2012 KIA SORENTO Electrical System Problems

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

The downhill break control (DBC) and the traction control system is is engaged and eliminated in the dash. It causes smoke or steam to come from under the hood after it is driven. This is the second time this issue has happened. I spent over $3,000 and six months getting this fixed last time. If there is not a recall on these things it should be recalled and fixed without me having to pay for it again. I believe it should have been covered the first time it happened.

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.

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 filled with smoke. Fire department was called and this took them awhile to fully extinguish the fire. This could have hurt myself, my child, and my mother. I lost alot of valuable things including my son's new carseat,...

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.

My 2012 Kia Sorento has a recall for the motor, and I had taken it to Kia for an inspection and the dealer stated to me that my car does not have a recall on it. Recently my car stalled on the road while I was driving, and it nearly caused an accident because someone behind me had to break suddenly to stop.

While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.

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.

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: The electrical problem started with battery power drainage. After two battery replacements, other electrical problems started to occur. Turn signal lights would not work, windows would not open or close, the left headlamp failed, was replaced, but did not work, all warning lights stayed on. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: The various electrical failures first occurred while driving the vehicle. I was inable to signal to change lanes. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No. Q:Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes. Before the battery drainage issue ocurred, the check engine light and ABS indicator lights began...

The manufacturer of Kia has not resolve the fire issue to the vehicles. The recall has not be looked into or updated since letter in 2022. I’ve asked multiple Kia reps when the recall will be handled and was told there is no remedy. This recall is super dangerous and is a liability when driving on highways or long travel. My car can catch on fire at any time and nothing is being handled to resolve the issue.

Kia issued a recall in September of 2023 that affects the HECU. I have received one interim notice but nothing since and it’s been 7 months. I am concerned about mine and others safety and would like an update on the recall.

This 2012 Kia sorento caught fire and burned. Believed to be part of the recall 23v652

KIA AMERICA, INC. SUBMITTED A SAFETY RECALL REPORT ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, (NHTSA RECALL #23V-652) DETAILING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU). I WAS NOTIFIED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED AGAIN WHEN THE REMEDY PART (A NEW FUSE) WAS AVAILABLE. KIA IS RECOMMENDING AFFFECTED OWNERS PARK THEIR VEHICLE OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES AND OTHER VEHICLES UNTIL THE REMEDY PART HAS BEEN INSTALLED. THIS LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS IS CAUSING UNDUE WEAR AND TEAR ON VARIOUS PARTS OF MY VEHICLE INCLUDING PAINT, TIRES AND HEADLIGHTS. IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND NEARLY 7 MONTHS SINCE THE NHTSA WAS MADE AWARE AND THE REMEDY PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE KIA HAS EXCEEDED A...

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the alarm continued to engage independently. The contact was able to turn the alarm off. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

A notice was mailed to me on [XXX] Recall #[XXX], advising that the hydraulic electronic control unit may experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in engine compartment fire. Park the vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall has been performed. The malfunction indicator light appeared approximately a month and a half ago, and I contacted my KIA dealer who advised me that I must have the car towed to their location at my expense They billed me over $200, plus the towing. The recall has still not been addressed. This is an extreme problem for me. I live in Florida and have a very unhealthy relative out of state but feel that it is unsafe to drive my vehicle far from home which has caused me and my family extreme anxiety. I have received no updates from KIA since the initial 11/14/23 letter....

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 obviously it was a problem long before the recall actually happened or else there wouldn’t have been a recall needed. A serious recall and no remedy?!? How many people have to die to make them fix the problem??!! I’m scared...

This has been recalled for 6 months with no remedy. I cannot drive my car due to risk of engine fire, and I have been advised to not park near other cars. This has been extremely frustrating and inconvenient. I have not been offered a replacement vehicle either

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...

I received an important safety recall on November 14, 2023. It has been over 3 months since I have received this recall. I have contacted my nearest dealer, and they have yet to receive the part (HECU) to replace in my vehicle. I have had to park my car outside for the past 3 months in bad weather. Now, three of my windows are not working because the cold weather froze their motors. When should I expect to have this part replace, so I and park my car in the garage and out of the elements?

