CarComplaints.com Notes: As long as catastrophic engine failure at under 60,000 miles is the top owner complaint, it'll be pretty hard to recommend the 2012 Sorento.

9.4

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$6,560
Average Mileage:
84,400 miles
Total Complaints:
32 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (20 reports)
  2. not sure (12 reports)
2012 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #12

Nov 302016

Sorento Mp 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES RELIGIOUSLY. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR HOME FROM THE DEALER AFTER THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE AND IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND MY CAR COMPLETELY DIED WHILE DRIVING.

NOW THE SERVICE MANAGER IS TELLING ME HE WON'T REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE MY OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS???? MY SON IS A DIESEL MECHANIC. HE CHANGES MY OIL WITH GENUINE HYUNDAI/KIA (BLUE) OIL FILTERS AND GOOD OIL. I DIDN'T SAVE RECEIPTS. OMG!!! $5800.00?? THAT'S PAYMENT FOR MY CHILDREN TO GO TO SCHOOL, IT'S MY ROTH IRA SAVINGS FOR A YEAR!!

THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW...NOW ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND THE ENGINE FAILS AND KIA WON'T FIX OR REPLACE IT????

- wegnerwi, Germantown, WI, US

problem #11

Oct 012016

Sorento LX 2.4L Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

My daughter was driving the vehicle home when it started sputtering and died (while she was driving). She called me in a panic (17 year old girl). I went to the location and tried to start it with no luck. We pushed it off the side of the road (this was 10:30 at night). I went back in the morning w/my wife and, after a couple of tries, got it started. Vehicle had obvious problems. I drove it to the nearest shop and dropped it off (10/3).

Called the shop and told them the problem. They assured me they would take a look and call me. Called several hours later with horrible news. They saw no evidence of oil leaking but car had no oil, and had obviously overheated. They replaced head gasket and a few more things and test drove it. Engine light came back on and engine seized up. They now tell me there was more damage than initially thought and it basically needs a new engine. They called a Kia dealer in Raleigh and were told they had numerous Kia's w/engines with the exact same issue. Cannot believe Kia hasn't recalled these engines.

I have taken excellent care of the vehicle and now am screwed. Can't afford more repairs and not sure how to proceed.

- Mike B., Clayton, NC, US

problem #10

Apr 222016

Sorento LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

well the problem was diagnose by kia. My car is still under standard warranty. We gave kia 90 percent of our oil changes. they review them. nd determine they will not pay fr the repairs. an pretty much said get a lawyer. We also have extended warranty on this vehicle. i dont know what my next step should be a power ful corporation with deeper pockets then me a a consumer. Im stuck with a vehilce I still have 3 more years of payments on. please help

- Tracy L., SPRINGFIELD, MA, US

problem #9

Jan 082016

Sorento LX 3.5L 6 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 74,268 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The following letter is what I have sent to Jiffy Lube Corporate, Kia Corporate, the BBB, ConsumerAffairs.com, and to a couple lawyers. Please if anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE let me know!!!

Hello. My name is Jeffrey Dicus. I recently moved to Denver, CO from Sioux City, IA. I was offered a great position at a new job here and had to accept it. I own a home in Sioux City and rented it out right away to move and start my job on December 5, 2015. Everything was going great here with the move and job and I was adjusting quickly. My brother in law and sister in law live here so having family here helped with move.

The beginning of January came and my mother in law decided she wanted to visit for Christmas. My sister in law let me use her car to go pick her mother up but only after she had the oil changed on her vehicle. I also decided to have the oil changed in my 2012 Kia Sorento as driving all the miles back and forth to Iowa over the past few months with the move had put me at being due for an oil change. I planned on going to get it changed at the dealership as I had always done, but wanted/needed it done quickly, so decided to go to Jiffy Lube (#901 ran by Southwest Lubrication, Inc.) 8100 Crestline Ave Unit E-2 Littleton, CO  80123 (303) 933-9319.

I went on January 8th, 2016 at 1:30 in the afternoon, they were not very busy, and were able to get me in quickly. They did their standard routine as far as letting me know “what needed/should be done” and their different classifications of oil changes. I chose the Signature Service as they recommended due to my vehicle being of “foreign nature”. I also had them replace the air filter as they recommended after showing me the “old one”. I was only there for about 45 minutes to an hour, it did not take them long to complete, paid for the service and was on my way.

This is where things started to happen. The past few months, (November-current) my vehicle had been making a squeaking noise coming from the brakes, as they also needed to be replaced, but not to the point yet of absolutely having to have this done. On January 10th, two days after the oil change at Jiffy Lube, I noticed a noise not like the squeaking of the brakes, but more like plastic flapping or something with a belt or fan blade. I was only assuming these were what these noises could be as I have heard them before on previously owned vehicles and friends vehicles. The noise was bad up until the vehicle reached 30-40 mph or about 2 on the RPM scale in the dashboard.

I drove to and from work at Advance America, which is about 6 miles from my home, so about a 12 mile round trip. I did this from January 11-13. I drove the vehicle to my sister in laws on January 14th, which is about 20 miles from my home, where it stayed parked for 24 hours while I took her vehicle to pick up her mother in Sioux Falls, SD. After I returned the next day, January 15,  I picked up my vehicle and went to work where I did marketing, which involved driving my vehicle around to distribute flyers. This added an additional 50+ miles to my vehicle. January 16 I also went to work, round trip of about 12 miles. The 17th, I used my sister in law vehicle to return my mother in law home. My car sat for another 24 hours as I did this. The next day, the 18th I did not have work due to the holiday, but noticed the noise was getting worse. The evening of the 18th my brother in law had a friend come over to their home,  where I was at the time, to check out my vehicle.  

We first started the vehicle and drove around the parking lot and down the street so he could hear the noise. My brother in laws friend is NOT a mechanic but his brother is and he has been around cars his whole life, so i thought he would be able to quickly tell what was wrong and recommend what to do. After we returned to the parking lot, we opened the hood so he could look at that and check the oil, basic things everyone does with a car. We pulled the dipstick and there was absolutely NO oil on the end, we did this a couple times to verify it was correct in showing no oil. My brother in law unscrewed the cap of where the oil filter is housed to make sure there was one, he did this only after I told him to. There was a filter but no oil really on said filter. We screwed the cap back on the filter housing and examined around everything further to notice what looked to be oil covering most everywhere under the engine in the engine compartment. At this point I/they decided that I needed to go to the dealership to have it looked at further.

We added 2 quarts of oil to make sure there was enough for me to get home and then to the dealership as soon as possible. I took my vehicle to Peak Kia Littleton 5077 S Wadsworth Way Littleton, CO  80123 (303) 904-7806 and spoke with Robert Mitros, the service adviser there. I did this on January 20th and he recommended and said the next step would be to have a diagnostic test done. The next available time to do this was Thursday January 21st. I was there right away on Thursday morning for the test as I had to be to work by 10 am. The test took longer than expected and I called my work and this was fine with them to show up a couple hours late due to this appointment. I ended up “calling in” to work that day because the testing took longer than expected and that was due to Kia informing me that they had looked and done everything as far as they could diagnostic wise and advised me that my engine was done for and would need to be completely replaced.

I immediately thought it was something Jiffy Lube had done and called and informed them I would be looking into this further and also would be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which I did. The complaint number is 11097693. I have not heard anything back yet from this complaint. I was then contacted back by Jiffy Lube to get more information from me and the manager there said he was investigating this.

A few hours went by and the Jiffy Lube manager called to inform me that after reviewing their tapes and speaking with the service techs, that they did nothing wrong and everything had been done correctly. I did not agree and asked for their corporate number which he gave as their location number and for his bosses contact information. This location is owned as a franchise and the franchise owner just happened to be there at this time. He got on the phone, introduced himself as Doug Schroeder owner/operator, and I explained what was going on to him. He informed me he would do his best to help resolve this and offered to go to the Kia dealership to take a look for himself and see what he could see. He spoke with the service people at the dealership and after he was done with that, informed me that he and they had come to the conclusion that the oil was coming from somewhere other than the filter housing. I do not know much of anything about auto parts or things like this as I explained to him and he told me it was basically between Kia and I, and that is was something faulty with the vehicle, and being under warranty should be covered and fixed by Kia.

At this point, I figured that it could possibly be something wrong with the vehicle itself, because since I purchased it brand new in 2012, I had been to the dealership in Sioux City, IA many times with several different issues that they fixed and replaced under warranty. I contacted the Kia dealership in Littleton, Peak Kia, and spoke with Robert once again. I told him what Doug from Jiffy Lube had told me and he informed me that it was NOT something that they did and said it was something that happened with or at Jiffy Lube. I told him I wasn’t saying that it was something they had just recently done, but could be something with that particular vehicle as I had had numerous things done and fixed prior to moving here.

When it came down to it, he told me that it would be $345.00 for them to “tear down” the engine to find out what the real problem was. I already owed/owe them (Peak Kia) $115 for the diagnostic test and did not have the extra money to pay the $345 to pay to do this to either find out if was something wrong with the vehicle, then they would refund me and it would be covered by warranty, OR it would be something Jiffy Lube did and would NOT be covered by warranty and I would be out they $345 and would have to pay OVER $8000 for a new engine.

I did not/do not have the $345 to pay for then engine “tear down” since I lost my job due to NOT having reliable transportation, a requirement of my position there. They gave me the choice of either resigning or they would have to fire me since I was still “in training” and was losing my means of transportation. I chose to resign on January 22nd after working half the day and discussing all of these details with my boss. Robert at Kia had told me, that day, Friday the 22nd of January that my vehicle was not drivable, and if I did, my engine would definitely seize up. I have left it sitting there at the dealership since.

I have been back and forth with both Jiffy Lube and Kia, have filed a complaint with the BBB, tried to go and file a small claims case but after discussing with them the cost of an engine, advised that Colorado law on small claims limits at $7500 and it will be much more to fix my vehicle not to mention my loss of employment and now I am about to be evicted because I have no income. I have tried to contact numerous lawyers and other offices for assistance on what to do and how to find an attorney, but have not gotten anywhere yet. I have been in contact with a radio talk show and have been on the air with Tom Martino, who assists in consumer affairs, and has been helpful so far, but I think I need to hire an attorney or someone to help me with this.

I know this is a VERY long “plea” for assistance, but wanted whomever read it to be fully aware of my situation so I could get some direction on where to go from here. ANY information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Again thank you for reading this and I hope to hear from someone soon!!

Jeffrey M. Dicus 3550 S Kendall St 6-303 Denver, CO  80235 (712) 253-6258 jmdicus614@gmail.com

- Jeffrey D., Denver, CO, US

problem #8

Feb 152016

Sorento 4cl Awd

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

While going 65-70 mph on Rt 80 the car just turned off. No loud noises or smoke. The car was running fine until this issue. Luckily I was in the right hand lane and was able to get onto the shoulder and apply the emergency brake to stop since the power steering and brakes stopped working. The car is at the Gateway Kia in Denville now and they have to submit the maintenance receipts to Kia is see if it's covered under warranty. I ran around to the two places where I have my car serviced and obtained all my maintenance records and have provided them to the dealer. Hopefully, it is covered under the warranty.

- Lisa B., Hoptcong, NJ, US

problem #7

Feb 032016

Sorento LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Driving down the highway, all of a sudden I hear a pop and then smoke everywhere, all lights on the dash are on, no power steering/brakes, dead engine. Got over to the side of the road. Dealership needs proof of my oil changes so they can submit to Kia for Warranty. No sludge in the engine, I get oil changed when I'm supposed to.

would not recommend this car

- wvaughan, Orlando, FL, US

problem #6

Dec 142015

Sorento EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought my Kia Sorento brand new in 2012. We have changed the oil every 4000mi or less. Around 65,000mi it would make a rattling noise every once in a while when I started it. Now at 83000 miles it does it every 4 or 5th time started. So we took it to the dealership we bought it from to see what the noise could be. We still have an extended warranty. According to the master mechanic there is shards of metal in my oil pain but there is no sludge in my engine but the engine needs to be replaced related to something with the block. My engine light has never came on at any point since we owned the SUV but they are telling me that my engine needs to be replaced and it will cost $6000 to repair. PLUS, the extended warranty we have is not wanting to cover the cost of the repair because we changed our oil and oil filters our self every time. I am sick about it. I will never purchase a Kia again.

- amanda.b, Edmonton, KY, US

problem #5

Jun 292015

Sorento EX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,379 miles

Driving to work the car began making a really loud noise, then just died. The dealer tells me the engine needs replaced. But here is the really good part, because I didn't keep all of my receipts from oil changes, Kia will not honor the warranty. Seriously, who keeps their oil change receipts? Nobody I know. Trust me I have asked. So much for Kia having the best warranty. What good is it if you are not going to honor it? I might as well have bought an old piece of junk without a warranty.

- Selena O., Andrews, TX, US

problem #4

Dec 182014

Sorento

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,121 miles

I bought a 2012 KIA Sorento brand new in Feb. 2012. Ever since I've had this vehicle its been one issue after another. First the steering controls would kick on the voice command when trying to change the radio station or volume on the cd. Second the back up camera had a mind of its own on which day it wanted to work. Third after about 5000 mile a valve began to tap. Last week I was on my way to work and the motor completely locked up as I was driving down the interstate. I called the dealership and they said to have it towed in that was a nice bill to have to pay before christmas being a single parent. Once there the guy in the shop told me since I changed the oil myself and had taken it to other places to have oil changes that were not dealers KIA would more than likely not honor the warranty and replace the engine. I bought a KIA because of the warranty and gas mileage both of which the company has lied about. If you are smart do not buy a KIA they are junk and not worth the headache.

- William G., Kingwood, WV, US

problem #3

Oct 162013

Sorento EX 2.4L Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

Bought car new due to great warranty and gas mileage. WHAT a joke, they are paying back due to overstated mileage claims.

My sad story: at 7000 miles car died several times on way to work...literally lurched forward or died without warning..once in middle of busy intersection. Took to dealer. AFTER almost 2 weeks of them finding nothing, I insisted they keep it and drive it while 'cool' in the morning and the mechanic had it happen..they still didn't know why but replaced the transmission for free (I was out a car for over 3 weeks).

It drove fine till my daughter had it on the freeway at about 19,000 miles..it lost power and died while she was in East LA. It restarted she was able to get off freeway (could have been catastrophic). We towed it to Kia and due to a missed oil change..ONE on an almost new car...they completely retracted our warranty and told us it was over $9000 for a new engine. There was some sludge and they would not even look at the engine. We could not possibly afford this and towed it to our old Honda mechanic who agreed to buy an engine and install for about half that price. He found an engine with only 14,000 miles on it that was a perfect match based on our VIN #.

It then drove for 10,000 miles and then it HAPPENED AGAIN!!! WHAT the crud! Terrible noise, died 3 x on my block and had it towed back to mechanic as we do NOT have a warranty. So poor Honda mechanic worked diligently for months trying to fix it..(no info, no parts, NOTHING easy about trying to repair a NEW car as it should be under warranty-- KIA has been notified numerous times .. begging for help. WE have now sunk over 6500 dollars into this NEW car and are sick. Oil pressure light on, TONS of problems ... finally today took to another mechanic and it completely died 2x on the 1.6 mile drive. IT is TOAST. He said the engine is a piece of junk and wants to help us start a law suit.

PLEASE let me know from those others that have had engine failures!!! I am completely sick over this horrible 2 years of owning my new car that has been nothing but grief and stress. We will NEVER buy a Kia ever again and I was a big fan the first 6000 miles. DARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- lauria, Manhattan Beach, CA, US

problem #2

Nov 092012

Sorento LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

click to see larger images

catastrophic engine failure

i had a friend who just dropped his daughter off at her friends house and left the kia running, when he came out he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood, when he popped the hood the engine was on fire. the car was burnt completely and the house was also burnt.

- Michael C., Brunswick, OH, US

problem #1

Apr 062012

Sorento EX Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,800 miles

Started hearing a tapping in the engine around 4500 miles. Took to dealership for standard maint & oil change @ 4800 (had it for 9 months). Was told it had a catastrophic engine failure & the engine seized twice while they were just looking at it. Asked them what caused it, they said either it "wasn't put together right" or "a part just broke". Either way, doesn't really inspire confidence in their products. So it wasn't anything I did to the vehicle. They were replacing the engine block & found metal pieces in the oil pump, so they were replacing that too. (At 4 weeks the Lemon Law kicks in for PA) After 3 weeks of waiting I told them to keep it & traded it for a 2012 Kia Sportage. This is actually what I wanted in the 1st place, but at the time it wasn't big enough for the family.

As far as I know, they still are working on the vehicle. They had been waiting for a gasket & bolts (really?) before they could start the work.

We'll see how the Sportage fairs, however I doubt I would EVER buy a Kia again.

Update from Jul 9, 2015: Vehicle came from Turner Kia in Hbg, PA. They wouldn't give me much of anything for it as a trade, as it was defective. The sales manager stated, he "know(s) what (he) can get for this vehicle". Also, when I took it for the maint where they discovered the engine problem, my front passenger side tire mysteriously got a screw in the sidewall. (Really, must've happened when I was driving it on 2 wheels). Dealership was less than helpful througout this whole fiasco, will NEVER buy another Kia or Hyundai. Should never have traded for Sportage, it was another piece of crap, but I was stuck since my Sorento was in their service bay. It was a little hard to trade it anywhere else, when it can't be driven!!!!

- David B., Harrisburg, PA, US

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