2012 Kia Sorento Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~58.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 13 Kia Sorento years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Kia Sorento, cited in 461 of 876 filed complaints (53%).
Electrical System is next (127 complaints, 14%), followed by Service Brakes (102), Air Bags (79), Exterior Lighting (60).
Across all complaints, 21 report a crash, 76 report a fire, 36 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 9 crash, 1 fire, 12 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Sorento, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 876.
Engine 461 2 crash 53 fire 9 injury
“I WAS DRIVING A 2012 KIA SORENTO WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS AND OUR FAMILY DOG. I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM BACK OF MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR PASSING ME SINCE MY CAR WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOOK AGAIN THERE IS NO CAR GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY AND NOW I SEE A LOT MORE SMOKE. CARS COMING THE OPPOSITE WAY ARE FLASHING ME AND WAVING SO I FIGURED I'M PROBABLY OVER HEATING. I STEER TO THE RIGHT ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK I QUICKLY THROW IT INTO PARK THE GEARS ARE GONE SO NO PARK. AT THAT POINT WE SEE FLAMES SHOOTING AT US.…”
NHTSA complaint #11112496, 2018 · fire · 5 injury(ies)
“Hey I’ve Recently Wrecked My Vehicle Due To Malfunctions This Year Just A Few Months Ago & I Reported It To The Dealer Before I Crashed It. That Something Was Wrong With The Engine And Also Sent The Dealership I Purchased It From Videos Before Hand But Nobody Would Listen To Me. Now My Car Is Sitting In A lot Engine Blowed And I Can’t Afford Another One. I Have Proof , Names And Also Couldn’t Get My Car Fixed Because I Only Had Liability Insurance Only. No Report Was Filed Because Me And The Other Vehicle Was Transported To Uab Hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #11688229, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 30 MPH as the battery and alternator warning lights illuminated. Another driver then alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire under the hood. The contact merged to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact mentioned that a third of the vehicle had been engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact sustained injuries to her knee from the door while attempting to exit during the incident. Medical attention was required. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11554406, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
Electrical System 127 1 crash 20 fire 6 injury
“I WAS DRIVING A 2012 KIA SORENTO WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS AND OUR FAMILY DOG. I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM BACK OF MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR PASSING ME SINCE MY CAR WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOOK AGAIN THERE IS NO CAR GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY AND NOW I SEE A LOT MORE SMOKE. CARS COMING THE OPPOSITE WAY ARE FLASHING ME AND WAVING SO I FIGURED I'M PROBABLY OVER HEATING. I STEER TO THE RIGHT ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK I QUICKLY THROW IT INTO PARK THE GEARS ARE GONE SO NO PARK. AT THAT POINT WE SEE FLAMES SHOOTING AT US.…”
NHTSA complaint #11112496, 2018 · fire · 5 injury(ies)
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 30 MPH as the battery and alternator warning lights illuminated. Another driver then alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire under the hood. The contact merged to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact mentioned that a third of the vehicle had been engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact sustained injuries to her knee from the door while attempting to exit during the incident. Medical attention was required. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11554406, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“On August 23rd 2024, I drove this vehicle all day. But, upon reaching our final destination (ER department entrance) smoke began rolling out from under the hood. Once getting out to inspection the vehicle someone hollered for a extinguisher. I turned to look at the vehicle and I could see underneath of the 2012 kia sorento had flames. My son was still in the car so my mother and I ran to get him out of his rear facing carseat and ran away from the vehicle. At this time the vehicle still had a fire that went out with extinguisher but quickly light back up. After this the whole are and car fille…”
NHTSA complaint #11611298, 2024 · fire
Service Brakes 102 3 crash 9 fire 7 injury
