Sometime when you start the car the RPM's will not move. The car will go for a little while then you give it gas and it will not go. You have to stop..turn the car off and restart. It has done this a number of time lately.
2012 Kia Sorento engine complaints
Page 8 of 17: complaints 191 to 220 of 475, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 2012 kia sorento lx has 144,566 miles on it and has been maintained regularly since I purchased it in july 2018. In october 2019, my vehicle was in motion going roughly 40 MPH when the vehicle suddenly lost power. The engine began knocking and the steering wheel locked up. Upon coasting the vehicle into a nearby parking lot and attempting to start it, the vehicle began making an intense knocking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle had trouble maintaining power and continuously cut off, even after putting in a new battery and alternator. Upon checking the vehicle to see if it would throw any codes, it threw a "misfire in cylinder 2" code. Upon having the car inspected, I was told that it will need a new rod in the engine. This car has under 150,000 miles and has been maintained meticulously, but randomly threw a rod as I was driving down the road. After doing further research, it became apparent that 2012-2018 kia sorentos have been recalled for this exact problem; my 2012 sorento, however, is not covered under the recall according to a VIN check.
I brought my 2012 kia sorento to dorschel for the sc147 recall a couple month ago. They said my engine was not being replaced because kia is only replacing engines for this recall if they stop working. They did not tell me I had any other issue with my engine, although kia's recall tells them to inspect to the engine for issue. I was directed to keep driving it until the engine stops working. Now my engine has major issues. While driving it was having tought time picking up speed when I enter a 55mph road and I could not accelerate fast. The car kept sputtering and shuttering, causing a car to almost hit me from behind. This is only a 2 months after they inspected it and found no issues. Dorschel kia says it is a timing chain failure and compression problem, bent valves and such, oil sludge and that this has nothing to do with the sc147. I also had really excessive oil consumption (1qt every 300 miles) since the sc147 inspection was performed. Why? Now kia company is saying this is not theirfault. I believe either dorschel was negligent in their engine inspection performed the sc147 recall, or the engine sludge was caused by the root caused of the sc147 problem, which caused the other issues. Or something during the inspection of the engine for the sc147 problem caused others issues that lead to my current situation. I had no engine problems before I brought my vehicle into dorschel kia 2 months ago and then I had all of this happen. What did dorschel kia really do to my car to make it fail so quick? This seems very suspicious to me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle seized in the middle of the road, and the low oil level, battery, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was then towed to scott harvey kia (located at 1710 n olden ave, ewing township, nj 08638, (866) 548-4303) where it was diagnosed that the long or short blocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
I was driving down the highway at about 65mph when my 2012 kia sorento completely shut off, the instrument panel lights all came on and I fortunately was able to drift to a stop. The car would not start back up. Had it towed to the kia dealership where they told me that the crankshaft had seized due to mechanical debris in the engine. The dealership said that this is a very common problem with my make and model regardless of engine type, but only the gdi engine was recalled. My specific engine was not recalled and I would be left to pay to have the engine fixed due to a mechanical failure not of my causing. This doesn't make sense, it is the same problem found with hundreds of thousands of kia sorentos 2011-2013 whether they are a gdi engine or the same type of engine I have. Why were not all engine types recalled if all engine types have this exact same issue?
There were premature engine barring wear which caused the car to seize and blow a rod out the bottom of the car which started a small fire. I was getting off the highway when engine light had come on when I got to on ramp it sputtered and stalled, oil light came on and car stalled then people yelled get out cause there was a fire under the front of my car. Police incident report number [xxx] trp. Harrison 616‑403‑0698 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
At about 80,000 miles during routine oil change, they told me it was 4 quarts low. I did oil changes regularly before this (every 6 months / 5,000 miles). The engine consumed (burned?) 1 quart every 1000 miles. Now at 93,000 miles on the odometer, the engine is burning 1 quart every 500 miles.
The engine stalled out without warning and would not restart while driving, in moderate traffic at about 30mph.
Suddenly at 95000 miles engine started to use oil but it's not burning it or any leaking from engine. I have to check oil weekly and will need a quart ever 800 to 1000 miles. After reading many posts on this subject all are having the exact same issues as we are. Kia will not take ownership for this problem and terrible engine design. They need to be held responsible for this issue.
My kia sorento has had the oil pressure sensor go out twice in two years. While driving my vehicle is changed when supposed to be and still this is the second time driving it has done this on a city street.
2012 kia serento 2/25/2017& kia had a "anti-corrosion"recall and we had it serviced at mike smith kia in paducah,ky-4/14/17,we will call this document1.then we we received major engine recall in september 20,2017 about 2012 kia serento's stalling,document 2.we took the vehicle to wyatt johnson kia of tn. October 7,2017 & we were told if it did not pass their tests they would replace the engine.ok,well they said it passed,and changed the oil,&supposedly put an "mil" sensor and"mil" dash light to detect oncoming engine failure and send the car into what they call a 'limp" mode. Which is not documented on document #3 which to our surprise it passed because it had been making an knocking sound and experiencing some attempt's of the vehicle stalling.yes after the oil change ran some what smoother,but still every now and then we would get an occasional throttle spike,or an attempt to stall.got an recall to do a logicupgrade,& took it immediately to wyatt j. Kia dec.12,2018,diagn. Did not detect code from knok sensor but cautioned,on perform fuel injection/throttle body service for $199.95 documents #4&5 the we hear about this fuel pump and fuel line recall in michigan on 68,000 vehicles in our year,make and model,which raised a red flag to why our vehicle was continuing to throttle spike's and more apparent attempts to stall.however no recall on our's?have gotten 2 more recall's since on our vehicle,one headlamp low beam connector warranty extension,&two air bag clock spring,called kia to schedule an appoint. For replacement and asked about the fuel pump issue and it possibly being the reason for the throttle spikes & stall attempts all this time,but no recall for our vehicle,and want to charge$120+$199.for diag.and throttle body/fuel injection,but free replacement of air bag spring ass.?have to keep oil changed,because start's to run really rough.this is getting old!
My engine was replace on original recall. I keep bringing it back for overheating and running hot and they keep telling me nothing is wrong. Is there a defect in the replacement engine afraid to drive my car car it does not get hot until you drive it for a while or long trip
My kia sorento is burning excessive oil. I had it at a dealership 6/2019 for a recall to replace the engine. I was told it was ok at that time. Shortly after the recall evaluation was completed, the check engine light came on in 07/2019 due to loss of oil about 800 miles after an oil change at mineke. They topped it off and had me come back in after 1000 miles and told me I had an oil consumption issue and to take it to a kia dealership to follow up. I went to an official kia dealership to have it documented by them and they did the oil consumption test again. They said at the time the spark plugs and engine looked ok and there is a known issue but mine would not qualify to be replaced at this time and I could keep topping of the oil if needed. I brought it back after putting on 950 miles because the oil was very low. It had burned through 2.5 quarts. They said the engine is bad and 2 out of 3 spark plugs are starting to go. The engine should be replaced but it does not meet the criteria kia has to be covered under kia's extended warranty so it would be out of pocket. The vehicle only has 136,331 miles on it now and I still owe money on it so I would like to keep it but don't want to pay $6,200 to replace the engine. I called kia directly and they created a case number. They recommended getting second opinion from another kia dealership. Now I have to start this process over again. Meanwhile, my engine is getting worse and it is concerning me that it is not safe to drive. I found a class action lawsuit against kia with reports of engines catching on fire. One death and 130 people have been injured. I drive with my two children who are 9 and 5 and I don't feel comfortable putting them at risk while I wait for a decision on this. At the very least I wanted this reported as a safety issue.
I was driving on the highway uphill then hit the brakes and all lights lit up on dash and car died. Had car towed and 2 mechanic's told me that motor had locked.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged, jerked, and lost power. The vehicle was taken to hawkinson kia (5501 miller cir dr, matteson, il 60443, (708) 720-8999) to have the recall repair performed. While at the dealer, the engine software was updated. After the repairs, the failures occurred multiple times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 105,286.
