2012 Kia Sorento power train problems
55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 Kia Sorento — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rod bearings were knocking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V626000 (Power Train), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 20V750000 (Engine). The…”
filed Jan 8, 2026
“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…”
filed Sep 24, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the…Campaign 15V626000 · Oct 6, 2015
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area…
TSB_TRA046_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2025
Power Train problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 19 | 28% |
| 2024 Sorento | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 Sorento | 19 | 17% |
| 2022 Sorento | 61 | 33% |
| 2021 Sorento | 125 | 54% |
| 2020 Sorento | 18 | 14% |
| 2019 Sorento | 50 | 12% |
| 2018 Sorento | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Sorento | 37 | 5% |
| 2016 Sorento | 122 | 10% |
| 2015 Sorento | 42 | 6% |
| 2014 Sorento | 69 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.