“I WAS DRIVING A 2012 KIA SORENTO WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS AND OUR FAMILY DOG. I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM BACK OF MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR PASSING ME SINCE MY CAR WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOOK AGAIN THERE IS NO CAR GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY AND NOW I SEE A LOT MORE SMOKE. CARS COMING THE OPPOSITE WAY ARE FLASHING ME AND WAVING SO I FIGURED I'M PROBABLY OVER HEATING. I STEER TO THE RIGHT ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK I QUICKLY THROW IT INTO PARK THE GEARS ARE GONE SO NO PARK. AT THAT POINT WE SEE FLAMES SHOOTING AT US.…”
NHTSA complaint #11112496, 2018 · fire · 5 injury(ies)
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed he smelled a burning fuel odor, and smoke began coming into the vehicle from the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and unlatched the hood of the vehicle only to find a sizeable amount of fire coming from the engine, which left him with burned hairs on his left arm, no medical treatment was needed. The contact stated there was a cop parked nearby who came to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was called to make sure the fire was exti…”
NHTSA complaint #11588753, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINOUS ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE AIRBAG LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND THE ENTIRE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10446155, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Unknown Or Other 81 3 crash 8 fire 4 injury
“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, 2024 · 2 injury(ies)
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 50 ABOUT 20 MILES FROM SOUTH LAKE TAHOE MY CAR JUST STALLED OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 55 MPH. STEAM/SMOKE FROM COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OTHER MOTORIST TRAVELING WEST BOUND STARTED HONKING AND POINTING TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING IS WHEN WE REALIZED THE ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. AFTER OPENING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR THE FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM UNDER THAT CAR CAUSING 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE BACK CALF ON MY LEFT LEG. THE CAR WAS IN TOTALLY IN FLAMES WITHIN 5 TO 10 MINS.”
NHTSA complaint #11119735, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“REAR TRUCK DOOR LIFT GATE SUPPORT, TAIL GATE SUPPORT. I WAS CLEANING OUT OUT OUR VEHICLE WHILE STATIONARY IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH THE BACK DOOR OPEN, AND NEXT THING I KNEW HE DOOR HAD SLAMMED DOWN ON ME. ONE OF THE LIFT GATE SUPPORTS GATEWAY AND BLEW AND COLLAPSED ON TOP OF ME. I SUFFERED FROM A MAJOR HEADACHE AND SOME MINOR BACK PAIN. I'M GRATEFUL THIS WAS NOT MY CHILD WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT WORSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE.. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND NO RECALL LISTED NOR COVERED WE HAD TO REPLACE AND REPAIR OURSELVES. WE PURCHURSED NEW ONES AND REPLACED TODAY WHEN WE RECEIVED THEM!”
NHTSA complaint #11000314, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)
Air Bags 79 9 crash 1 fire 12 injury
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 42 MPH, another vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign, and she collided with the other vehicle head-on. As a result, her vehicle careened off the roadway and into a ditch, colliding with an unoccupied parked vehicle before coming to a complete stop. The air bags did not deploy. A police report and injuries were reported. The driver and her passengers were transported to an area hospital by EMS and treated for various injuries. The driver was treated for injuries to her neck, right shoulder, both wrists, lower back,…”
NHTSA complaint #11549871, 2023 · crash · 4 injury(ies)
“Hey I’ve Recently Wrecked My Vehicle Due To Malfunctions This Year Just A Few Months Ago & I Reported It To The Dealer Before I Crashed It. That Something Was Wrong With The Engine And Also Sent The Dealership I Purchased It From Videos Before Hand But Nobody Would Listen To Me. Now My Car Is Sitting In A lot Engine Blowed And I Can’t Afford Another One. I Have Proof , Names And Also Couldn’t Get My Car Fixed Because I Only Had Liability Insurance Only. No Report Was Filed Because Me And The Other Vehicle Was Transported To Uab Hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #11688229, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HIP AND NECK. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HIP, RIGHT ARM AND RIGHT LEG. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,426.”
NHTSA complaint #10458567, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
Exterior Lighting 60 1 crash 5 fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact noticed that the driver’s side headlamp failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring had melted, and the headlamp socket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, a couple of months later the failure recurred on the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where it was diagnosed the wiring melted and the passenger’s side headlamp socket needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure twice…”
NHTSA complaint #11444803, 2021 · fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front headlight had stopped working. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the wiring harness in the headlight was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The headlight assembly was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11431394, 2018 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER, COOPER KIA 5056 COMMERCIAL DRIVE, YORKVILLE NY, 13495, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING HOUSING UNIT MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11010794, 2017 · fire
Power Train 55 6 crash 4 injury
“ON AUGUST 23, 2015, A 2012 KIA SORENTO WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND STATIONARY AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE AND WITHOUT THE DRIVER TAKING ANY INTENTIONAL ACTION, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO NUETRAL OR REVERSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BACKWARDS. AS IT MOVED BACKWARDS, IT KNOCKED OVER AND DRAGGED THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, WHO AT THE TIME WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STRUCK A PERSON STANDING BEHIND THE VEHICLE, PINNING THAT PERSON BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES.…”
NHTSA complaint #10811773, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A FRONT GATE. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEG AND KNEE INJURIES THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V626000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 106,92…”
NHTSA complaint #10810148, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“MY 10-YEAR OLD SON, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, WAS PLAYING IN OUR 2012 KIA SORENTO ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON. IT'S THE PUSHBUTTON START TYPE AND HE DIDN'T HAVE THE KEY FOB. THAT WAS IN THE HOUSE. REGARDLESS, WITHOUT THE CAR STARTED AND WITHOUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND INTO NEUTRAL. BECAUSE THE SORENTO WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT BEGAN TO COAST BACKWARD DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. OUR SON TRIED TO PUT THE SUV BACK INTO PARK. BECAUSE IT WAS MOVING, HE WAS UNABLE TO DO THIS. SO, IN A PANIC, HE JUMPED OUT OF THE TRUCK AND TRIED TO STOP IT BY GETTING BEHIND IT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10650090, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Structure 35 2 crash 4 fire 3 injury
“Hey I’ve Recently Wrecked My Vehicle Due To Malfunctions This Year Just A Few Months Ago & I Reported It To The Dealer Before I Crashed It. That Something Was Wrong With The Engine And Also Sent The Dealership I Purchased It From Videos Before Hand But Nobody Would Listen To Me. Now My Car Is Sitting In A lot Engine Blowed And I Can’t Afford Another One. I Have Proof , Names And Also Couldn’t Get My Car Fixed Because I Only Had Liability Insurance Only. No Report Was Filed Because Me And The Other Vehicle Was Transported To Uab Hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #11688229, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 50 ABOUT 20 MILES FROM SOUTH LAKE TAHOE MY CAR JUST STALLED OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 55 MPH. STEAM/SMOKE FROM COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OTHER MOTORIST TRAVELING WEST BOUND STARTED HONKING AND POINTING TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING IS WHEN WE REALIZED THE ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. AFTER OPENING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR THE FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM UNDER THAT CAR CAUSING 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE BACK CALF ON MY LEFT LEG. THE CAR WAS IN TOTALLY IN FLAMES WITHIN 5 TO 10 MINS.”
NHTSA complaint #11119735, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11163941, 2018 · fire
Fuel/Propulsion System 30 9 fire
“On June 6, 2026, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly began smelling strongly of gasoline and burnt rubber. Within seconds, thick black smoke became visible in the side mirrors, followed immediately by white smoke pouring from the front hood and into the passenger cabin through the air vents. As I attempted to pull over to safety, the vehicle completely stopped responding. The brakes failed to operate, the engine stalled, and the steering wheel locked completely. We were barely able to bring the vehicle to a stop. Immediately upon exiting, visible flames erupted from underneath the driver…”
