2012 KIA SORENTO Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 30 MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that that her daughter veered the vehicle off the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

On Saturday September 23,2023 I was driving thru the City of Spring Garden, Alabama at 9:30 am. I was traveling at 45 MPH when I heard a light tapping noise coming from the engine compartment and almost an instant later the engine locked up and the right hand tire locked temporarily causing loss of steering control only lasted a couple of seconds and then the right tire freed up. I coasted to a stop. I tried to restart the engine but it would not turn over. I had the car towed to a local garage and after inspection determined that a main bearing had spun. The vehicle was running perfect up to this instant with no issues.

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...

Transmission / or gear shifting

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate with the check engine warning light and the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.

After about 30 minutes of driving the vehicle through the city and letting and sit in the parking lot, oil started leaking heavily. Eventually, the engine became completely seized and the starter began to release smoke nearly starting a fire. I looked inside the engine compartment and saw that the bearing had come loose and made a hole through the block. Before purchasing the vehicle, I used my scan tool to check for codes. No codes came up. No lights were on the dash. Luckily, the engine seized on the parking lot and not in the middle of the highway. The engine and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. I checked to see if the vehicle had any recalls and sure enough, this exact problem showed up as an open recall. The Kia dealership has denied repairing the problem. They said that its not eligible for repair because the...

I was driving on highway when without warning it just died and I was almost rearended. I noticed that the Ecoboost wasn't working anymore so I was just in shock.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that coolant was leaking onto the ground of the garage. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that while attempting to replace the head gasket, the thread had pulled out from the block. The contact was informed that the engine short block and additional parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the engine was not the engine included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 118,871.

The vehicle slows unexpectedly while driving and will not go above 2 RPM causing me to slow to below 40 mph on the highway without any warning. I took the vehicle to Kia for an airbag recall and suddenly I started to have these engine problems. They never informed me there was a recall on my vehicle or that this issue could occur. I am not the original owner and acquired the vehicle from my dad, which he purchased from someone else. I had the vehicle checked out by AAA and the knock sensor was replaced, yet the issue continued to happen. I took the vehicle back to Kia because AAA could not figure out why the car continues to have this engine issue. Kia cannot seem to figure out the issue as well but stated the engine needs to be replaced. We asked them about the recall because I...

engine just stopped. will not turn over. call kia. not on list. repair yourself. they are not reparing any cars. said they were but denying everyone. check the records. all talk and no action. pleasing the judge.

Engine locked while driving on the highway. Vehicle was in condition and recently had a vehicle oil change.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while making a left turn at a slow speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where oil was added; however, the failure returned after several weeks. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the oil warning light and check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with an internal oil leak. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,541.

Recall I purchased my vehicle in a private sale sometime around 2018, I believe. I can get more specific date if you need me to. I have reached out to the Kia dealership multiple times since regarding the recall on my vehicle due to engine issues which have been known to cause vehicle fires and/or failure. I have been told each time that I was ineligible for the recall due to some failure to act prior to my purchase of the vehicle. I received a letter in the mail today from the US District Court for the Central District of California saying that I should get the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update done to my vehicle which is covered by recall and that as part of a class action, the vehicle warranty will be extended. Can you please explain to me whether I qualify for the recalls listed for...

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

Car seized up while driving. No warning light or anything engine just seized. Leaving my six kids and I stranded. Car ha always been serviced with Kia of Chattanooga and at Firestone. No known issues reported. Have more proof but it happened today and have to get paper work from Kia of Chattanooga and Firestone on Knoxville Tn. More then welcome to speak with manager [XXX]. He is well informed and offered to help in this matter. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

I was driving my car on the highway and entered a ramp to another highway and as I began to accelerate again it was like my engine shut down and there was no response to the gas pedal for throttle. I pulled my car over to the side, sat for a moment, and then turned the car back on. I was able to accelerate, but if I accelerate too fast the engine would shut back down. I contacted Kia and they said all recalls have been processed for my vehicle, but now out of nowhere it's hardly driveable. I am still forced to use this car for short distances under a couple miles for work, but the vehicle's engine will try to shut off over 2k rpms. I have maintenance records for every year with this vehicle and I don't get how this just happens. My mechanic says a Knock...

As I was driving down the highway my car died and all the lights on my dash came on, I lost my power steering. I noticed a cloud of white smoke from tailpipe. I was able to coast to the side of the highway, thankfully no one was hurt. O tried to start it back up but it wouldn't start. We opened the hood and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. I had to pay to have it towed. Currently waiting to get it evaluated from dealership. I've took it in for every recall and serviced my own car. Called Kia they said the engine will be replaced for free if the problem has to do with the rod bearings.

