2012 Kia Sorento Technical Service Bulletins

233 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Kia Sorento. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10092147Jun 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement – multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of various shift solenoids on 6-speed automatic transaxles with dtcs p0741, p0743, p0748, p0753, p0758, p0763, p0768, p0773, p1778 and p2709. Replace the solenoids if current or history codes are present; do not replace the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed…
• 10089761Jun 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement – multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of various shift solenoids on 6-speed automatic transaxles with dtcs p0741, p0743, p0748, p0753, p0758, p0763, p0768, p0773, p1778 and p2709. Replace the solenoids if current or history codes are present; do not replace the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed…
• 10089987Apr 24, 2015Engine, Vehicle speed control. Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the “smart pedal” is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation of accelerator and brake pedals. When engaged, the feature reduces engine power to idle.
• 10089950Apr 17, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. Tsb: awd system hydraulic actuator replacement - this bulletin provides the procedure for replacement of the hydraulic actuator of some all-wheel drive (awd) equipped 2011~2016my sportage (sl) vehicles, produced from may 6, 2010 through february 19, 2013 and some awd equipped 2011~2015my sorento (xma) vehicles, produced from october 24, 2009 through december 11, 2014, which may exhibit an inoperative awd system…
• 10058121Apr 1, 2015Brakes. Kia 2011-2016 my sportage : the procedure for replacement of the hydraulic actuator on certain all-wheel drive equipped sportage vehicles, will exhibit an inoperative awd system with malfunction indicator lamp.
• 10092100Mar 27, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. Pitstop: bluetooth® issues after iphone® ios 8 software update - this article provides information related to possible bluetooth concerns when using an iphone® with ios 8.x (ios 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, etc.) while paired to a head unit.
• 10092104Mar 6, 2015Electrical system, Equipment. Pitstop: navigation headunit and sd card compatibility - this article provides information in regards to possible compatibility issues between navigation head units and sd cards when replacing head units for multimedia issues. If after replacing a navigation head unit the original sd card does not operate correctly, follow the steps below to diagnose the issue:
• 10089786Feb 27, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Tsb: voluntary service campaign: ecm upgrade - mil on with dtc p0087 (sc114) - this bulletin provides information related to an ecm software update for the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012~2014my sorento, 2012~2013my optima, and 2012~2013my sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4l and 2.0l turbo gdi engines. The subject vehicle’s engines are equipped with a gasoline direct injection (gdi) system that…
• 10089790Feb 11, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Owner letter: dear kia sorento owner: kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to update the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012-2014 my sorento vehicles which could otherwise experience a decrease in acceleration accompanied by the illumination of the “check engine” or malfunction indicator lamp (mil).
• 10089793Feb 9, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Q and a: sc114 – ecu update – mil on with dtc p0087 / voluntary service campaign q&a
• 10089789Feb 9, 2015Electrical system, Engine. Dealer service manager memo: attention: all kia service managers - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign to update the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012-2014 my sorento, 2012-2013 my optima, and 2012-2013 my sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4l and 2.0l turbo gdi engines. The subject vehicles’ engines are equipped with a gasoline direct injection (gdi) system that…
• 10089784Feb 5, 2015Equipment, Engine cooling. Tsb: a/c evaporator freeze-up during extended drive - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some optima (tf/qf) and sorento (xma) vehicles (see production dates on page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following a/c performance related concerns.
• 10089900Jan 12, 2015Suspension. Tsb-cha042 is closed as of 1/12/2015. Refer to cha051.
• 10089901Jan 9, 2015Suspension. Tsb: combined tsb / service action: front strut bearing replacement (sa178) - this bulletin provides the procedure for replacing the front strut bearings on some 2011- 2013my sorento (xma) vehicles, produced from october 26, 2009 through january 21, 2013, which may exhibit a creaking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when turning the wheel quickly, at slow speeds. To correct this condition, replace the…
• 10090179Dec 19, 2014Electrical system. Tsb: uvo upgrade – rio (ub), sportage (sl), soul (am), optima (qf) and sorento (xma) - this bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the uvo system on all 2012my rio (ub), sportage (sl), soul (am), optima (qf) and sorento (xm) vehicles.
• 10090187Dec 5, 2014Back-over prevention (rear camera). Tsb: rear view camera diagnosis/replacement - this bulletin provides information to diagnose and/or replace the rear view camera of some kia vehicles (see table below for specific models and production dates) which may exhibit inadequate image quality from the rear view camera.
• 10057239Dec 1, 2014Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Kia optima /sorento: 2012-2014 rear view camera requires replacement on specific models.
• 10109783Oct 31, 2014Seats. TSB: SECOND ROW SEAT INOPERATIVE OR DIFFICULT TO RELEASE - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 to November 5, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to the second row seats being inoperative or difficult to release.
• 10109758Sep 11, 2014Equipment, Seats. TSB: DRIVER?S SIDE POWER SEAT TRIM COVER REPLACEMENT AND WASHER RELOCATION - This bulletin provides information about some 2011~12MY Sorento models produced before November 1, 2011 that may experience a loose or disengaged driver?s side seat outer trim cover from the mounting bracket assembly.
• 10109760Sep 8, 2014Fuel system. PITSTOP: XM 2.4L GDI MIL ON WITH DTC ? P0269 - On some 2012-2015MY Sorento (XM) equipped with 2.4L GDI engines, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate with the ECM system-related DTC P0269. To correct this concern, replace the fuel injector in cylinder number three (3) by referring to the Service Information on KGIS.
