2012 Kia Sorento fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
  ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

  Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 13, 2026MDFireFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving I smelled gas, a few minutes later I saw smoke coming from the hood of the car. I stopped, turned the car off, got my dog, exited the car, which then exploded into flames. I saw that I was not safe the minute I saw the smoke. I was unsure that the gas smell was coming from my car until I saw that my gas needle was on E when I had filled up 3 hours prior. The police and the fire department was on scene. No warnings came up on the dash board other than the gas…

   NHTSA complaint #11763890 · source
2. Filed Jun 14, 2026TXFireFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11744052 · source
3. Filed Jun 10, 2025AZFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I smelled fuel in & around vehicle. Did some checking discovered cracked fuel rail , causing significant fuel leak when engine is on. Did some more research online discovered 2012 KIA Sedona recall SC188 “fuel rail leak” Identical issue my 2012 Sorento has but my VIN does not come up with fuel leak recall. There is however recall 23V652 HECU replacement- engine fire possible

   NHTSA complaint #11666032 · source
4. Filed Aug 28, 2024MEFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11611298 · source
5. Filed Aug 1, 2024MDElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11605807 · source
6. Filed Jul 22, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11603692 · source
7. Filed May 21, 2024190,000 miLAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11589903 · source
8. Filed May 11, 2024NCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11588239 · source
9. Filed May 2, 2024139,000 miMOBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11586508 · source
10. Filed Feb 5, 2024114,000 miPABrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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 that the vehicle would suddenly stall while idling. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The check engine warning light and…

    NHTSA complaint #11569897 · source
11. Filed Jan 27, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    It won't catch up speed it slips on the freeway. Once I pass 60 miles per hour it excelerates very high and rpm get stuck after I hit 50 miles per hour. There's a knocking noise coming from the engine and burns oil fast.

    NHTSA complaint #11568149 · source
12. Filed Dec 21, 2023210,875 miGABrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact owns a 201 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 while driving 45 MPH, the contact became aware of fuel burning which caused her legs to sting and itch. The lights on the instrument panel then went dark. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…

    NHTSA complaint #11561283 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology