2012 Kia Sorento Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 880 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,541miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Kia Sorento, 2% of the 880 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,541 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The problem I am having is intermittent. When I push the start button sometimes the car the lunges backwards while the car is still in park it only does this when I am starting the car. It also makes an audible noise at the same time it is buck jumping . I have taken it to the dealer several times an on the first visit they heard the noise and figured it was the starter. They put in a new starter and I am still having this problem. The transmission also seems to slip during city driving but it is very subtle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10418873, filed 2011-08, 100 miles“At 5:40pm mst on 03/20/2014, I was approaching a 4-way intersection in a residential area at approximately 15 MPH intending to stop and then make a right turn. Traffic going my direction had stop signs and cross traffic did not. There was one other car approaching the intersection from my left. Without warning, my 2012 Kia Sorento completely shut off (engine, electrical and electronic).it happened silently and without dashboard warning lights or engine noise. I was not able to fully stop or turn at the intersection as my car had lost power brakes, power steering and any ability to accelerate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574573, filed 2014-03, 37,000 miles“While turning onto busy street, engine stalled in middle of street. Brake and gas pedals were depressed at same time. Must have foot completely off brake when accelerating from stop or vehicle will stall and not advance forward. Happens almost every time both are pressed at same time.”
NHTSA complaint #10453617, filed 2012-03, 2,000 miles“The 2012 Kia Sorento lx awd was purchased new with 233 miles on it. The vehicle's automatic transmission regularly hesitates to up-shift during smooth acceleration while under normal driving conditions (flat roads, cruising speeds), causing the engine to hang in the 3500+ RPM range. When the car has finished accelerating and has reached cruising speed, my foot backs off the accelerator pedal and it still does not up-shift or even coast. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449316, filed 2012-02, 233 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10442429, filed 2012-01Related recalls
- 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine…Covers: Kia Sorento 2012–2014, Optima 2011–2014, Sportage 2011–2013
Related service bulletins
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- 10219692Sep 13, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special…
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Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 14 | 3% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 27 | 3% |
| 2016 | 31 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 22 | 2% |
| 2013 | 19 | 2% |
| 2012 | 15 | 2% |
| 2011 | 37 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 44 | 14% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 81 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Sorento
461 complaintsElectrical system
127 complaintsBrakes
103 complaintsOther or unknown
84 complaintsAir bags
81 complaintsExterior lighting
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSuspension
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology