2012 Kia Sorento steering problems

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · OH

Unknown

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · FL

The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 2012 Kia vehicles (specifically the Sorento) with V6 engines are covered under major safety recalls for engine failure and fire risks. The primary issue involves metal debris from manufacturing that can cause premature engine bearing wear, stalling, and fire. You should check your VIN on the federal safety agency site or Kia's recall page to confirm, as these recalls are still active.

Filed Mar 23, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

On 03/22/21, at 8.00am was a regular visit for oil change, finally around 1pm my car was showing on the dashboard the "engine light", never happen before, I claimed verbally why, that happen now. I am driving because they told me is safe and I believe, and waiting the appointment for( recall 20v750) thanks to all.

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 106,000 miles · VA

Driving to work this past tuesday 12/24/2019, while driving my car did this jerk move and then all the electrical signs popped up I couldn't brake or steer my stirring wheel .its as if my car locked up on me. Luckily I was able to turn off a side road avoiding on coming traffic. And but the car in park. I was stuck for 2 hours. My check engine light was the only light that stayed on. I couldn't start the car at all. Luckily I called my cousin to see if she could try and give me a jump too see if it worked. In which it did I then took my vehicle up to auto zone where they out it on the diagnostic machine. Where my battery and alternator were fine. It was very scary for this vehicle to have shut off on me like this I am just glad I was not on the highway or it could have been a really bad outcome for me. The upload option isn't allowing me to upload the video or my picture from the say it occured.

Filed Jul 22, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 110,000 miles · MD · fire

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.

Filed Nov 26, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 132,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The brake pedal was depressed, but took an extended amount of time to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized due to a lack of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Murray kia (located at 1402 west ridge pike, conshohocken, pa 19428, (610) 279-3020) was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 154,601 miles · TX · fire

This kia sorento caught fire while being driven. The driver reported that the steering locked up and she could see smoke and a flame coming from the engine. She left the vehicle unharmed however the experience was frightening. The front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and the car is now a total loss. The car was purchased from dallas auto auction by mas motors in dallas tx. The original owner was kia of arlington.

Filed Mar 19, 2017 · Airbags, Steering · 800,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Takata recall- I had just stopped turned a corner and then vehicle pulled to the right causing me to hit a pole.

Filed Apr 29, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 73,500 miles · PA

While driving at 45mph my car shut off in the middle of the road (city.) no warning whatsoever, no check engine light, no check oil light...nothing. I could not steer it nor restart it. My lights all dimmed. Had it towed to a garage and they said they've had 3 of the same cars with the same issue in their shop. They told me there was no oil in it , but no leak. They put oil in it and jumped it, then took it for a test run and the vehicle stalled. The oil became thick and dirty, with metal in it as well. I was lucky that I was on my way home from work at midnight and there wasn't much traffic. I'm scared to drive it now, especially since I have a 150 mile drive in a few weeks. Called kia and they told me I need documentation of all oil changes...fine, I can get that. From what I've been reading though I don't feel kia will provide a solution to this problem that has, from what I've read, plagued many owners. I bought my car new in 2011. It hasn't even hit the 5 year mark yet, this is unacceptable and very dangerous. What if I had been on the highway with a tractor-trailer behind me? Too scary. Considering all the people with the same issue...why hasn't there been a recall?

Filed May 29, 2014 · Driver assistance, Engine · 59,000 miles · TX

For the third time in a 2 month span, my 2012 kia sorento has completely shut down as we have been driving it. We are at the 60k miles mark. This is very dangerous. Two of the three times we have been doing around 40 MPH on very busy streets and thank god, we did not hit another car or get hit. The vehicle with zero warning, will just die and we will lose all power steering, we can't shift gears, and the brakes do not work like they normally do. The first time I thought it was just a battery, so I replaced it. But since then we have had it at the dealership twice and they do not know what is wrong with it. They will get it running again and then a couple of weeks later, it will die again. I have two babies that ride in this vehicle and I am looking at my options to getting rid of it. This vehicle is very dangerous!!