8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
55,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (2 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Kia Sorento:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Kia dealer.

problem #2

Jan 202017

Sorento SX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

We own a 2012 Kia Sorento SX. It currently has 55,000 miles on it and is still covered under warranty. It started smoking up with a bad smell and we took it to the Kia dealer for diagnosis. They had our car for a week, only to return it to us unfixed. They told us that there is sludge in the engine and the only solution is an engine replacement which Kia will not cover under warranty without at least 7 oil filter receipts. Each time we start our Sorento now, there is a large fume of bad smelling smoke. I am afraid that the engine will seize any day now after reading the multitude of reports of catastrophic engine failures on this model. There was also a class action lawsuit recently filed regarding Kia engine oil defect, but was voluntarily dismissed for reasons unknown. I have filed a complaint with the WA state attorney general's office and currently the WA state insurance commissioner's office has become involved with this complaint.

- doclaray, Bothell, WA, US

problem #1

Oct 272014

Sorento ES 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

My 2012 Kia Sorento, I was told it has sludge in the engine. The person who sold it had to know this. I've kept up the maintenance. The engine went out, now Kia manufacturer will not hold up to warranty.

- Michael P., Sylacauga, AL, US