Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Kia Sorento problems

Owners filed 880 complaints about the 2012 Kia Sorento with NHTSA between Aug 2011 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (461).

Complaints
880
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
21
Reported by owners
Fires
77
Reported by owners
Injuries
36
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine461
  2. Electrical system127
  3. Air bags81
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic69
  5. Exterior lighting60
  6. Power train55
  7. Structure35
  8. Service brakes33
  9. Fuel/propulsion system31
  10. Vehicle speed control29
  11. Suspension22
  12. Steering20
  13. Visibility17
  14. Engine and engine cooling15

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20117
201227
201329
201453
201532
201644
201786
2018109
2019138
202060
202165
202239
202360
202491
202520
202620

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

461 reports2 crashes53 fires1 related recall
“I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and lost power, leaving the vehicle inoperable. This occurred without warning. The vehicle received routine maintenance, including regular oil changes, and the failure was not due to intentional neglect or misuse. I am concerned because this vehicle is equipped with the Kia Theta II 2.4L engine family, which has been associated with previous recalls, investigations, settlements, and numerous consumer complaints involving engine seizure, premature failure, stalling, and safety concerns. I understand my specific VIN may not currently fall within an active recall; however, my vehicle has experienced the same type of catastrophic engine failure reported by other Kia owners with similar engines. I am concerned that vehicles outside current recall VIN ranges may still be experiencing the same defect. An unexpected engine failure while driving creates a serious safety concern…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2026EngineODI 11753475

Electrical system

127 reports1 crash20 fires
“My kia Sorento shocks are really bad seems like it bounces Alot More than normal and heard a squeak coming from the shocks also hard to get the to turn when Im park and electric seems to glitch with bulbs going out faster and radio acting like it shorting out since the wiring was replaced it does this”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 14, 2026Suspension, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11717957

Air bags

81 reports9 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was diagnosed and DTC: V1481 was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Air bagsODI 11764195

Service brakes, hydraulic

69 reports2 crashes6 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the air bag warning light was also illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The failure reoccurred six months later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by wiring issues with the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was towed to an alternate dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 227,079.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bagsODI 11758066

Exterior lighting

60 reports1 crash5 fires
“The low-beam headlights frequently burn out, approximately every 6 months. Upon inspection by multiple repair shops, the wiring harnesses have been found to be blowing the bulb yet each shop has replaced with a variety of parts. The suspicion is the wiring and power source are causing issues. Each side of the vehicle has had the wiring harness replaced with the right side being replaced twice and currently in need of a third replacement. The initial replacement was in 2018 and most recent replacement was 2023. The headlight will flicker on and off intermittently before the bulb or wiring harness blow. There is no predicting when this will occur which leaves the driver at risk of losing one or both headlights, needing immediate repair for safety and to avoid a potential ticket from the police.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11602639

Power train

55 reports6 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rod bearings were knocking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V626000 (Power Train), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 20V750000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the warranty company which declined the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, EngineODI 11709737
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.