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HEUC) may experience an electrical short circuit, which may result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice was received 11.14.23. The part is not available. The warning light under the WARNING in the letter, illuminated on my dashboard and I followed the WARNING instructions: PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. TURN OFF THE ENGINE. CALL KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBE. I did this. I had to pay $166.77 for the tow and can't be refunded until the remedy notice is issued. Kia tells me they have to charge $190 to diagnose the car and that there is no remedy at this time. It has been 77 days, today, since the recall was sent. I understand Kia is aware prior to the notice issuing. This is a major safety issue. A...

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..

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. 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 local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to an electrical failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I experienced a Malfunction of indicators lamp, ABS warning lights, burning/ melting smell and smoke from the engine compartment.

SC284XM HECU My car was exacted by the HECU fuse

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. The contact was able to enter the vehicle 10 minutes later after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off however, later that night she became aware that the vehicle had independently restarted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

This vehicle is under an active recall. There is no known remedy yet and as outlined in the recall the vehicle could catch fire while parked OR while driving. My family should not use this vehicle until this situation is fixed. I want a replacement vehicle at the company's expense. There is no other TIMELY fix for this problem and the recall information said to contact you if it was not done in a timely manner. Please do not simply send me the recall information again. I know there is a recall. I want results. I think I have an undrivable vehicle and they have no timeline to resolve the issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, prompting the contact to pull the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact also stated that the vehicle history stated that the engine was replaced by the dealer when the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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 vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled by the insurance agency. A fire report was filed but there was no police report filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hyraulic) however the...

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 due to the fire. The contact then stated that the vehicle was towed to a tow lot and inspected by the insurance company and that the source of the fire was near the carport area and may have been electrical related but...

The abs brake light, traction control, and downhill assist lights all came on at the same time. This is being caused by a faulty speed sensor. This item was recalled on the two wheel drive kias, but not the all wheel drive models... hiwever.. looking for answers in the forums show that there is a systemic problem in the kia system, just Google search it and watch all the other car owners stories pop up.

Transmission / or gear shifting

My regular lights on pasenger side keeps going out. The harness keeps melting. And my sunroof rubber pieces keep coming undone hitting the glass of sunroof causing very loud noises while driving sounds like the glass is going to break.

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.

Unknown. Push start engine failed on first and second try. One minute later the engine is one fire.

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...

Replaced the headlight bulbs in my wife's car around 80k miles when 2 of the 4 bulbs went out. I noticed the lenses were discolored from the inside slightly but didn't put much thought into it. The vehicle now has a little over 144k miles and I have replaced the high beam bulbs once again, and the low beam bulbs twice more, and the low beam bulbs I have had to replace the connector due to burning on both sides, and the driver side is burnt out again. This shouldn't happen and means there is too much power going to the bulb, which is a fire hazard as well as a safety hazard as I can't keep a bulb working in that slot.

My passenger headlight went out again. I've taken to the dealer. They replaced the burnt out fog lights too. This is the 4th time in less than a year! I filed previous complaints. Had the headlights replaced repeatedly. Something keeps shorting out. There's an electrical problem. I can't keep replacing my headlights all the time. When the one side goes out, the other follows. This is becoming a real safety issue.

The passenger low beam head light keeps burning out. I have had the wiring replaced twice because it keeps melting. The brake light blow at least every 2 months

Passenger side low beam headlight keeps burning out. Had bulb replaced one month ago, burnt out again. Had it replaced several times. One time recently the mechanic had to also replace the wiring connections because it melted.

In 2012 my sister bought new 2012 Kia Sorento from Caribbean Auto Mart in St Thomas VI. About a year ago, the horn stopped working and the air bag light has been on for some time now clearly indicating a possible problem with the clock spring assembly in the steering column mentioned in the recall notice attached. On contacting the dealer, Caribbean Auto Mart, she was told that they were no longer a Kia dealer and that it was not their responsibility to fix the problem. The local Jiffy Lube apparently is doing warranty work for Kia here now but they refuse to fix it without authorization from Kia. On contacting Kia, they refuse to even acknowledge the existence of this vehicle. They say they have no matching VIN. We asked if they would just send the part and I would install it. They refused this as well. I’m concerned...

Car will shut off randomly while driving. Usually slowing down or speeding up in the 0 to 30 mph zone. Does not show any codes for KIA or my mechanic to read. Car will not restart for about 20 seconds. Car will slow down and loose all RPM's of it doesn't shut all the way off and will only run 20mph until I can get off the road and restart it.

ON 03/22/21, AT 8.00AM WAS A REGULAR VISIT FOR OIL CHANGE, FINALLY AROUND 1PM MY CAR WAS SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD THE "ENGINE LIGHT", NEVER HAPPEN BEFORE, I CLAIMED VERBALLY WHY, THAT HAPPEN NOW. I AM DRIVING BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME IS SAFE AND I BELIEVE, AND WAITING THE APPOINTMENT FOR( RECALL 20V750) THANKS TO ALL.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED EMAIL SENT TO NHTSA .. I WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I NEED HELP! THIS ISSUE IS GETTING WORSE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME REGARDING DOCUMENTATION. IF YOU DO NOT REACH ME DIRECTLY, FEEL FREE TO SPEAK WITH MY WIFE [XXX]. SHE CAN ALSO ATTEST THE ISSUES WE HAVE. THIS IS CONSTANT WHETHER IN PARK , DRIVING , IDLING. ALSO RECENTLY WE HAVE NOTICE THE LIGHT TO SIGNAL A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIR BAGS KEEPS COMING ON. IT ALSO FLASHES FOR A FEW MINUTES AT A TIME. PLEASE LET ME OR MY WIFE KNOW WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED AND WE WILL GET THEM TO YOU IMMEDIATELY! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS THE TACHOMETER WILL DROP TO ZERO AND THE CAR WILL START TO SPUTTER AND STALL. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY SOMETIMES AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 142K MILES AND HAS HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP BUT IS STILL HAVING ISSUES THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO TRACK DOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING THROUGH A SNOW STORM AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE WIFE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND CALLED FOR A TOW AND A NEW BATTERY WAS BOUGHT AND THE OLD ONE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDNENT MECHANIC WHO OBSERVED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING ON AND OFF AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO DANBURY KIA (100A FEDERAL ROAD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 730-5737). THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE STARTER BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BUT THE VEHICLE LOSS ACCELERATION THE SAME DAY AFTER IT WAS PICKED UP AND SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE...

HI I AM WRITING YOU ON BEHALF OF MY KIA SORRENTO 2012 I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS THE LAST PAST NINE MONTHS AFTER MY CAR WOULDN'T START I SUPPOSEDLY ASSUMED IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED IN THE LOCK AT THE BATTERY IS ABOUT 78 YEARS OLD SO I CHANGED IT AFTER CHANGE THAT STILL DRAIN AFTER EVERY MONTH MY CAR WOULD JUST TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ME DRIVING OR STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I PUT MY AC OR MY HEATER ON IT DROPS IDLE AND IT MAKES THE CAR REALLY HEAVY TO THE POINT WHERE IT FEELS LIKE IT'S HOLDING BACK MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS OCCASIONALLY OFTEN ON WHERE I'LL BE DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE OR A SHORT DISTANCE WITH THE AC ON AND AS I'M PARKING TURN OFF THE AC IN THE CAR WHILE I GO UP AND DOWN...

INTERMITTENT CONNECTION TO PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLAMP BULB, CAUSING OVERHEATED CONNECTOR AND WIRING.

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, CAME TO A STOP AND STARTED TO SMOKE, A FIRE IGNITED AND CONSUMED THE FRONT END

WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE TACHOMETER DROPS TO ZERO AND THE POWER DECREASES, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T STOP RUNNING. THEN IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING, AND I PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN IT OFF, AND START IT AGAIN, THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A FEW MONTHS ALREADY. ALSO, I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BLINKERS NUMEROUS TIMES. I'M AT THE POINT THAT I'M AFRAID IT'S GOING TO BURN UP. BTW, THE ENGINE TEMP LIGHT REMAINS NORMAL. ALSO, SOMETIMES, THE ENGINE WILL STOP WHEN I STOP AT A LIGHT OR SIGN, BUT THEN IS NORMAL WHEN I START IT AGAIN.

AIRBAG ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE KIA NEEDS TO RECALL AIRBAGS MAY JUST SAVE A LIFE AND MINES IS AT STATE HERE... PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAGS DISABLED AND WILL NOT ALLOW OTHER AIRBAGS TO WORK IF I BECOME IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE I'M FEAR OF MY SAFETY