2012 Kia Sorento: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 27, 2023 · Engine · AL

On Saturday September 23,2023 I was driving thru the City of Spring Garden, Alabama at 9:30 am. I was traveling at 45 MPH when I heard a light tapping noise coming from the engine compartment and almost an instant later the engine locked up and the right hand tire locked temporarily causing loss of steering control only lasted a couple of seconds and then the right tire freed up. I coasted to a stop. I tried to restart the engine but it would not turn over. I had the car towed to a local garage and after inspection determined that a main bearing had spun. The vehicle was running perfect up to this instant with no issues.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Engine · 162,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed May 20, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 112,000 miles · NC

Vehicle stalls while in motion and when stopped. When it stalls in motion, there is no steering or brakes. Awd kicks in for no reason and will not go off. I had the vehicle checked and both the map sensor and vcma actuator were both replaced as recommended by the diagnostic computer. I did have a tune up on the vehicle one day prior so I had hoped the spark plugs were the problem. Problem resumed one day after bringing home from shop. I called kia after seeing there was a recall in may of 2017 that covered certain sorento models that were stalling, however I was told mine was not a part of this recall. I don't know what to do now other than to take it to kia and spend enormous amounts in repairs.

Filed Nov 16, 2016 · Engine · 111,000 miles · FL

Driving on a city highway at approx 40mph, engine died, check engine light came on. Lost power steering etc. Coasted to side of road, car would not restart. Had to call towing company to get it to kia main dealer. Engine had completely seized (spun main bearing). It has had regular maintenance using mobil 1 synthetic oil. Engine was at 111,000 miles and is being replaced under kia 120k mile extended engine warranty.

Filed Jan 12, 2015 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · TN

At dealership to possibly purchase used 2012 kia sorento. Vehicle would not start. Dealer had to jump start. Everything seemed ok and drove to nearby parking lot to look over the car. Left the car running in park and after 5 minutes various dash lights began to light up, engine would not accelerate, and the stop button would not shutdown the car. Eventually the engine labored and then stopped. Called dealer and we jump started the engine. On the way back to dealership (less than a mile) the engine labored, throttle would not respond, power steering got very heavy, and then the engine quit. This happened twice requiring jump starts. It died again entering the dealership. Battery had been replaced by dealership but troubleshooting determined the alternator was not charging. Sent to kia dealership and they replaced the alternator.

Filed Jun 21, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 25,000 miles · TN

I was driving my car in a parking garage and without warning as I was making a left turn the car shut down completely, no lights, no engine, no power steering, stiff brakes. I was unable to even turn on my hazard lights. Someone was kind enough to help push my vehicle to the side and eventually I was able to restart the car. When I took it to the dealer, they found nothing and were unable to recreate the problem. This could be a real danger on the road and now my trust in the car is shaken! Scary to see other people reporting the exact same problem.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Steering · 26,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The steering wheel became very hard to turn. The failure recurred four times over a period of two years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. Rk

Filed May 6, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 30,000 miles · CT

While driving the vehicle on two separate occasions the vehicle has either stalled with a total loss of steering, brakes and acceleration or with the engine still running a total loss of steering, brakes and acceleration.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Engine, Suspension · 23,000 miles · CA

My 2012 kia sorento at low speed,stalled and completely shut off, no power steering. I had to put my car into park and then restart. So glad I was not hit from behind as my car just shut off so suddenly. My car is only two years old and low mileage. It has happened twice since then. Thank god no accidents, yet. But im worried to drive it anticipating for it to happen again. It has been in the kia service shop twice and they are claiming to fix it. Also two weeks ago the right shock needed to be replaced. I drive to work and the store on a weekly basis, no reason a two year old, bought brand new vehicle in 2012 should already need a shock replacement. I feel like I was sold a lemon.

Filed Jul 25, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 11,000 miles · CA

While driving at freeway speeds (55-65 MPH) our vehicle spontaneously shut down; all electrical powered off, engine shut down, loss of ABS, loss of power steering. The vehicle would not restart until shifting into 'park' position. This was the third time this has happened, all under the same circumstances.