What 875 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Sorento

My kia Sorento shocks are really bad seems like it bounces Alot More than normal and heard a squeak coming from the shocks also hard to get the to turn when Im park and electric seems to glitch with bulbs going out faster and radio acting like it shorting out since the wiring was replaced it does this

NHTSA ODI 11717957

The downhill break control (DBC) and the traction control system is is engaged and eliminated in the dash. It causes smoke or steam to come from under the hood after it is driven. This is the second time this issue has happened. I spent over $3,000 and six months getting this fixed last time. If there is not a recall on these things it should be recalled and fixed without me having to pay for it again. I believe it should have been covered the first time it happened.

NHTSA ODI 11646638

There is a recall on my vehicle. I received my first letter in May2024. I took it to dealership and they ran test but said they couldnt fix the recall bc Kia hasn't sent them the remedy so they sent us home. I called Kia customer service and they said when remedy is ready I'll get another letter. I just got that letter a few days ago and called dealership (Superior kia Orangeburg SC). They will fix recall but trying to charge me for testing again claiming it's because recall wasn't fixed last time I brought it in..this was not my fault and they sent me home saying they were unable to fix at the time. This is a recall and I'm not supposed to be charged. They refuse to fix recall unless I pay them.

NHTSA ODI 11620470

On August 23rd 2024, I drove this vehicle all day. But, upon reaching our final destination (ER department entrance) smoke began rolling out from under the hood. Once getting out to inspection the vehicle someone hollered for a extinguisher. I turned to look at the vehicle and I could see underneath of the 2012 kia sorento had flames. My son was still in the car so my mother and I ran to get him out of his rear facing carseat and ran away from the vehicle. At this time the vehicle still had a fire that went out with extinguisher but quickly light back up. After this the whole are and car filled with smoke. Fire department was called and this took them awhile to fully extinguish the fire. This could have hurt myself, my child, and my mother. I lost alot of valuable things including my son's new carseat, my children's double stroller, a tablet, clothing, etc. I have called Kia as I found out there was a recall that kia has none about and started sending notices out November 14th 2023. My vehicle sat at a kia dealership from January to March 6th and if this recall was so drastic such as a car fire why was this not taken car of when my vehicle sat for 2 months. I have a call into Kia as of Monday August 26th 2024. I am still waiting for a rep to be assigned my claim and to speak to them. As of Today August 28th 2024 Noone has reached out to me.

NHTSA ODI 11611298

While driving, the RPMS go to zero and the car stops and I lose all power. Yes, it's a safety risk to me and other drivers because it shuts off while driving. Someone following behind me can run into me. Yes, I took it to Ourisman Kia of Catonsville twice - They reproduced it happening the 2nd time I dropped it off after showing them a video of what happens. They said they don't know how to fix it. No, the vehicle was only inspected by the dealer. See video attached regarding warning lamps/messages etc.

NHTSA ODI 11605807

My 2012 Kia Sorento has a recall for the motor, and I had taken it to Kia for an inspection and the dealer stated to me that my car does not have a recall on it. Recently my car stalled on the road while I was driving, and it nearly caused an accident because someone behind me had to break suddenly to stop.

NHTSA ODI 11603692

While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.

NHTSA ODI 11596263

Unknown… This is what happened. I was at a stoplight first car in line. While waiting for the light the car just shut off without warning. It would not go into park, key would not turn, the dashboard was lit up & radio on. I turned on my flashers. I called a tow and kept doing everything to get the car to start after about 15 -20 minutes or so I finally got it to go in park turn the key and it started and the car drove like it never happened. It didn’t make a noise before stopping no warning lights came on or anything.

NHTSA ODI 11589898

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: The electrical problem started with battery power drainage. After two battery replacements, other electrical problems started to occur. Turn signal lights would not work, windows would not open or close, the left headlamp failed, was replaced, but did not work, all warning lights stayed on. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: The various electrical failures first occurred while driving the vehicle. I was inable to signal to change lanes. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No. Q:Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes. Before the battery drainage issue ocurred, the check engine light and ABS indicator lights began staying on all the time.

NHTSA ODI 11589692

The manufacturer of Kia has not resolve the fire issue to the vehicles. The recall has not be looked into or updated since letter in 2022. I’ve asked multiple Kia reps when the recall will be handled and was told there is no remedy. This recall is super dangerous and is a liability when driving on highways or long travel. My car can catch on fire at any time and nothing is being handled to resolve the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11588239

Kia issued a recall in September of 2023 that affects the HECU. I have received one interim notice but nothing since and it’s been 7 months. I am concerned about mine and others safety and would like an update on the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11587049

This 2012 Kia sorento caught fire and burned. Believed to be part of the recall 23v652

NHTSA ODI 11585161

KIA AMERICA, INC. SUBMITTED A SAFETY RECALL REPORT ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, (NHTSA RECALL #23V-652) DETAILING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU). I WAS NOTIFIED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED AGAIN WHEN THE REMEDY PART (A NEW FUSE) WAS AVAILABLE. KIA IS RECOMMENDING AFFFECTED OWNERS PARK THEIR VEHICLE OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES AND OTHER VEHICLES UNTIL THE REMEDY PART HAS BEEN INSTALLED. THIS LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS IS CAUSING UNDUE WEAR AND TEAR ON VARIOUS PARTS OF MY VEHICLE INCLUDING PAINT, TIRES AND HEADLIGHTS. IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND NEARLY 7 MONTHS SINCE THE NHTSA WAS MADE AWARE AND THE REMEDY PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE KIA HAS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY AND THAT IS WHY I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI 11583649

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the alarm continued to engage independently. The contact was able to turn the alarm off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11582978

A notice was mailed to me on [XXX] Recall #[XXX], advising that the hydraulic electronic control unit may experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in engine compartment fire. Park the vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall has been performed. The malfunction indicator light appeared approximately a month and a half ago, and I contacted my KIA dealer who advised me that I must have the car towed to their location at my expense They billed me over $200, plus the towing. The recall has still not been addressed. This is an extreme problem for me. I live in Florida and have a very unhealthy relative out of state but feel that it is unsafe to drive my vehicle far from home which has caused me and my family extreme anxiety. I have received no updates from KIA since the initial 11/14/23 letter. Not being able to drive my car and feel safe has been an extreme inconvenience. I also live in an area where it is extremely difficult to park away from my house, other houses, or cars. KIA should be held accountable to their customers, and I request your assistance. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11581067

There was a recall listed online 9/2023 for HEUC hydraulic electronic control unit. [XXX]. I called Kia in September the day I saw and they said a letter would come out and part would be available for the recall soon. I waited. I called again in November 2023. Still no fix or letter. I called again in January then 4/2024 still no letter or part to remedy the problem. I'm tired of waiting and very scared to drive my car. I’m hearing now that the part might not be available until July 2024??!? This is completely unacceptable. That is 11 months driving a car that could catch on fire??!? And obviously it was a problem long before the recall actually happened or else there wouldn’t have been a recall needed. A serious recall and no remedy?!? How many people have to die to make them fix the problem??!! I’m scared to drive my car. Scared to park it because a fire could happen even if you are not driving the car?! No one wants to buy my car since there is a recall and I couldn’t get what it is worth to me either now. This is a serious problem. Now I hear that fixing the fuse is only a bandaid that the real problem is being disguised because it is a more costly repair vs just a fuse. Brake fluid could leak and cause engine fire?! Even an O-ring could leak and cause fire. O-rings can rot over time anyway. I can’t believe Kia has gotten away with this and for this length of time! Unbelievably scary. They said wait until you smell smoke or some light will come on? Well my son has no sense of smell so I have to trust that some light will come on and give him enough time to get out in time? That is the remedy of this serious problem??? Or go outside and find the car had caught on fire in my yard and then catches the house and all the neighbors houses on fire! How many lawsuits are just waiting??? