2012 Kia Sorento Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 7%of 880 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Kia Sorento, 7% of the 880 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Went to check my headlight bulb as my headlight stopped working again after just replacing the bulb a few weeks ago. What I found is that the connector to the bulb was completely melted”
NHTSA complaint #11378133, filed 2020-12, 152,000 miles“My driver's side headlight keeps going out. At first I thought it was the bulb and I changed the bulb but it was still out. I went to my mechanic and they fixed it. While I was driving down the highway going about 55mph the light went out. I took it back and they fixed it again. The light stayed on for a day, then went out while I was again driving about 55mph on the highway. The next morning when I turned them on again it came back on so I thought it was fixed, then while I was on that same highway it went out again and it hasn't come back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11353139, filed 2020-09, 134,200 miles“The low beam headlights keep failing on my car. Numerous bulbs, lens, etc... And they blow within 2 days. So, we drive around with one bulb. Major safety issue that is widespread on these models, but they will not admit. We do not have $600 to $1000 to completely replace the entire wiring and assembly. For what I paid, I should not have to for an engineering/design flaw. The lack of concern Kia has shown this widespread issue shows a disregard for consumer safety. This will be my last Kia unless something is done.”
NHTSA complaint #11155270, filed 2018-11, 113,000 miles“While driving my 2012 Kia Sorento on the fwy. The engine stalled with no warning. The check engine light came on...I was able to put car in neutral and restart. It ran fine, but check engine light remained on. There was no apparent sounds of engine trouble ...so I continued my route. The next day it started fine, no bad noises, but check engine light was on...I was able to drive for approximately 20 miles until it stalled again while on fwy. Was able to restart, but compression was low on engine, so I pulled off and had it towed to shop. They told me the oil was down 4 qts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387534, filed 2021-01, 96,000 miles“A little after 100,000 miles, the low beam lights continuously went out. There was no rhyme or reason. I simply bought more lights and replaced them until one day I found the driver side connector had melted. I was able to buy a new harness and have it wired in. Then, about a year later, the passenger side connector looks like it is starting to come apart, with the low beam light failing about 50% of the time now - so I assume that this one is also on the way to melting as it is following the same manners as the driver side had prior to melting.”
NHTSA complaint #11131126, filed 2018-09, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10160758May 13, 2019TSB: HALOGEN LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen low beam bulb connector on some 2011 - 2013MY Sorento (XMa)…
- 10159260Apr 22, 2019Request for reimbursement form - wty012 ã¢ââ 2011-2013 my sorento headlamp low beam connector wiring harness new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10159258Apr 22, 2019Dear Kia Sorento Owner - Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, Kia is extending…
- 10159244Apr 19, 2019TSB: HALOGEN LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen low beam bulb connector on some 2011 - 2013MY Sorento (XMa)…
- 10159259Apr 18, 2019Q & a - 2011-2013 my sorento headlamp low beam connector new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10159257Apr 18, 2019Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of the 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento…
- 10159256Apr 18, 2019Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of the 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles…
- 10109873May 12, 2017TSB: SC149R1 - HALOGEN HEADLAMP LOW BEAM CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT (SC149) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses…
- 10109870May 3, 2017SC149DPSM - DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer parts and service managers of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 22 | 5% |
| 2018 | 41 | 16% |
| 2017 | 125 | 15% |
| 2016 | 67 | 5% |
| 2015 | 91 | 12% |
| 2014 | 86 | 9% |
| 2013 | 70 | 7% |
| 2012 | 60 | 7% |
| 2011 | 102 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 13 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 56 | 23% |
| 2005 | 53 | 17% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Sorento
461 complaintsElectrical system
127 complaintsBrakes
103 complaintsOther or unknown
84 complaintsAir bags
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsSteering
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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