81 of the
1,208 complaints about the 2012 KIA Sorento are about the
other systems — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
90,000 miles.
In September 2025, an authorized Kia dealership performed recall SC284XM (HECU electrical short fire risk) on this 2012 Kia Sorento. During the repair, the dealership disconnected the battery, resetting the PCM/ECU and clearing all OBD-II readiness monitors including the oxygen sensor monitor. Despite driving hundreds of miles afterward, the O2 sensor monitor has not reached a Ready state. A malfunctioning or unmonitored oxygen sensor creates a direct safety risk — the PCM cannot properly regulate the fuel-air mixture, increasing the risk of catalytic converter overheating, engine damage, and potential fire. The vehicle cannot pass California's mandatory smog inspection and the registration has lapsed, forcing the owner to operate an unregistered vehicle or go without transportation entirely. The dealership has verbally confirmed this is a known model-year defect — the root cause is a software condition requiring a PCM reflash, not achievable through normal drive cycles. This is the second occurrence; the identical failure happened in 2022 after a prior battery disconnect on this vehicle. The vehicle is now held at the dealership 11+ days with no update, no loaner, and an ~$460 estimate for repairs caused entirely by Kia's own recall service. A vehicle actively subject to a fire-risk recall (SC284) was returned to an owner in a condition where the engine management system cannot be properly monitored — compounding the original safety risk rather than resolving it. All this an yet a no no-cost remedy has been issued. This vehicle has been subject to five NHTSA recalls: SC200 (engine fire), SC147 (engine bearing), SC284 (HECU fire), SC172 (fuel pipe fire), and brake-shift interlock defect. Simultaneous complaints filed with Kia Consumer Affairs and CA Bureau of Automotive Repair (Ref: XXX). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11729041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Council Blfs, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11717957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greene, NYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The check engine light came on 12/29 and was driven approximately 50 miles. On Jan 3, 2026 vehicle was driven app. 5 miles and left parked at a friends. There was a little smoke coming out from under the hood, but this is not unusual as car had small oil leak for at least 3 years that no one could find to fix but burned off on engine and gave constant oily smell. Under 10 minutes later driver was notified that neighbors heard 3 explosions, car was on fire and fire department was coming. When driver went back to where vehicle was parked, fire was out and vehicle was almost totally destroyed. Vehicle was towed to a scrap yard.
NHTSA complaint #11708690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hiram, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My pearl white paint is chipping and peeling off my car
NHTSA complaint #11684273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grifton, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had my mechanic come to my house to diagnose what has been going on and it is a recall on the motor. Along with my car throwing codes as well. I purchased the car from car max told them almost a year ago something was wrong with my car and they told me it was nothing it was a transmission issue. My father raised me to learn how to fix vehicles so o knew something was wrong. Now due to their negligence I am stranded with two small children.
NHTSA complaint #11644955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barnwell, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a recall on my vehicle. I received my first letter in May2024. I took it to dealership and they ran test but said they couldnt fix the recall bc Kia hasn't sent them the remedy so they sent us home. I called Kia customer service and they said when remedy is ready I'll get another letter. I just got that letter a few days ago and called dealership (Superior kia Orangeburg SC). They will fix recall but trying to charge me for testing again claiming it's because recall wasn't fixed last time I brought it in..this was not my fault and they sent me home saying they were unable to fix at the time. This is a recall and I'm not supposed to be charged. They refuse to fix recall unless I pay them.
NHTSA complaint #11620470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl White 2012 KIA SORENTO paint peeling/chipping on passenger side hood.
NHTSA complaint #11619543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goose Creek, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 white pearl Kia sorento paint chipping and peeling off to reveal the bare metal below making it susceptible to rusting. It started on my hood and progressively got worse until I got the entire hood repainted. Now it is starting on the roof of my car and peeling off in big flakes. It continues to get worse.
NHTSA complaint #11617361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the freeway and suddenly heard a large pop from above my head, then looked in my rear view mirror and saw what turned out to be part of my sunroof falling on the road behind me. A bit of glass fell into the cabin, but most flew off immediately or was caught by the fabric cover. I pulled over and my front sunroof panel had shattered. I did not see any object coming at us from ahead prior to this happening and think it was spontaneous.
NHTSA complaint #11613367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellicott City, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the RPMS go to zero and the car stops and I lose all power. Yes, it's a safety risk to me and other drivers because it shuts off while driving. Someone following behind me can run into me. Yes, I took it to Ourisman Kia of Catonsville twice - They reproduced it happening the 2nd time I dropped it off after showing them a video of what happens. They said they don't know how to fix it. No, the vehicle was only inspected by the dealer. See video attached regarding warning lamps/messages etc.
NHTSA complaint #11605807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leander, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown… This is what happened. I was at a stoplight first car in line. While waiting for the light the car just shut off without warning. It would not go into park, key would not turn, the dashboard was lit up & radio on. I turned on my flashers. I called a tow and kept doing everything to get the car to start after about 15 -20 minutes or so I finally got it to go in park turn the key and it started and the car drove like it never happened. It didn’t make a noise before stopping no warning lights came on or anything.
