defective engine with a new engine and rental vehicle at no cost to me. I'll like to partner with the local dealership to rectify this. Updated 08/31/2017

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #119

Aug 052017

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
We have a Kia Sorento 2012. Passengers smelled gas 4.5 hours into a 5 hour trip to philadelphia. Stopped at rest stop and did not think it was coming from car. We drove approximately another 30 mins into philadelphia and got off the highways onto local streets. Jogger on side of road flagged us down with "your car is on fire!" we pulled to side of road and got out of the car. The Kia Sorento's engine was on fire. A local fire department arrived and put out the engine fire with water. No injuries.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #118

Aug 022017

Sorento

  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As I came around a bend at about 20 mph, my 2012 Kia Sorento died. There was no warning, and no check engine light. I was on a city street, and had just pressed the brake pedal to slow down for the turn. Thankfully I was able to pull into a parking lot, and not driving on the highway with my children. I tried to crank the car again, and it started, ran for a brief moment, sounded normal, then died. I tried twice more with the same result, then called a tow truck to get home. We called the dealership the next day to notify them of the issue, and they sent out a tow truck. When they tried to crank it, it ran rough and then died. We are awaiting approval from corporate Kia, as we believe that this is related to the engine recall they have issued.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #117

Jul 022017

Sorento

  • 68,000 miles
As I was driving downhill on I-15 just 3 miles South of scipio, ut, I began to notice issues with the brakes and accelerator. I got into the far right line of the highway and noticed that smoke and flames came from underneath the hood. As I put the car in park, thick black smoke came through the air vent. As we got out of the vehicle, I breathed in a little bit of the thick smoke that came through the air vent, but my wife did not breathe any of the smoke. The hood area was completely engulfed in flames after we escaped from the vehicle. The fire department put out the fire about 20 minutes after this incident started. Everything from the front of the car to about half of the trunk area was destroyed.

- Springville, UT, USA

problem #116

Jul 142017

Sorento

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While driving 2 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called a local dealer (san luis bay motors Kia located at 2700 theatre dr paso robles, ca 93466 805 239 8700) who stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact notified the manufacturer and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 109,000.

- Grover Beach, CA, USA

problem #115

Jul 172017

Sorento

  • miles
I have had documented engine issues identical to the symptoms described in the recall SC147 communication. I am attaching documentation of these engine concerns, specifically hiccuping/sputtering/skipping idle and near stall-outs. Today I went to the Kia dealer and was informed that my engine did not qualify for any repairs because it passed the brief test they did on it. The purpose of this communication is state that I do not accept the conclusions of the Kia dealer today and I formally requested to the Kia corporation that the engine on my Kia vehicle be repaired promptly to correct the issues identified in recall SC147. The engine in my Kia vehicle has has documented issues identical to the SC147 issues since I purchased and still does today. Given this, I am concerned about the safety of my family -- my engine may stall out put my family in harm's way. At this time, I am awaiting communication from Kia corporation.

- Cumberland, ME, USA

problem #114

Jun 142017

Sorento

  • 160,000 miles
We had struggled with the check engine lights on the car coming on and going off randomly. Had the camshaft position sensor replaced twice. Returned from a 11 day vacation and upon starting the car there was a knocking sound from the engine. Took it to a mechanic in town immediately for fear something was wrong with the car. The next day received a recall letter from Kia but the mechanic in town had already run diagnostics and found several things wrong with the engine. Took it to Kia per the recall and they reported that the diagnostic tool could find nothing wrong and that the engine was fun. I took it to a Toyota dealership for trade assessment and they too told me the engine was bad. I have since traded the car in because a mechanic I trust advised me to do so. When this car was first purchased it was involved in an accident that was unreported and repaired by the dealership. I've constant trouble with the wiring and honesty of Kia. I no longer own the vehicle but I suffered an expense to replace it because Kia claimed this vehicle was unaffected. I did not feel safe driving it any longer.

- New Madrid, MO, USA

problem #113

Jul 062017

Sorento

  • 99,545 miles
Intake manifold runner code P200A

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #112

Jun 212017

Sorento

  • 76,000 miles
I received a interim safety recall on 6/30/17 (attached). On 6/21/17 while travelling on the highway (rt. 80) going 70mph the engine lost all power. There was no knocking sound or warning light as the notice had stated would be an indicator to a possible problem. I luckily was able to pull over to the side of the road before the car completely stopped operating.fortunately I was travelling in the left lane. Had I been in any other lane there would have been no way I could have pulled over the vehicle. The engine lost power that quickly without warning. I had to have to car towed off the highway and contacted Kia. A case was opened and I was advised that the car would have to be inspected to determine if it was due to the recall that the engine stopped. I received a call the next day that indeed the engine was part of the recall and I would be receiving a new engine. Kia has not communicated with me in regards to the eta of the repair. I called the deal who had no idea when the car would be repaired. After contacting Kia I was given an eta of 7/15/17. Case # 12385542

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

problem #111

Jan 142017

Sorento

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While driving 90 mph, the engine failed without warning. The contact stated that there was a knocking noise from inside the engine and the vehicle lost power. In addition, the vehicle would not switch gears and decreased in acceleration until the contact reached the dealer. Cathedral city Kia of cathedral city, California replaced the engine in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the failure was included in an unknown recall; however, the contact's VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 97,000.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #110

Jun 012017

Sorento

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while at a stop light, the vehicle had suddenly stalled and also while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly loose power causing the speed to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to roseville Kia in roseville, California to be diagnosed but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

- Grass Valley, CA, USA

problem #109

Jun 222017

Sorento

  • 98,805 miles
My engine seized while driving on to ramp to highway. My car cut off and was unresponsive. I forced the car to the side of the on-ramp during rush hour traffic. At this time, I had to have my vehicle towed. There is a recall on the 2012 Kia Sorento engine for it stalling while driving. I called Kia corporate for assistance with this matter and they are giving us the run-around. I have had the vehicle bore scoped, proving seizing of the engine. In addition, I am a licences air-frame and power-plant mechanic so I know my way around a car. This was very dangerous and unexpected situation to be in.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?