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 / 47
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,884 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.
I had been hearing a noise and mechanic asked me to bring into his shop to take a look. On my way to the shop my car suddenly stopped. Mechanic had it towed to his shop, they checked everything and all looked good. When they tried starting the engine it was frozen. I had no engine light warning at all.
Thursday morning, I was driving to work. I made out of my neighborhood, and past the gas station and all of a sudden all my lights came on and as I tried to press the gas, no speed at all. I looked and realized that my truck completely shut off while I was driving and I was able too mange to pull over to the side of the road. Want the battery. Later was informed that my engine locked up..... now waiting to see what the issue is. I have no pictures or documentation yet, as I had the vehicle towed to the Kia dealership. Will ask more about this when I pick it up.
There is a recall on 2012 Kia Sorento engine but my VIN will not show up that there is a recall. My engine seized with only 69000+miles on it and just like all the other recalled vehicles. I was driving one day and my car suddenly shut down. No engine light or oil light. I had to get a jump to actually get my care started again. After the jump my engine started making a loud knocking sound. My care has never gave me any indication that there was any problems or any random sounds. Now I am either forced to pay over 5 grand for an engine for a car that I have only had for 2 years or buy a new car. I am also still making payments on this car.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact took the vehicle to ray skillman southside auto center (8424 U.S. 31 S, indianapolis, in 46227 (317) 888-9500), but no issues were found. The contact stated that the vehicle received a routine oil change on the day of the recall inspection. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop where the oil level was checked and recorded low as well, but no leaks were found. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer were they also found the oil level to be low with no oil leaks. The vehicle was set up for an oil consumption testing. The contact stated that at 2,000 miles, the vehicle showed excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed by the dealer that the engine needed replacement. Since the vehicle was already inspected per NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) and the engine was not making noise, the engine could not be replaced under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Our car started showing engine problems. It was blowing big puffs of smoke out not the exhaust when accelerating, it was very sluggish, it would also try to stall out here and there. We had it towed to the dealer. It is part of the recall for the engine. They "tested" it and said the engine passed but took a video of the smoke coming from the exhaust and sent it to their techs to see how to resolve the issue. Now waiting on an answer. No transportation has been provided. Paid out almost $300 in the last week for a rental. The dealership basically told us we were on our own transportation wise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Eastvale, CA, USA