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.

6.8

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$800
Average Mileage:
82,150 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. repair clock spring (2 reports)
  3. replace ocs mat (1 reports)
2012 Kia Sorento seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2012 Kia Sorento Owner Comments

problem #8

Sep 092019

Sorento LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,540 miles

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

I received a recall notice from KIA Motors stating that I need to bring in my 2012 Sorento in to have the "Clock Spring Assembly" checked as my air bag light on the dashboard is illuminated. I brought it to have it checked and was told that it's not the "Clock Spring Assembly" but the OCS Mat that is defective ( Code B1764 ) and would cost me $2640 to replace... I was told that the Air Bag System "MIGHT NOT" function properly with with the Air Bag light illuminated...

Why is the OCS mat not a recall matter as it is apparent that they are failing miserably? Is this just a ploy by Kia Motors to generate more income through "fear mongering"?

- fisherofmen, Detroit, US

problem #7

Jun 012016

Sorento LX 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I went to have my oil changed at the Kia place and mentioned that my air bag light was on. I was told that I needed to pay to have the "clock spring" replaced to fix it and it wasn't covered. It would cost $800 to fix. I asked if the light meant my suv would suddenly deploy my air bag and was told it meant my air bag instead wouldn't deploy in the event of an accident. I don't understand how this wouldn't be covered under warranty. I've talked to others with the same year/model and their lights are on as well. The vehicle had never been involved in a wreck or had any other damage before the air bag caution light started. It just popped on one day out of nowhere while I was driving.

- swtjen101, Cowarts, US

problem #6

Feb 282019

Sorento LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,250 miles

Passenger front seat- SRS airbag light came on while driving down highway - Kia said it is not a defect and no recall for this sensor, however I see multiple complaints about this issue. They wanted over $2000.00 to to fix it.

Is there a class action lawsuit out there or anybody want to join me starting one?

- jstenger7, Haiku, US

problem #5

May 162018

Sorento LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

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

My Kia Sorento 2012 got the “Air Bag” light on the dash out of the blue at approximately 78000 miles. No accidents or any abnormal usage. Took it to the dealership assuming that this would be covered under warranty and they wanted to charge me $137 dollar just for the diagnosis of the light. Most of the lineup of Kia from this year already has an Airbag recall, not sure why it’s not the case for the Sorento, after seeing all the people having the same issue on internet. I’m very disappointed and I will have to stop recommending the brand since they are not taking care of the problem since this clearly a manufacture problem (when was the last time you interacted with the air bag if it wasn’t on a crash?)

- Hector P., Frisco, Mexico

problem #4

Jul 141928

Sorento V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 60,500 miles

2012 Kia Sorrento (which was purchased new that same year). Mileage approximately 60,500 when Airbag light noted on while driving. Car not in any accident. Dealer called and was told the warranty expired and car not under recall. Said it would cost approximately $200 to check out the problem plus the repair and labor. They could not even give an estimate price of a worst case scenario to fix the problem . But they did recommend having it repaired. Is this car under an airbag recall. I'm noting many similar complaints posted.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? ARE THERE ANY CLASS ACTIONS AND HOW CAN I GET INFORMATION?

The car is a piece of JUNK - nothing but PLASTIC with pieces falling off all of the time.

CALIFORNIA

- Patricia M., Carson, CA, US

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problem #3

Oct 182017

Sorento LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

So, My 2012 Sorento had stereo problem just after Warranty which not covered. Stereo not working most of time. This is annoying but not that severe. After few more months, Air Bag light is on and stayed on. I asked Kia to check, only checking cost about $100 and just had it reset. After few more days, the light is on again. I went online to know how expensive will be for thorough check and anything need to replace could mean $1000+ .

This car only had 61000 or 62000 miles when it happened. just out of warranty and not covered.

I research online and see a lot people having the similar issue. I would agree this is defect needs to be recalled or at least covered within the 10/100,000 mile warranty.

For this, I am just less likely to drive this car anymore and bought another used car (saved me the airbag diagnose and component replace cost) to invest another more reliable car.

Things I have tried; reset SRS, clean out the connector and made sure they are connected.

I may have to read the code again to post here.

- N00b G., Boston, MA, US

problem #2

Oct 122016

Sorento LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,821 miles

Had recall on airbag light on all the time. When it was checked by dealer of course it was not what it was recalled for. Was told it was another problem and would cost me $1700.00 to fix. According to dealer it was some kind of sensor under driver's seat.

- James T., Chesterfield, SC, US

problem #1

Jan 012016

Sorento LX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

air bag light read articles on recalls up to year 2011

Why a recall has not been added by the MANUFACTURER for the 2012 Kia Sorento's air bag light. I have read numerous complaints online from other vehicle owners complaining about this problem. It almost makes me weary on if this indicator light is something they enable on your vehicle to get you to come in for a costly repair that may or may not be needed. With the light on you have to get it repaired to pass a vehicle inspection. Nobody has that kind of money for something that should have been added to the recall repair list. When you see "DIY" how to video's on how this repair is done it makes you wonder why this has not been added to the list by the MANUFACTURER and why did it stop at the year 2011?

- Sharon J., Tomball, TX, US

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