NHTSA complaint #11744052, 2026 · fire
“On August 23rd 2024, I drove this vehicle all day. But, upon reaching our final destination (ER department entrance) smoke began rolling out from under the hood. Once getting out to inspection the vehicle someone hollered for a extinguisher. I turned to look at the vehicle and I could see underneath of the 2012 kia sorento had flames. My son was still in the car so my mother and I ran to get him out of his rear facing carseat and ran away from the vehicle. At this time the vehicle still had a fire that went out with extinguisher but quickly light back up. After this the whole are and car fille…”
NHTSA complaint #11611298, 2024 · fire
“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, 2022 · fire
Vehicle Speed Control 29 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINOUS ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE AIRBAG LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND THE ENTIRE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10446155, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“AS I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL ON I-15 JUST 3 MILES SOUTH OF SCIPIO, UT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES AND ACCELERATOR. I GOT INTO THE FAR RIGHT LINE OF THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT SMOKE AND FLAMES CAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. AS I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THICK BLACK SMOKE CAME THROUGH THE AIR VENT. AS WE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I BREATHED IN A LITTLE BIT OF THE THICK SMOKE THAT CAME THROUGH THE AIR VENT, BUT MY WIFE DID NOT BREATHE ANY OF THE SMOKE. THE HOOD AREA WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AFTER WE ESCAPED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE ABOUT 20 MINUTES AF…”
NHTSA complaint #11012531, 2017 · fire
“(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…”
NHTSA complaint #11565965, 2024 · crash
Suspension 21 1 crash 1 injury
“TAKATA RECALL- I HAD JUST STOPPED TURNED A CORNER AND THEN VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO HIT A POLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10967040, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I had taken the Kia Sorrento to a local shop to get an oil change, and Mavis tire had discovered that the rear suspension and rear subframe were severely corroded with rust and I was told that the car is unsafe to drive. I had noticed as well that my brakes would not normally stop when I go to press them as a bit of a kickback and the traction sensors and ABS sensors and emergency brake sensors would go off and on for no reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11746144, 2026
“Rear subframe is completely rusted out on one side makes it completely undrivable especially with my young children.”
NHTSA complaint #11715679, 2025
Steering 19 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury
“TAKATA RECALL- I HAD JUST STOPPED TURNED A CORNER AND THEN VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO HIT A POLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10967040, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A LOCAL ROAD AT 35 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING NOISES, SMOKING, CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SEIZED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE. MY 2012 KIA SORENTO WAS PART ON MANUFACTURING DEFECT RECALL RELATED TO THE ENGINE AND IT WAS CHECKED BY A KIA SERVICE SHOP FOR THIS OVER A YEAR AGO. AT THAT TIME I ASKED IF THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION COULD OCCUR AT A LATER DATE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FINE NOW. THEY SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT COULD STILL OCCUR AT A LATER DATE BUT WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE COULD FAIL/LOCK-UP, CATCH ON FIRE WITH NO WARNING AT…”
NHTSA complaint #11233839, 2019 · fire
“THIS KIA SORENTO CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE DRIVER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND SHE COULD SEE SMOKE AND A FLAME COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE LEFT THE VEHICLE UNHARMED HOWEVER THE EXPERIENCE WAS FRIGHTENING. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND THE CAR IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM DALLAS AUTO AUCTION BY MAS MOTORS IN DALLAS TX. THE ORIGINAL OWNER WAS KIA OF ARLINGTON.”
NHTSA complaint #11132280, 2018 · fire
Visibility 17 7 injury
“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, 2024 · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GLASS PARTICLES FELL ONTO THE PASSENGERS. THERE WERE MINOR SCRAPES, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,414.”
