2012 Kia Sorento: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · OH

I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and lost power, leaving the vehicle inoperable. This occurred without warning. The vehicle received routine maintenance, including regular oil changes, and the failure was not due to intentional neglect or misuse. I am concerned because this vehicle is equipped with the Kia Theta II 2.4L engine family, which has been associated with previous recalls, investigations, settlements, and numerous consumer complaints involving engine seizure, premature failure, stalling, and safety concerns. I understand my specific VIN may not currently fall within an active recall; however, my vehicle has experienced the same type of catastrophic engine failure reported by other Kia owners with similar engines. I am concerned that vehicles outside current recall VIN ranges may still be experiencing the same defect. An unexpected engine failure while driving creates a serious safety concern due to the potential for sudden loss of power and increased risk to occupants. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether additional 2012 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine may be affected and whether Kia's current recall population adequately addresses the known engine failure concerns. I have also contacted Kia requesting that they review my vehicle, authorize a no-cost diagnostic evaluation, and determine whether the engine failure is related to known Theta II engine defects. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 250,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 20V750000 (Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving into a parking spot, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. The contact later replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that, due to the vehicle not having the sensor changed before the failure, the engine could not be replaced. The dealer informed the contact tha,t due to the mileage, the vehicle would not be covered and would not qualify for the extended warranty coverage for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · MD

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.

Filed Sep 13, 2021 · Engine · ND

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.

Filed Sep 13, 2021 · Engine · ND

We bought this 2012 Kia Sorento on November 2018, never miss a oil change. But The engine light was flashing and lost power immediately when I was driving on 09/10/21, my husband and me bought it to auto shop they told us the oil was leaking caused the engine problem, and we’ve to replace the engine. They also mentioned kia is recalling 2012 Kia Sorento because engine problem. We called Kia customer service but they said we haven’t upgraded a software which we just received a software update notification on 09/06/21, so they couldn’t fix this problem for free. Shall the federal safety agency help me figure out is it my problem or their? Thank you very much!

Filed Aug 4, 2021 · Engine · 77,250 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving 60 mph and changing lanes, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to Sansone Kia (90-100 US-1 North, Avenel, NJ 07001) who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and the failure was related to the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the part for 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 manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was repaired but consumer could still smell the gas leak. The approximate failure mileage was 77,250.

Filed Jul 31, 2021 · Engine · CO

The vehicle has been diagnosed with oil leaking out through the exhaust. On July 31st, 2021 I was on the highway and my car started making a loud clicking sound. It lost power and the engine light came on blinking. The safety of others and myself/passenger was in danger as it lost power on the highway and the speed limit was 75.

Filed Jun 14, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

Engine suddenly lost power while on 125 mile road trip. Tachometer flat lined at 60 mph and speed and engine power rapidly decreased ( as if in creeper mode) and I was not able to accelerate above the 20 mph , enough to get to the shoulder. I was towed to the Kia dealership and after a day the couldn't replicate the problem as the vehicle returned to it's proper operational mode. This happened again 3 weeks later at 80mph in the center lane under cruise control with the same issues, sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate and no tachometer reading yet still running at idle. This time I pulled into a gas station and took the battery cable off for 5 minutes then replaced it. The vehicle became fully operational and I drove another 125 miles home. I bare was able to get over as I couldn't accelerate the vehicle and had to creep up the exit ramp. This being extra hazardous as it was nightfall and both times I had my 2 year old grandson with me. If I was in the left lane I would not have been able to make it across the highway and possibly would have caused a major back up putting myself, grandson and the other drivers on the road at risk of a collision...There are many blogs in line with Kia owners reporting this same problem and with no resolution if the dealerships can't replicate the problem while they have the vehicle.

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I had taken my vehicle into kia on 02/22/21 to have the engine looked at because it is knocking, and I am experiencing loss of power, burning smells, jerking, stalling, having to add oil in my SUV weekly. We already replaced the valve cover gasket twice, and also the high fuel rail sensor, spark plugs prior to taking it back to them. We had a certified mechanic do the repairs for us. My SUV was at kia a total of 45 days though and I got maybe four phone calls, one they just told me I need a new engine and the issues are related to issues pertaining to the recall. The others were about the airbag recalls that needed to be done, and are not even fully complete. I was told by a gentleman named david to drive it when I get it back until it seizes or starts knocking, whatever comes first. I told them everything else that's been happening when I took it in so they know. I was told under kia guidelines that kia would not put a new engine in my vehicle under the recall even though my engine is part of the recall until something actually happens. That is not safe! I have children and I don't want to get hurt or my children to get hurt if it seizes while driving it, and then there is the fire risk with it also that I received a letter for. I am really concerned and frustrated. It wont even pass smog right now until it has a new engine and I cannot even get my tags and registration which I paid for until it passes smog. Here I am also paying a car payment monthly on this thing when clearly the engine is failing because it is a bad engine. All I did was drive it around town taking my kids to school and back and forth to work. I filed two complaints to kia regarding these issues and have not gotten any responses, they have treated me like crap. When I picked up my SUV it was completely out of gas, it has no oil in it, it was dirty and my brand new battery was dead.

Filed Dec 2, 2020 · Engine · 150,000 miles · UT

I was driving on the highway going from arizona to utah, suddenly I hear a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. The car starts losing power and then completely seized up, luckily we were able to pull over. We turned off the car and tried to turn it on again but it wasn't turning on.

Filed Jan 6, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 77,000 miles · CA

My car has been having strange intermittent engine troubles & symptoms. (the first symptoms appeared in september 2019) it started with the accelerater going out on the highway over about 50 MPH once or twice randomly. About a month later it did it again. And then this time it also stalled at a stop sign. Other times it feels like the car engine hiccups. It will lose power and come back on within a half second. And then continue as if nothing happened for another month. Recently the symptoms are happening more often. It is terrifying. I can't drive on the highway because I am so scared. At this point, these symptoms have now taken place numerous times and it doesn't matter what speed - when in motion up to 60-70 MPH, around 30 MPH, at a stop sign, when I was trying to turn left, etc. I have taken it to a mechanic several times since the first symptom. And I have taken it to a kia service location. All have said the car seems to be running great and there are no codes showing up or engine lights coming on. They cannot see anything wrong with the car unless the symptoms appear. I have seen some articles online about a recall for kia's of my year with the same symptoms, but this recall is not on my VIN? I am honestly so upset because I loved this car. I have been looking for a new car, but I really just wanted to get this fixed. I do believe my car is affected by the other recall, but why isnt it showing up? What do I do? This car is putting my life and other peoples lives in danger. I have a lot of travel coming up and I don't know what to do. I need a safe car and I am terrified to drive right now. Can you please help me?

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Electrical · 83,586 miles · MD

On a busy highway rt.70 vehicle decals got to flashing on the dash broad all of them. Than lost all power.couldn't use flashers or anything. And got over to the shoulder .wait a few minutes nothing had to get it tow back to my sons. Try a jump after 3 minutes the vehicle shut back down .battery show good .