I have owned my 2012 KIA Sorento since 2014 and thoroughly enjoy my car. After 9 years of satisfactory ownership which include dealer servicing, my car scared me and now I question my safety. On Friday 24th, 2023, I pulled into my driveway and the car suddenly accelerated out of control. The brakes did nothing to slow its acceleration. By the time I reached the key and turned the car off it had accelerated thru 130 feet of a very muddy back yard. (The all-wheel drive is very effective) Fortunately, I just missed a huge 100-year-old pecan tree and stopped just short of the tree line in the back. This ripped the tire off one of my rims and I had a mechanic change the spare so we could retrieve the car. I am taking the car to the KIA dealer on Monday morning 27th. to find out what happened!!

Engine shut down

My vehicle engine light went on. Error codes P0014 Exhaust timing and P0661-Intake valve control were scanned according to KIA dealer. The oil control solenoid valve inline4 right and left were replaced at substantial cost. Kia would not repair under warranty. The oil level would go down shortly after oil change and engine was louder and vehicle doesn't operate as before even after repairs. It is my understanding that there is a Class Action Lawsuit Leslie Flaherty et al v Hyundai Motor Company et al Case No 8:18-CV-02223 US District Court for Central District of California. I do not know if my problem is covered under this class action lawsuit

I purchased this vehicle used in August of 2021. It has not been a pleasant experience, nothing but problems. Yesterday 2/6/2023 my Mechanic changed the oil and said there is iron shavings in the oil and the motor is shot and needs to be replaced. He said I should check on the recalls as this is known to be problems with this vehicle. I have checked on the NHTSA Site and it says 0 unrepaired recalls, however I would like to dispute this as this is what is wrong with my Sorento according to my Mechanic. He verified that this could definitely cause an engine compartment fire. If you need a list of all the things I have already paid to have fixed let me know and I will gather the list together. There have been warning lights coming on constantly, Yes the vehicle is available for inspection however I...

Started smelling a burning smell of my car was driven more then 5 miles from under the hood thought it could maybe be the oil. I got an oil change but that didn’t change the burning smell it comes through the vents if I have the button selected to us the outside air and to recycle the air in the cabin. There was a recall on this make and model for engine fires and I’m unsure if mine was one and if it was fixed as I just got this car a year ago.

While passing a vehicle car started missing and shut off with the engine locking up.No prior warning giving. Very dangerous situation.

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 was extinguished by the fire department and a fire report was filed. In the fire report, the investigator linked the cause of the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000(Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine); however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to...

Was driving down the highway and went accelerate and seem my RPMS reach the top, then noticed vehicle was ‘off’ . Seemed to have no brakes or steering. It was dark and wintertime and my car died in the middle of the highway. Feel lucky to be alive with all the vehicles that nearly missed me.

was driving and no warning lights came on and then the engine seized up after buying it 3 months ago. then took towed to kia vw billings mt and they now have had the car for almost two weeks and none of my rights are being met and no communication back to me wont respond to several of my calls. i will be filing a lawsuit against either auto resource in billings mt for selling me a faulty vehicle or going after kia vw of billings mt for lost wages as i drive for a living and im disabled and have been treated very very poorly.

Engine started making noise. Took to Kia dealer who suddenly stated engine had to be fully replaced. Problem was confirmed by 2 Kia dealers. There were no warning signs, messages, lamps or indicators to the catastrophic nature of the engine failure needing to be fully replaced.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. As the contact was restarting the vehicle there was a clicking noise. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic but no cause of failure was determined. The vehicle was towed back to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. The contact stated that the battery, check engine, and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Driving and all power stopped and vehicle had to cruise on a busy route. Car going downhill was able to turn into a restaurant parking lot a few hundred yards away. Lucky to escape cars going past on on the other side in which I had no choice but to turn into. My mechanic looked over vehicle and determine engine seized. Vehicle being towed to dealership where it was purchased for their evaluation this Friday. No warning lights. Dealership is stating that there are no recalls, but we will be covered if the connecting rod is at fault. One of the recalls 17V224000 or Kia's SC147 states that this engine, which was manufactured between Aug 2010 and May 2014 (Feb 2012), may have bearing wear resulting in engine seizing. I will have to await the dealerships diagnosis to answer some of the above fully.

I take very good care of my Kia, but over the last year I have been losing oil. The dealer said that it's consumption and command problem. We have not been able to get a hold of Kia. Please help.

We had some kind of fuel leak that caused smoke to come from the hood and the car to overheat. The check engine light did come on. We were on our way to the mechanic and the car died on us in the middle of the road. The car was taken to two different mechanics 3 different times. We had the thermostat housing replaced, the intake manifold, and the head gasket. Submitted documents to Kia showing our problem. They said they needed more proof showing there was some type of leak. I found the original papers today from the first mechanic that states "fluid leaking, smoke from under the hood, car shut down". I asked if I could submit those documents since they say exactly what Kia was looking for. I was told that those documents wouldn't make a difference in the outcome and they would not be reimbursing me...

