Check a VIN

2012 Kia Sorento fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Kia Sorento fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Dec 21, 2023 · Brakes, Fuel system · 210,875 miles · GA

The contact owns a 201 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 210,875. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 143,000 miles · CA · fire

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000(Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine); however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an investigator was sent to diagnose the cause of the failure; the contact had yet to hear back from the manufacturer. The dealer was also notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Filed May 12, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

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 anything on this matter. I have paid almost $3000 to have my car fixed and Kia will not reimburse for anything even tho I have the proof they told me that they needed. Kia has not been helpful at all through this matter. They have no intention of reimbursing me even tho my recall letter states they will if I have proof showing there was a leak and smoke coming from the engine. I received the recall letter 4-6 months after I had made the repairs.

Filed Mar 1, 2022 · Fuel system · 17,272 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the fuel cap; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 17,272.

Filed Feb 17, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · GA · fire

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.

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 Mar 8, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · MD

Please see attached email sent to the federal safety agency .. 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).

Filed Feb 9, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 124,515 miles · TX

I had a burning oil smell coming into the cab of the car and smoke pouring out of the engine. I was driving home and noticed it when I got home from work. We took it to the kia dealership the next day and it smelled bad, but didn't overheat. I took it in and it had multiple oil and fuel leaks. They replaced the valve cover gasket and fuel line and resealed the front cover and lower oil pan. This is very similar to another recall (recall #20v750000) they have on a different 2.4l engine. I called the customer relations at kia and they said that no issues had been related, but I've had many other recalls on my engine already and have a warranty on it.

Filed Jan 29, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Leaking fuel and now car needs new engine.

Filed Dec 18, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 138,693 miles · GA · fire

I was driving and suddenly heard a knocking noise under the hood and then all of the lights came on and it broke down and I had to pull over on the side of the road then it started smoking and then it caught fire. This all happened within 20 minutes on 12/10/2020. It was in cobb county ga off of ew connector and in between fontaine rd and floyd rd.

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · 130 miles · MN

I was driving and heard a knocking sound. I came to a stop sign and the car stalled. It restarted but had no power. I turned and tried to go a little further had no power. I managed to get the car off road and into the bypass lane. Car would not start again. I had to call for tow truck.

Filed Nov 2, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · PA · fire

Vehicle was being driven and completely shut off, came to a stop and started to smoke, a fire ignited and consumed the front end

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 146,000 miles · AL · fire

The vehicle was sitting in the driveway approximately 30 to 45 minutes after having been driven. I had noticed nothing unusual when driving the car. I walked outside to the driveway and flames were visible inside the car. The car was unoccupied and was not running. The switch was turned off and the keys were removed. The doors were locked. I unlocked the doors and put the fire out with a pan of water. I let it cool off and cranked it and moved it out of the driveway to the side of the road. I removed the battery cable for safety reasons. The emergency flasher switch apparently had melted and the flashers would not turn off.

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 153,000 miles · DE · fire

I have a 2012 kia sorento. I had issues with a recall when the dealer used a probe to look for metal shavings in my motor. Car started burning oil. After 4 months of arguing with the dealer, kia finally replaced the motor in january 2018. Now on 3/9/2020 I am 4 hours away from home. I smell gas and then my car burst into flames. Kia has a recall on "certain" 2012 kia sorento's however my VIN is not one. If that is the case then why did mine catch fire.

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 Sep 18, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 65,000 miles · KY

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!

Filed Sep 5, 2019 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · NC

Under the recall, a fuel leak was repaired. The same leak in the same place again within 7 months. Dealer slow to call back and arrange an inspection. Cannot drive car as it is unsafe.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 135,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 kia sorento. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine). While driving 50 MPH, smoke appeared from the center console. The contact drove to her job and extinguished the smoke with a fire extinguisher. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to kia of duluth (located at 1701 w michigan st, duluth, mn 55806, (866) 722-4542). The manufacturer was notified. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 135,000. * (recall related incident) ts

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 89,730 miles · NJ

Engine recall. Lately I been heard a knocking noise under the hood of my vehicle also I heard knocking noice from the exhaust pipe when I start the car as well. It comes n goes I hear it once in a while mainly in the morning when I first start the car. I hear it any other time once in a while. N I see lately there leakage coming threw the exhaust pipe as well. I took it to my machanic n he advised me to report to the dealer since it can b a possible recall

Filed Jan 30, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 74,835 miles · GA

Tamara recall: while driving on briarcliff way in atlanta, ga 30345 on 8/5/18 going approximately 20 MPH my engine made a loud pop sound and began smoking and shut off immediately. I was unable to restart car; called tow truck to tow car to ed voyles kia dealership in chamblee ga. They determined it was due to 'broken tone wheel inside engine came apart' ; allegedly fixed it by replacing engine; since service I have brought 2012 sorento back to ed voyles due my check engine light repeatedly coming back on in which ed voyles just turns it off stating; 'we really don't know what is going on.