I was driving my 2012 kia sorento on the highway driving to work going about 60mph and I feel a "klunk". As I tried to accelerate, my rpms were rapidly dropping, then I felt the engine cut. I popped it into n and had to make my way across the 3 lane highway. Coasted to a stop on shoulder and observed smoke from the engine compartment. Upon popping the hood, there was a small engine fire which I was able to extinguish. There was oil all over the place. Behind the engine, on the serpentine belt, on the radiator. It wouldnt crank so I had it towed. Auto shop called and stated "we checked the oil levels and it was at the l line on the dip stick. Tried to crank it to no avail, then tried to manually crank it as well. Upon further investigation, we noticed a hole in the engine block, with a piece of the engine missing. You are definitely going to require a new engine." specifics, I have no idea what the issue may be.
The ball bearings went out on the front end causing both my front tires to wear right down to the wires on the tire treads. Within a few weeks of fixing them the engine seized in my car for the second time. While my 16 year old was driving it on the highway she sudden lost power and the vehicle started to slow down. She pulled off the road and had her brother take over driving it. He could not get it to speed or to shift so he put it in manual to get it off the highway. Once off the highway he called me. I followed him less then 4 miles to the local mechanic who listen to the engine and said to park the car as the engine was about to go. In the process of driving it home less then 2 miles the engine completely seized up.
The engine on my 2012 kia sorento ran out of oil without any warning light or other indication of problem. Was driving at highway speed and accelerated to get around an 18 wheeler and the acceleration cut out, causing cars behind me to have to slow to avoid running into my rear. The sorento quickly became very sluggish and progressively slowed down. I changed lanes to the right when safe to do so and stopped the car. I looked for problems under the hood and then checked the oil. The oil was completely empty. The engine oil light never came on and I had no warning that the oil was low. I had the car towed to a repair shop who said the motor is blown and must be replaced.
I was turning onto the hwy. When without warning or any dash light warnings my engine made a loud noise like it fell apart and I lost power pulled to side of road. Called kia they had it towed to dealership. 2 days later dealership tells me the engine spun a bearing. There is a recall for the same reason on this but they said its not on my VIN. # and it will cost $9,500.00 to get and install a used 78,000 mile engine in it, why would I put a similar used engine in it to have the same thing happen again. My engine is 1000 miles over its warranty. Very frustrating.....I looked on this site and I see a lot of people having the same problem. I'm glad I was just entering the hwy when it happened not doing the 70mph speed cause it may of had a much worse outcome. Something needs to be done to correct this thanks for reading my report.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. While the contact's nephew was driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the engine completely failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to hart kia (1361 e main st, salem, va 24153, 540‑444‑4444) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Last july my husband had changed my brakes and then went for a test drive just to make sure everything was working properly. Well, the engine shut off in the middle of driving. Called kia and had it towed there(unreimbursed) replaced engine told them that sometimes the transmission would hesitate to shift into gear. Kia said nothing was wrong. Now, a year later still trans problem. Took to master mechanic that has a trans shop and that has been in business for over 40 years. He said it needed a software update from kia for a hard transmissikn shift. Called kia they said they had to "research problem", but had never heard of this happening. Also, my car shuts off if I have to do a hard brake even after my engine being replaced. Also, my gas lid wont open, my mirrors had stopped moving and my windows all stopped working. Having major electrical problem with fuse box. Apparently something is not grounded correctly kia and is shorting out all my fuses. But I have to pay all this money to have a car that is barely that old have so many problems. If I could sue them for damages under lemon law I would. Very upset and scared to drive car and I have a ten year that is always in the car with me. Please investigate
Driving on the interstate or in town, I lose all power with no warning other than a jerk that feels like I have been hit in the rear. Then it goes dead. I crank it back up and it runs for a while then repeats. I took to kia dealership and left it today, but they are saying it is not part of a recall, after kia corp. Told my father last week that it was a recall on the power train control module. It is there now to be checked 1st thing in the morning.