NHTSA complaint #11090390, 2018 · 2 injury(ies)
“I WAS TRAVELING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE SUNROOF WAS FULLY CLOSED AND HAD IMPLODED WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE. GLASS HAD FALLEN ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RESULTING IN MINOR LACERATIONS. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE VISIBLE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND NO FOREIGN OBJECTS SUCH AS ROCKS WERE FOUND IN THE VEHICLE. ... UPDATED 03/19/15*BF UPDATED 6/19/2015*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10689999, 2015 · 2 injury(ies)
Engine And Engine Cooling 15 2 fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and had a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall did not apply to her vehicle as…”
NHTSA complaint #11457974, 2022 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO INDICATE AN ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN AUGUST OF 2017 AT THE DEALER (RAY SKILLMAN SHADELAND KIA & MITSUB…”
NHTSA complaint #11097793, 2018 · fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer Serra Kia of Jackson (175 Stonebridge Blvd, Jackson, TN 38305) was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V2…”
NHTSA complaint #11613987, 2024
Seats 15
“I PURCHASED A KIA SORENTO ON JULY 21 2020 AFTER TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG LIGHT POPPED ON THE SALES MAN TOOK IT TO ONE OF THEIR ON SITE EMPLOYEES AND THEY HOOKED UP THE CODE DEVICE NO CODES APPEARED SO HE SUGGESTED ITS JUST A SENSOR PROBLEM AND TOLD ME IT SHOULDN'T BE MUCH TAKE IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. I DID IN WHICH COULDN'T GET IN TO SEE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT UNTIL TODAY IN WHICH I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEY FOUND THAT THE ODS MAT WAS FAULTY. I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY THAT THE CAR LOT TOOK THE SEATS OUT TO CLEAN THE SUV FOR SALE AND HE TOLD ME THEY DAMAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11348437, 2020
“HAD TOW TRUCK COMPANY PICK UP MY KIA A WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2019 BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND RECALL ISSUE. I PICK MY KIA UP 2-3WKS LATER AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT ADJUST IS HANGING OFF NEVER HAS THAT BEEN BROKEN KIA SAID IT ARRIVED THAT WAY. THAT'S COMPLETE TRASH I HAD NO ISSUE WIT THAT SEATING ADJUSTMENT AND NOW IT SETS OFF STARKS IT'S DANGEROUS KIA CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY AND I HAVE MY HUSBAND AS WITNESS NEIGHBORS FRIENDS I'VE GIVEN RIDES. NEVER BROKEN TIL TOW DRIVER AND FINDLAY KIA HAS MY VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11306905, 2019
“THE OCS (OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR) HAS FAILED, RESULTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FAILING IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THE COST TO REPLACE IS IN EXCESS OF $2,000... A PRICE THAT WILL LEAVE MANY OWNERS WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. KIA HAS EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR OTHER FAILING AIRBAG COMPONENTS (CLOCK SPRING), IT IS ODD THEY WOULD LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS EXPOSED BY NOT COVERING THIS ONE.”
NHTSA complaint #11278335, 2019
Visibility/Wiper 13 2 injury
“PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED / SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING. *DT CUTS TO HAND ON STEERING WHEEL FROM FALLING GLASS. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #11243288, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOTHING HIT THE GLASS TO CAUSE IT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VINE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/08/14*LJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A CUT FROM THE GLASS. UPDATED 01/09/14”
NHTSA complaint #10531972, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)
“MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS JUST ON, I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN HIT FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO BE ON. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AS WELL. AND BACK WIND SHIELD WASHER FLUID IS NOT COMING OUT. WHEN I NOTICED THESE ISSUES MY CAR WAS STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11404713, 2021
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 11 1 fire
“THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 45 MINUTES AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN. I HAD NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I WALKED OUTSIDE TO THE DRIVEWAY AND FLAMES WERE VISIBLE INSIDE THE CAR. THE CAR WAS UNOCCUPIED AND WAS NOT RUNNING. THE SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED. THE DOORS WERE LOCKED. I UNLOCKED THE DOORS AND PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A PAN OF WATER. I LET IT COOL OFF AND CRANKED IT AND MOVED IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH APPARENTLY HAD MELTED…”
NHTSA complaint #11322468, 2020 · fire
“2ND COMPLAIN FOR KIA ENGINE. DEC. 2017 MY ENGINE SEIZED. I SPENT ON 5GRAND FOR A REBUILT ENGINE. ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DID NOT GIVE ME ANY INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH MY OIL OR ENGINE. DRIVING DOWN A MAIN STREET WHERE MY CAR SUDDENLY DIED. I HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED YOU CAN HEAR LOUD CLICKING FROM THE ENGINE. FAST FORWARD TO A YEAR AND 4 MONTHS LATER. REBUILT ENGINE ON FEB 2018.. CAR DIED AGAIN ON 7/16/19. ONCE AGAIN NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. NO OIL LIGHT. I WAS DRIVING ON T…”
NHTSA complaint #11232993, 2019
“DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF, AIR BAG LIGHT IS TURNED ON AFTER REPLACING BATTERY IN CAR, AND CAR WON'T PASS SMOG BECAUSE O2 SENSOR READINESS AND FUEL SYSTEM MONITORS WON'T SHOW READY EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND CAR IS NOT PULLING ANY ERROR CODES, BOTH UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM O2 SENSORS WERE REPLACED, AIR FILTERS CHANGED, AND FUEL SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED AND STILL DID NOTHING TO MAKE THE MONITORS SHOW READY”
NHTSA complaint #11161009, 2018
Fuel System 8 1 fire
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal fuel odor began to emit from the vehicle without warning. His wife was then waved down by a fellow motorist that alerted her that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact stated that his wife had difficulty stopping the vehicle as depressed the brake pedal. Once the vehicle was stopped, an unknown color smoke filled the vehicle's front cabin as she and the other occupants exited the vehicle. No occupants were injured and no medical assistance was rendered at the scene. The vehicle w…”
NHTSA complaint #11479372, 2022 · fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormally strong gasoline odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and unlatched the hood, only to discover gasoline flowing on top of the engine. The contact stated that he had made it home safely and ran water through the engine to clean the gasoline off. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or r…”
NHTSA complaint #11589903, 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control failed to operate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that later that day, the fuel door failed to open automatically. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11586508, 2024
Forward Collision Avoidance 5
“Parking lights stay on, change brake light switch but the hole that the switch goes in is not aligned with the brake stopper to turn off the stop brakes, therefore it remains on. Battery needs to be unplugged to keep from draining. The mechanism to stop the lights from remaining on is somehow shifted to no longer turn off the brake lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11679948, 2025
“My concern is when will the RECALL BE HONORED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES 1ST- BRAKE SYSTEM 2ND- ENGINE CAUSING A FIRE HOW SOON CAN I GET MY CAR IN TO GET THESE RECALLS SERVICED???”
NHTSA complaint #11572252, 2024
“There was a recall listed online 9/2023 for HEUC hydraulic electronic control unit. [XXX]. I called Kia in September the day I saw and they said a letter would come out and part would be available for the recall soon. I waited. I called again in November 2023. Still no fix or letter. I called again in January then 4/2024 still no letter or part to remedy the problem. I'm tired of waiting and very scared to drive my car. I’m hearing now that the part might not be available until July 2024??!? This is completely unacceptable. That is 11 months driving a car that could catch on fire??!? And obvi…”
NHTSA complaint #11580461, 2023
Wheels 5
“'TAKATA RECALL' I CONTINUE TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL UNDER MY HOOD BUT NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND IT. IT COME AND GOES I HAD IT CHECKED WAS TOLD ALL FLUIDS ARE FINE AND NO LEAKS. I PRAY IT NEVER CATCHES FIRE AS I HAVE A GRANDSON WHO RIDES WITH ME OFTEN. ALSO MY REAR BREAK LIGHT GO OUT EVER TWO MONTHS NOT SURE WHY IT IS NOT JUST ONE SIDE THEY TAKE TURNS EACH SIDE. PRESSURE IN TIRES TEND TO GO LOW VERY OFTEN FOR NO REASON PLEASE HELP ME FIND OUT WHAT IS REALLY WRONG BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS 🙏🙏 THE BURNING SMELL SCAMMERS THE MOST BUT I SMELL WHILE IN MOTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11140254, 2017
“WHEN I WENT IN FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION, I WAS TOLD MY DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN WHICH PRESENTED A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT COULD POP THE TIRE. WHEN CALLING FOR ESTIMATES, I WAS TOLD THAT THE COIL SPRING MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR A CAR OF THIS YEAR AND MILEAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11005030, 2017
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR ON A PAVED CITY ROAD, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAVED INTO THE VEHICLE (DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE). THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT NOR HIT ANY SIGNIFICANT HOLES. THE INCIDENT WAS SPONTANEOUS WITHOUT ANY APPARENT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALER, WHO FOUND THAT THE BOTTOM BOLT OF THE STRUT HAD BROKEN AND FALLEN OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #10927249, 2014