NHTSA complaint #11589898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ayer, MA2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This morning the panoramic sunroof on our 2012 Kia Sorrento spontaneously exploded. Shattered and chunks of safety glass came down on us. My son and I sustained superficial injuries (I sustained laceration over left eye and on left hand) - he has a lump on the right side of his skull. When we pulled over the glass was also on the rear portion of the roof. Nothing struck the vehicle. There was no vehicle/truck in front of us for potential debris. Open sky above. It sounded like a gunshot before the glass exploded over us.
NHTSA complaint #11589072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belchertown, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm filing this complaint about a Safety Recall letter, dated November 14, 2023, that I received from the KIA America Corporate Headquarters concerning a (NHTSA Recall Number: 23V652) defect which can result in an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to my local Balise KIA dealer, on two separate occasions to be told my information is in their system and they will contact me via email or by a phone when this part has been created to schedule my vehicle for repair. Within weeks after receiving my initial Safety Recall letter my Malfunction Indicator Lamp and ABS warning light, as well as, the complete anti-locking brake system lights suddenly illuminated on my front console. The Safety Recall letter I received indicates that when the ABS warning light illuminates I could experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked and could increase the risk of injury. When I recalled the KIA dealer on 1-19-24 for a second inquiry, I again explained the ongoing problem and the letter KIA Headquarters sent me in November, emphasizing and reading the letter stating if the ABS warning light is illuminated and I smell burning/melting smell, and/or smoke from the engine compartment to pull over to a safe location and contact KIA Roadside Assistance to have my vehicle towed. I was then told by an Advisor that the ABS warning light wasn't a safety issue? I again reiterated the letter's wording and was then told that I could bring it in and hook it up to their Diagnostic System but if they didn't find that was the problem they would charge me $150. Needless to say, I refused that offer, when currently there's no part available anyway. I'm hoping that this complaint can be put on record and if I could somehow get any information as to when this particular part has been created so that it can be replaced before a possible fire occurs would be greatly appreciated.
NHTSA complaint #11577909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Talent, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On September 18, 2023, Kia formally decided to recall various vehicles that represented a fire risk due to a faulty HECU (recall campaign 23V652000). Owners of the affected vehicles were advised not to park their cars in a garage or near other structures due to risk of fire. All well and good, but now over five months later, no repair has been proposed. This is an unreasonable amout of time to expect owners to leave their vehicles in unprotected areas, especially since the area I live in has been experiencing an elevated number of catalytic converter thefts. Kia's lack of a prompt remedy to replace an inexpensive fuse puts me at risk of paying several thousands if my catalytic converter is stolen. Kia needs to resolve this recall immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11575905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL (notice received November 14, 2023) Today is 2/22/2024. Malfunction Indicator Lamp warning light did illuminate (02/16/2024). Registered mechanic diagnosed an intake manifold flap broken and intake manifold motor had to be replaced. ($2000). Not sure if this may be related to the HECU issue. BUT, as of this message, contact about the IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL from KIA about a remedy part has not been issued to me. Recall remedy for the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) has not been performed in a timely manner and the risk of fire or other issues continues to be a possibility. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Please advise.
NHTSA complaint #11573521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN Issues and recall have came up on my vehicle telling me I’m not allowed to drive or even have other use vehicle. This is stopping me going to work and making me lose money every month paying for a car that doesn’t operate. I’ve took it to shop and they notice the recall can’t be fixed due to remedy not being made yet but I’ve waited close to over a year now and I don’t want to lose job and just bought this car from dealer not long ago
NHTSA complaint #11567378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
i was out door dashing on monday january 15 2024. i went into panera to pick up order. came outside to my car and it looked like it was smoking. i popped the hood and was about to put my hand in there to lift the hood when i realized it was hot. i looked under and it was on fire.. everything is melted.. there wasnt any warnings at all. now i have know car..
NHTSA complaint #11566324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazleton, PACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
(January 11,2024) my wife had an accident while driving a 2012 Kia Sorento vehicle. She was waiting to enter a parking space at the Laurel Mall that someone was backing out of, when the space was clear to enter, she took her foot off the brake and proceeded to enter the space. It seems that the Sorento went full throttle on it's own and proceeded to smash into 3 other parked cars. I read that Kia has a problem with faulty acceleration on 2009 thru 2015 with the Sorentos. I reported this incindent to my insurance and they recommended that I contact Kia Motors Direct. I have reported this to Kia Motors Customer Care, (January 12, 2024) I am waiting for their reply to this situation. There were no warning lights nor any warning of a failure with the vehicle. To date, the Sorento has not been repaired nor checked by a mechanic.
NHTSA complaint #11565965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Kia installed the theft deterrent software to the 2012 Kia Sorrento. On 12/13/2023, a car thief stole the 2012 Kia Sorrento. The apartment community shared that the car was stolen in less than 3 minutes. The thief left the car one block away from the apartment community. The thief damaged driver side key-hole and the ignition lock cylinder. I contacted Kia Corporate to file a complaint that the software failed to stop the car theft. Kia Corporate shared that this is one of the first complaints. My insurance company shared that Kia Corporate is not telling the truth as the adjuster is addressing other stolen Kia automobiles which had the theft deterrent software installed. I like NHTSA to reopen the case against Kia.
