CarModelProblems.com

2012 Kia Sorento Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
875Complaints
5Recalls
21Crashes
76Fires
36Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (52.6% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 4.2× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine460 · 52.6%RecalledRecall 20V750000 · Recall 17V224000
Electrical System127 · 14.5%Investigation closedPE19004 → recall 20V088000 · PE19004 → recall 20V100000 · PE19004 → recall 20V101000 · PE19004 → recall 20V518000 · PE19004 → recall 20V519000 · PE19004 → recall 20V750000 · PE19004 → recall 21V331000 · PE19004 → recall 21V844000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000
Air Bags79 · 9%No official action
Service Brakes, Hydraulic65 · 7.4%RecalledRecall 23V652000
Exterior Lighting55 · 6.3%Investigation closedPE20008 · PE19004 → recall 20V088000 · PE19004 → recall 20V100000 · PE19004 → recall 20V101000 · PE19004 → recall 20V518000 · PE19004 → recall 20V519000 · PE19004 → recall 20V750000 · PE19004 → recall 21V331000 · PE19004 → recall 21V844000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000
Power Train53 · 6.1%RecalledRecall 15V626000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE460 · 52.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM127 · 14.5%
Unspecified / other81 · 9.3%
AIR BAGS79 · 9%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING55 · 6.3%
POWER TRAIN53 · 6.1%
SERVICE BRAKES33 · 3.8%
STRUCTURE:BODY30 · 3.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM30 · 3.4%

Percentages are the share of the 875 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 2020 · reported 12/02/2020

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 2017 · reported 03/31/2017

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 15V626000 · 2015 · reported 10/06/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“WHILE IN REGULAR TRAFFIC WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, CAR WILL START TO MOVE FORWARD THEN ACT AS THOUGH THE MOTOR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. IF…”NHTSA complaint 10618792 — filed 08/04/2014 · ENGINE
“CAR WOULD DROP ITS SPEED TO ABOUT 1 MILE AN HOUR , BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER, TOLD NEEDED SOFTWARE RE-SET, OCCURRED AGAIN IN ABOUT JULY…”NHTSA complaint 10605706 — filed 06/24/2014 · ENGINE
“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN A PARKING GARAGE AND WITHOUT WARNING AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO…”NHTSA complaint 10604920 — filed 06/21/2014 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

422012478620144354201610615520181748820209146202286127202426232026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 460 of 875 NHTSA complaints (52.6%), followed by electrical system (127), unspecified/other issues (81), air bags (79). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Kia Sorento have?

875 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 21 involved a crash, 76 involved a fire, and 36 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Kia Sorento's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.