2012 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 880 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and brakes.
880 complaints 5 recalls, 1 park outside 5th worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2012 Kia Sorento problems
Engine problems
475 complaints (54%) name the engine, most often the drain plug and software.
Electrical problems
127 complaints (14%) name the electrical system.
Brake problems
103 complaints (12%) name the brakes, most often the pedals and linkages and pads.
Airbag problems
81 complaints (9%) name the airbags.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (593 of 880). The amber line is the middle value, about 90,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Kia Sorento recalls
Control unit / module
Park outsideThe Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023Engine
Fire riskAn engine compartment fire can occur while driving. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge.
Recall 20V750000 · Dec 2020Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018Engine
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.
Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017Automatic transmission
In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection." 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.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge.
Recall 15V626000 · Oct 2015Get an email when your 2012 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Kia Sorento problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 880 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and brakes.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, brakes and airbags. 475 complaints (54%) name the engine, most often the drain plug and software.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Sorento engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 69,000–125,000 miles, with a middle value near 100,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Sorento have?
5. Control unit / module (23V652000); Engine (20V750000); Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (18V907000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.