Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls, 871 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
5
Recalls
871
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
18V907000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine r...
20V750000
ENGINE
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 Spo...
17V224000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine ...
15V626000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the af...
23V652000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 23, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | In September 2025, an authorized Kia dealership performed recall SC284XM (HECU electrical short fire... |
| Mar 14, 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine ... |
| Mar 2, 2026 | ENGINE | Engine Knocking - Car enters limp mode and has a known recall. KSDS was updated in prior recall and... |
| Feb 10, 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehic... |
| Jan 26, 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 2... |
| Jan 15, 2026 | ENGINE | Engine warning lamp illuminated as the engine lost some power. Code was diagnosed as the knock sens... |
| Jan 3, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The check engine light came on 12/29 and was driven approximately 50 miles. On Jan 3, 2026 vehicle w... |
| Nov 7, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that her son had reported that the vehicle w... |
| Nov 1, 2025 | SUSPENSION | Rear subframe is completely rusted out on one side makes it completely undrivable especially with my... |
| Oct 20, 2025 | ENGINE | Engine Intake gasket oil leak. |
| Oct 18, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that, while driving at 60 MPH, she observed ... |
| Sep 12, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, th... |
| Sep 10, 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. ... |
| Sep 3, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced at the local dealer... |
| Sep 1, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My pearl white paint is chipping and peeling off my car |
| Aug 11, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Parking lights stay on, change brake light switch but the hole that the switch goes in is not aligne... |
| Jun 9, 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I smelled fuel in & around vehicle. Did some checking discovered cracked fuel rail , causing signifi... |
| May 27, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 2... |
| May 13, 2025 | ENGINE | [XXX] brought car in to dealer with engine problem, I was told it needed a new engine and would be r... |
| May 11, 2025 | ENGINE | The engine was replace May 1, 2025 and on May 11, 2025 the car caught on fire. It was a total loss. |