• 10109673Jun 25, 2014Equipment, Engine. PITSTOP: RESETTING CYLINDER BALANCE ADAPTATION VALUES - When addressing a cylinder balance concern on a vehicle equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine, it is important to note that the DTC may recur after replacement of any faulty component(s) and resetting adaptive values. See this Article for information on resetting cylinder balance adaptation values.
• 10109668Jun 25, 2014Latches, locks and linkages, Electrical system. PITSTOP: HORN ANSWER BACK OR PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE/SMK FOB - When addressing a customer complaint related to an inoperative parking light confirmation flash, and/or audible answer back when locking the vehicle with the RKE/SMK fob, ensure each door lock position switch (viewable in BCM > Current Data) is displaying the appropriate status and the pad-lid switch (hood switch depressor) is in…
• 10109662May 29, 2014Equipment. Q and a - sc106 - 2011-2013 my sorento ecm logic upgrade voluntary service campaign
• 10109661May 29, 2014Equipment, Engine. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER: Dear Kia Sorento Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module in certain 2011-2013 model year Sorento vehicles.
• 10109660May 29, 2014Equipment, Engine. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to upgrade the Engine Control Module (?ECM?) logic on certain 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.5 liter engine and an alternator supplied by Remy.
• 10109659May 29, 2014Equipment, Engine. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: ATTENTION: KIA DEALER PRINCIPALS - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2011-2013 MY Sorento vehicles with the 3.5 liter engine, to upgrade the Engine Control Module (?ECM?) Logic.
• 10109651May 29, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - ECM LOGIC UPGRADE ? SORENTO (XMA) 3.5L MPI (SC106) - This bulletin provides information related to an upgrade of the ECM software on some 2011~2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from July 12, 2010 through January 31, 2013. During a specific set of operating conditions, it is possible under rare circumstances when braking and bringing the vehicle to a stop, for the engine to also…
• 10109652May 22, 2014Equipment. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 - This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed with the transaxle installed in the vehicle.
• 10109655May 19, 2014Fuel system. PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly into the engine cylinder head assembly. Therefore, it is completely normal for the combustion process to create deposits on the injector spray tip surfaces.
• 10060112May 1, 2014Equipment, Suspension. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10109631Apr 15, 2014Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL FOR HOOD RELEASE LEVER REMOVAL - This bulletin provides information related to the introduction of a new Special Service Tool (SST) (A) developed to prevent the hood release lever pivot point (B) from being damaged when removing the hood release lever. Follow the instructions included in this bulletin to properly remove the hood release lever using the new SST.
• 10109644Apr 1, 2014Electrical system, Equipment. TECH TIP: Difficulty Programming SMK - Process to troubleshoot difficulty programming SMK because the vehicle won?t power up.
• 10060213Apr 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060208Apr 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system, Latches, locks and linkages. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10109622Mar 7, 2014Suspension. TSB: FRONT STRUT AND DUST COVER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure for replacing the front struts and dust covers on some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XM) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 through January 21, 2013, which may exhibit a condition related to oil leakage and/or noise emanating from the front struts.
• 10060111Mar 1, 2014Suspension, Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10109730Feb 13, 2014Engine. TSB: 3.5 L MPI - COLD ENGINE START-UP CHATTER - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, equipped with the 3.5 L engine and produced from October 26, 2009 to July 14, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to unusually loud engine chatter during initial start-up after sitting for several hours.
• 10109734Feb 4, 2014Engine cooling. TECH TIP: TECH TIP: DTC P0455 on Sorento(XMa) - Test the functionality of the PSV (purge solenoid valve) and monitor EVAP test results / CARB readiness monitors and replace / repair, as necessary.
• 10109733Feb 4, 2014Seats. TECH TIP: Passenger seat not as warm as the driver?s seat - There will be a difference in temperature between the RH and LH cushions. The same heaters are used in the cushions of both seats, but the RH cushion has a body sensor mat applied over the heater, resulting in less heat reaching the front passenger.
• 10060207Feb 4, 2014Engine, Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060138Feb 1, 2014Engine. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060202Jan 17, 2014Equipment, Seats. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10109723Jan 13, 2014Equipment, Engine. TECH TIP: Oil Leak in Rear Main Seal Area - Most oil leaks on this engine are found in the top of the engine, under the intake manifold. In some cases, oil may leak from the filter housings where they mate with the block, or from the oil pressure switch.
• 10109722Jan 13, 2014Electrical system. TECH TIP: Finding the correct wiring diagram for reverse input into audio head unit - If this vehicle is equipped with Navigation, then see wiring diagram for ?Back-Up Lamps? and you will see the Back-Up input into the audio unit. Also verify the reverse lamps operate as one of your first checks.
• 10109721Jan 13, 2014Equipment. TECH TIP: DTC P200A returns after VCMA replacement and reflash procedure - Test the vehicle battery with the GR8. If the battery fails the test then it should be replaced and the VCMA relearn procedure should be performed with the GDS.
• 10109720Jan 13, 2014Electrical system. TECH TIP: Module 2 Fuse Blows Intermittently - In some cases, this may result from chaffed wiring harnesses in the driver?s seat. Inspect the harness near the right side of the driver?s seat track assembly.
• 10060194Jan 13, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060193Jan 13, 2014Equipment, Engine. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060189Jan 13, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10060285Dec 1, 2013Equipment, Electrical system. Summary to be provided on a future date.

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