NHTSA complaint #11561269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Wed, Nov 1, 2023, 1:08 PM [XXX] [XXX] > wrote: December's 2nd, 2020 Kia Recall number SC200XM NHTSA Recall # 20V750 Recall Status Incomplete The summary reads that Kia is conducting a safety recall campaign to inspect the engine compartment for fuel, engine oil leaks and or and engine test and make any repairs including engine replacement on all 2012 - 2013 Kia Sorentos. This recall basically described my vehicle that I owned and many of the related problems like fuel mix related issues. My vehicle was giving off codes related to the fuel emissions problems, like gas cap, intake manifold, sensor, could be related to a possible engine fire or oil leaks that could cause a fire, ( reasons for a recall) On (10-12-2023) I took my vehicle in for this safety recall because Kia had issued this above safety recall for my vehicle. Prior to my going in, I had experience my vehicle cutting off while driving, some overheating, and oil leaking also, before I replaced the valve cover gasket on 5-18-2023. The mechanic that worked with see uploads, stated that spark plugs were wet with oil because I needed a valve cover gasket replacement. His statement would have indicated that my vehicle was leaking oil because of a bad valve cover gasket and it would cost me over $400.00 to fix. My vehicle was not leaking oil, because I had already replaced the valve cover gasket. There were no oil leaks on the ground even in my driveway. The mechanic was not aware that I had already replaced the valve cover gasket on (5-18-2023), prior to the recall visit to Kia on Mt. Moriah, in Memphis,TN. I believe that Kia, the mechanic, intentionally fabricated a problem with my vehicle to keep from servicing my vehicle for free on any and all related recall problems. I am requesting that Kia replace my engine because the recall says it will replace or fix because it is a fire safety issue. Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11558853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklet, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Having ignition problems. Ignition switch will not go to the Lock position and stays on ACC all the time. Always having to undo the negative battery cable from draining my battery. Warranty company refuses to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11523818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Fayette, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine seized due to a missing oil plug How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car shut down on the highway with no indication/dash warning lights that there was an issue prior Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealership informed me that the oil plug was missing and could not explain why the oil indicator light never illuminated Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, dealership denies fault Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NONEE
NHTSA complaint #11516191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
These vehicles were never equipped with an alarm to notify drivers when parked in any other gear other than 'Park'. If the driver parks vehicle in 'Reverse' and do not set the parking brake, he/she can shut off the engine with no alarms notifying the driver to move shifter to park. An incident occurred with this vehicle in which the driver parked it overnight in a parking garage on level 6. The space appeared level, but is on a very slight incline. The vehicle (miraculously) remained in place overnight. However when the same driver proceeded to use the vehicle the following morning, it wouldn't start (obviously because you cannot start these vehicles unless the shifter is in 'Park' or 'Neutral'). He thought the battery was dead, not thinking to check the position of the shifter. After trying to get the vehicle to start with no success, he left the vehicle to use his personal vehicle. After leaving this vehicle, it rolled out of position and proceeded backwards (halfway down the incline between levels 6 and 5), turned slightly and hit the wall inside the parking garage (causing almost $6,000 of damage to the LR corner of the vehicle). The safety issue lies in the fact that this vehicle could have collided with another parked vehicle (with someone inside it) or another vehicle making the turn from level 5 to proceed to level 6. The vehicle could've also struck a pedestrian inside the parking garage. If the speed was greater, the vehicle could've damaged the section of the parking garage it struck and dislodged fragments of concrete (possibly causing it to fall on people and/or vehicles below).
NHTSA complaint #11507084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my snow white 2012 Sorento is peeling exposing metal
NHTSA complaint #11499683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blacklick, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requires a "starting system which, whenever the key is removed from the starting system prevents.. the normal activation of the vehicles engine or motor". This affects all Kia / Hyundai vehicles with a normal keyed ignition and without a vehicle immobilizer produced from approximately 2009-2022. Since the technology required to comply with the regulation (i.e. a vehicle immobilizer) is readily available and available on other cars from this maker, the vehicle manufacturer knowingly violated this regulation. I request a NHTSA inquiry into this clear safety defect. We are constantly living in fear of our cars being stolen any day now, this is sad!
NHTSA complaint #11480209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint chipping off at unusual rate for no reason
NHTSA complaint #11458543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape May Point, NJCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Went to park put on the breaks and vehicle accelerated and could not stop went over the cement parking lot space and hit the post of the commercial building. Luckily no one hurt except the post. No individual. This accident was today 2-19-2022. Police report number. 22-0145. Cape May,NJ Police Department. This happen at least three other times. Once going thru a red light. Do not recall dates.
NHTSA complaint #11453012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was the smell of gasoline inside the cabin. Then the check engine light came on. Smoke began coming from the engine compartment. The fire completely engulfed the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11452634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Douglasville, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car randomly started to burst j to flames. Our car is now totaled because of an engine compartment fire.
NHTSA complaint #11442042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint pealing on front, back, top of car
NHTSA complaint #11427024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.