2012 Kia Sorento: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · MD

Engine Knocking - Car enters limp mode and has a known recall. KSDS was updated in prior recall and engine has failed at 118k Miles. Car has been well maintained. Kia asks for maintenance records, records were provided and they will not take action. KIA avoided fixing the engine and just updated software to tell you when this happens and now that the engine is failing will not honor their warranty or do work on the car despite sending maintenance records of over 10 years

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Transmission · 204,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC: C1613,C1205, C1206, C1207, C1208, C1210 and C1211. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

Filed May 21, 2024 · Electrical · TX

Unknown… This is what happened. I was at a stoplight first car in line. While waiting for the light the car just shut off without warning. It would not go into park, key would not turn, the dashboard was lit up & radio on. I turned on my flashers. I called a tow and kept doing everything to get the car to start after about 15 -20 minutes or so I finally got it to go in park turn the key and it started and the car drove like it never happened. It didn’t make a noise before stopping no warning lights came on or anything.

Filed Feb 17, 2022 · Engine · 112,705 miles · FL

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 local dealer for the recall repair in January 2020. The dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH inadvertently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle would not exceed 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (Ed Voyles Kia of Smyrna - Atlanta 2145 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080) where it was diagnosed that the knock sensors malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to go on limp mode; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who updated the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the engine replacement under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) because the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,705.

Filed Feb 7, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · 99,000 miles · CA

I purchased this vehicle used with 98k+ miles on it from stevens creek subaru. They did not disclose any recalls nor any issues with the vehicle. This week, I began hearing a clicking noise in the gear shift console every time I braked. Its sounds like something hitting piece of plastic. It hasn't changed the performance of the car that I can easily tell. However, this evening, my maintenance light came on and is not turning off. The dealership says the car was serviced before I drove off the lot, but given it didn't even have washer fluid, I'm not convinced it was serviced properly. I'm also noticing that the vehicle doesn't shift easily when I am needing to pick-up speed when entering the highway. The shift transition isn't smooth. Another issue is the heat feature on the driver seat does not work - it worked a week prior when I test drove the vehicle.

Filed Apr 19, 2013 · Engine · 13,671 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled twice with the illumination of all of the warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact spoke to the dealer and was told that the vehicle had engaged into limp mode. The dealer instructed the contact to wait 15 minutes and the vehicle would restart and resume normal operation. The dealer suggested changing the ect actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 13,671 and the current mileage was 30,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · PA

I have a 2012 kia sorento. Bought with 114 miles on it. I have the automatic transmission, ex awd model w/power shifting. I noticed after driving my car shortly after purchasing that the car would not shift when it should. Rpms would reach up to 4000 and the car still would not shift. I have to manual shift the car into the next gear since my automatic transmission has trouble. If I wanted a standard transmission - I would have purchased one.

Filed Aug 29, 2011 · Transmission · 125 miles · NC

I was starting off from stop sign and felt and heard a loud thud from the engine area. Immediately the 2012 sorento lost power and would not shift. It would continue to move at about 5 MPH. The engine did not stop. I stopped the vehicle and restarted but with the same symptoms. Being very close to the dealer, I took it in. The sales dept has agreed to find another vehicle and replace this one. I'm not so sure...