Filed Oct 28, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 164,500 miles · OH

Upon exiting the freeway on an out of town trip, my elderly father, 9 year old son and I began to smell a strong gasoline smell. There were no previous symptoms or signs of an issue and we just travelled about 250 miles. I typically drive alot in the city as well. In this case, I pulled into the hotel parking lot (right off the freeway) and there was a large amount of smoke coming from under the hood of the car. Because this occurred on saturday evening and we were coming into town for an event, we were not able to contact warranty forever until monday. Fearful, because I have heard of the many spontaneous fires that have occurred on my vehicle type, we have to wait to have it towed and inspected. The engine was replace in my vehicle, under recall, just last year. Thankfully, no one was injured. It could have been worse, very scary. I will be more than happy to upload any needed documentation after an inspection has been completed.

Filed Jul 18, 2018 · Fuel system, Transmission · GA

My vehicle is consuming oil. Every 1000 miles I am having to top it off to keep it from running dangerously low and seizing up. There is no indication of a leak so it is an internal problem. The vehicle is also sluggish upon acceleration. Sometimes the RPM gauge is a zero when I am driving at 40 plus speeds.. Presently I am the kia dealer is conducting an oil comsumption test. I will upload results.

Filed Aug 7, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · PA · fire

We have a kia sorento 2012. Passengers smelled gas 4.5 hours into a 5 hour trip to philadelphia. Stopped at rest stop and did not think it was coming from car. We drove approximately another 30 mins into philadelphia and got off the highways onto local streets. Jogger on side of road flagged us down with "your car is on fire!" we pulled to side of road and got out of the car. The kia sorento's engine was on fire. A local fire department arrived and put out the engine fire with water. No injuries.

Filed Feb 18, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 55 miles · IL

Engine failure engine stopped in middle of highway traveling at 55 MPH straight highwayput family in danger 2016 june oil leaking all over ground and electrical failure pushed car to side of highway .140000 mile past warranty kia refuse to fix.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, gasoline began leaking from the vehicle. In addition, an overpowering gasoline odor was present. The failure recurred twice over a period of two years. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the seal from the fuel pump to the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 18,300 miles · TX

While coming to a stop at a traffic light the engine light came on, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate, the RPM gauge did not move, but the vehicle would move forward at engine idle speed (reaching about 20mph on a level surface). The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced.

Filed Apr 20, 2012 · Airbags, Fuel system · CA

I purchased a new kia sorento on december 14, 2011. After driving it for couple days, I noticed my airbag light. It had continued to stay on so I had notified the dealer I had purchased it from. They told me that it's probably because a passenger was not sitting there and once someone sits there and buckles their seat belt, the light will go off. It was not true at all because I have had passengers sitting there and the light was still on. So after finding some time, I took my car in to a dealership near my house and found out that the airbag cushion was missing in the passenger seat. The worker was very worried and did not want me driving the car around until they had installed the airbag cushion. I also started to have some problems with my fuel system. The first time it ever happened, the tank overfilled and started leaking from the bottom of my car. I did not know that my tank was full because the gas pump never clicked off and kept on going. Then the next few times I went to put gas in, the pump kept stopping as if the tank was full. Several times I had to manually stop the pump, or hold it so the pump would keep going. After finding some time (again), I took my car in. The service did not know what was wrong with the system so I had to take them to a gas station and show them what was happening. After seeing the problem, he was able to figure out what was exactly wrong with it and was able to fix it. Unfortunately, the problem is back and I have to hold the pump when I am putting in gas. I need to take my car in for the third time; not to mention the first couple of times I took my car in, it was not fixed in one day, and I even had to rent a car. I had notified the kia customer service about my problems, but they were not informative and told me to contact the service at my dealership, and not contact them.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Kia Sorento?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history