We were traveling down the highway and without warning engine cut off. We were able to put in neutral and start back up and continue our drive. I took it to my personal mechanic and he replaced the charcoal cartridge (it was clogged), the cost was $750. 2 weeks later i was driving and while sitting at a red light, the engine cut off again. I put car in N and it started right back up. My mechanic then took the car to KIA to be evaluated and they found nothing. I drove car and 2 weeks later it did it again! slowing down for a red light ahead and engine cuts off. There is NEVER any warning to this, and it doesnt prmpt the check engine light to come on, so it is not showing any codes from the ECM. This is becoming a safety risk and needs to...

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine oil light illuminated. The contact heard some knocking sounds coming from the engine. The contact drove to her residence and refilled the engine oil reservoir with approximately three quarts of oil. The contact stated that all of the oil had leaked out and puddled on the driveway the following day. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The failure was diagnosed and it was determined that the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact reported that the vehicle was still leaking oil. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

When I acquired the 2012 KIA Sorento, in 2018, I noticed that it was burning oil; it also has a mild-to-moderate clicking sound. I received a notification from KIA, instructing me to take the unit to the nearest Dealer for repair. Said Dealer flatly refused to repair it, claiming that it had been imported from the Continental US to PR, a US Territory. I appealed their decision to no avail. My wife is the main driver of the Sorento, and I am extremely concerned for her safety. Can a Dealer "refuse" to obey/fulfill an Official Recall from the Manufacturer? Finally, just to give you an idea of the oil-consumption problem, I have to add a quart of synthetic oil every 200 to 300 miles. Now consider the price of oil nowadays. I would truly & humbly plead for your help on this matter. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine started knocking and then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to get the vehicle home. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in a traffic circle the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the vehicle was shaking while driving back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the RPM’s would rev without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair in January 2020. The dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH inadvertently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle would not exceed 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (Ed Voyles Kia of Smyrna - Atlanta 2145 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080) where it was diagnosed that the knock sensors malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to go on limp mode; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle...

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.

We were on our way home from the grocery when the oil light started coming on and off. We noticed a line of oil down the driveway, the car made a low kind of buzzing sound. Husband climbed under and looked. Massive oil leak, appeared to be coming from bottom of engine block around oil pressure sensor switch. Vehicle is a 2012 Sorento 3.5 liter with 90,000 miles. Kia said it is not on the recall list but this is the same problem with the vehicles that are on the recall list. Dealer wants nearly $1000 to fix the issue. My vehicle is parked and undriveable. We had no issues before this.

The engine shuts of going down the road. Can not be driven. Talked to mechanic, and they said to send in information as that is a common recap issue for Kia.

The car was running hot and I took it in and the mechanic said liquid was coming out of the head gasket. Kia gave me a quote to replace the engine. We were fearful the car would just shut off while driving with our infant son and hot engine air blowing through the vents. The vehicle was inspected by Greenway Kia in Franklin, Tennessee. The check engine light came on and I took it to the Kia Dealer.

As I was driving on the freeway, the vehicle started decelerating on its own. At that time All warning lights on the dashboard flashed including the engine light. As the vehicle decelerated, I put my foot on the brakes to slow down but the clutch jammed up as well as the steering wheel. At that point, I placed my foot on the emergency brake and maneuvered the wheel as best as I could to get into the emergency lane. There was absolutely no warning of the vehicle stalling or any known issues before this happened. Fortunately I avoided an accident that could have been fatal or injuries that could have occurred. The suv had no warning of any sort before this happened. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership. I spoke with a service rep there who previously worked on my recall and he stated it could have possibly...

oIL IS BURNING . rEPORTED ISSUE A YEAR AGO AND WAS TOLD NO ISSUE WAS FOUND, NOW i'M HAVING TO PUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN PER 4-5 DAYS

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 mph and passing another vehicle and abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to independent mechanic and was informed the piston was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to another independent and was also informed the piston was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) , however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The engine blew a piston or maybe a rod out of the bottom of the motor causing two big hole above oil pan bottom of motor will get pictures later

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while stationary, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was next towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure from the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

This vehicle has an oil consumption problem. It has shown on separate oil consumption tests from the dealer, that the vehicle is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The vehicle does not have any visible oil leaks. I feel unsafe driving this car because in the past, I've experienced shakiness on the freeway and loss of acceleration, which forced me to quickly exit the freeway.

While driving the vehicle it felt smooth and after a while a clicking sound started very faintly. I stopped at a red light and when I tried to accelerate at the green light the engine stalled and wouldn't power the vehicle. Everything worked well except the engine, it was locked. My safety and my passengers safety were put at risk because I was driving the vehicle on the street and it could've gave out while driving causing a major accident by an intersection. The issue has been address by an independent mechanic who stated a full engine is needed. The vehicle is currently on its way to a Kia dealership. There were no other lights or signed of engine failure.

I doing oil change every 3 month. The engine light was on and lost power immediately when I was driving on the road. Brought to auto shop, they told me the engine oil was leaking pretty bad , and it will cost me $7k to put a new engine in. I’m at a tough situation.