July 2016, while hwy driving my 2012 kia sorento (v6) (@69,000 mileage) the car abruptly stopped & smoldered (police called fire dept). Car was inoperable, towed to shop & then to kia dealership who advised that radiator cap melted & they found "metal in coolant & the engine" (as noted on the kia dealerhship documentation). He said he never saw such a thing. Dealer said engine needed replacement because of the metal found in engine & metal likely caused overheating which melted rad cap. Kia dealer installed new radiator & a used engine (w/43k mileage), costing me $14,000. The car has continued to make a knocking noise and recently 7/2019, @122k miles again smoldered & lost power. Radiator cap again "melted" requiring a 3rd radiator replacement. Gauges/dash showed no indication of car overheating. I fear problem is recurring with 2nd engine (same defect). Learned of 2012 sorento recalls for exact issues (metal in engine, overheating/fire, knocking & power loss). Kia dealer (8/2019) informed me only 4 cyl units were recalled for metal in engine & my 6 cyl unit with the same engine-metal issues was not covered by kia recall. I asked if anything related to car use or maintenance would have caused metal to contaminate an engine; dealer said no, problem is unrelated to car use or maintenance and a mfg problem was the only way the metal would show up it. But because there was no recall on the 6 cyl models repair costs were mine. They refused to contact kia. My vehicle has the exact same problem as the 4 cyl models & it's a unique defect known on numerous kia models. Kia dealer acknowledged my impeccable pm & service reord. They admit this problem would not be due to vehicle care or use, & know the problems w/ my 6 cyl are identical to 4cyls. I believe kia may be underreporting the problem & failed due diligence to identify same defects in 6 cyl models.
Driving on highway at 70 MPH, car suddenly goes dead, no warning no engine light. No power, no brakes no power steering. Did glide to side of road with a near miss, car behind me was able to stop in time. Had it towed to kia dealer.
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 all.
Very disappointed in my kia sorento. At 90000 miles it started making a knocking sound and when I took it in to get it checked out. I was told it had bearings wear and would need a new engine. After researching I found that there is a recall for this exact problem but the engine I have is not recalled. Hopefully you guys get more complaints on this because it's ridiculous that a car needs a new $6000 engine at 90,000 miles. I can't afford that I was recommending kia to friends and family and now since this happened I would never again buy or recommend a kia car ever.
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 the highway when my car was not picking up on accelerating. I decided after work I put some oil into my engine. Schedule an appt with my mechanic to have my oil changed. The next day my car would not start. Had my mechanic tow my car and later tells me that it was my engine again. Stated he could find an engine for over 3grand for me. Unfortunately I do not have the money. I am now out of a car again with a newborn and trying to find rides to and from work. I just recently moved and cannot afford this. My VIN is not listed in the recalls and it should be. Kia has faulty engines and it is not just the one engine. Last engine failure was at 65000 miles. This time it is at 69000 miles. Why are my oil lights not coming on when there is low oil? Why was this problem not fixed to begin with??? Other problems with my car is my handle in the back seat pulled off (I am not that strong) electrical system (oil light not coming on, cruise control knocks out while driving, volume control for radio randomly calls contacts) kia is a lemon but I don't have the money to repair a 2nd and probably 3rd engine. I don't even trust my car with my kia dealership anymore because they are crooks and liars. I still have 10grand left to pay for this car!
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. The contact stated that there was sludge build-up in the engine. As a result, there was a hole in the engine compartment. The contact drove to kirby kia of ventura (6424 auto center dr, ventura, ca 93003, (805) 256-7021) and was informed that they had no way to repair the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the contact refused the diagnostic test; however, the contact requested an oil consumption test and was denied. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Losing 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. Started at 80,000 miles. Taken to dealer. We are doing oil loss test. Said this is normal. No way this is normal. Still under warranty and they don't want to fix. On tec said just drive to engine locks up is only way kia will fix. That would be nice going done the road at 70 MPH.I have seen a lot of people online complaining about same thing. Something is wrong with these engines. No smoke or dripping on ground. All the people online are saying the same thing.
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