Seat Belts 4 1 crash 2 injury
“I WAS IN A STOPPED POSITION WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE WHO WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 3RD VEHICLE. I WATCHED MY 9 YEAR OLD WHO WAS BUCKLED IN THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SIDE GET THROWN AROUND FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS DURING THE FIRST IMPACT, I THEN PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AS WE WERE HIT A SECOND TIME AND I WATCHED HER GET THROWN AROUND FORWARD AND BACKWARD AGAIN. THE SEATBELT DID NOT ENGAGE AT EITHER POINT OF IMPACT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654923, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT HOWEVER, THE RETRACTOR FAILED TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RETRACTOR PERMANENTLY CEASED IN PLACE AND WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11325220, 2020
“AIRBAG LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES , NO BEEPING WHEN PASSENGER SITTING AND CAR MOVING,”
NHTSA complaint #11268014, 2019
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2
“THE STRUTS ON MY BACK LIFT GATE ARE ALREADY WORN OUT ON A 2012 KIA SORENTO. I HAD A 2007 KIA SPORTAGE PRIOR TO THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BACK STRUTS ON THE LIFT GATE. ON THE SPORTAGE THE GLASS OPENED SEPARATELY FROM THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE LIFT GATE. HOWEVER, THIS NEWER VEHICLE WORE OUT THE BACK LIFT GATE STRUTS IN JUST OVER 2 YEARS WITH ONLY 35,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE BACK LIFT GATE IS NOT SEPARATED BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE GLASS SO THE ENTIRE BACK LIFT DOOR IS EXTREMELY HEAVY TO OPEN AND HOLD WITHOUT THE STRUTS TO KEEP THE TRUNK DOOR LIFTED AND HAS THE POTENTIAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10649568, 2014
“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 2012, TOLD AGAIN A SOFTWARE PROBLEM, BUT COULD NOT TELL ME WHY OR THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. REAR CAMERA AND ENTIRE RADIO-COUNCIL GOES OUT ON OCCASION. SUN ROOF JAMS AND WON'T CLOSE. IN SHOP TO REPAIR SUN ROOF OVER ONE WEEK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10605706, 2013
Back Over Prevention 1
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back over prevention camera failed to produce an image while in use. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back over prevention camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11509579, 2022
Firerelated 1 1 fire
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in her carport, she was awakened by her son that a fire had ignited and that the vehicle was in flames. The contact then stated that the fire from the vehicle had extended to her home living room. As a result, half of the house was in flames. The contact stated that she and her family were able to exit her home to safety and then notified the fire department. The fire department had extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The family's iguana pet passed away d…”
NHTSA complaint #11546854, 2023 · fire
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THREE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20. ..UPDATED 11/01/12 *BF UPDATED UPDATED 11/02/2012 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10476871, 2012
Tires 1
“THE FOLLOWING IS FROM AN E-MAIL SENT TO BIG O TIRE CUSTOMER SERVICE (TBC CORP) ON JUNE 26/2014 WE OWN A SET OF 4 DEFECTIVE COOPER 107H DISCOVERER LSX PLUS TIRES PURCHASED FOR OUR 2012 KIA SORENTO EX SUV ON NOV. 29, 2013 FROM BIG O TIRES STORE #6171 IN CONIFER, CO. THEY BALANCED AND MOUNTED THE TIRES. THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT, SO FIRESTONE IN EVERGREEN, CO (11/29/14) ALIGNED THE VEHICLE. IN LATE APRIL, 2014 WE NOTICED A LOUD RUMBLING ROAD NOISE. WE HAD ANOTHER ALIGNMENT PERFORMED AND ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PEAK KIA IN LITTLETON, CO WHO DETERMINED THAT ALL ALIGNMEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10607117, 2014
Traction Control System 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ABS AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE ABS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT CALLED KIA OF WEST CHESTER (LOCATED AT 326 WESTTOWN RD, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382, (610) 429-3500) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11233084, 2018
Trailer Hitches 1
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and shifting into reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The contact discovered that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable”
NHTSA complaint #11539207, 2023
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2012 Kia Sorento draws about 58.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 13 among the Kia Sorento model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.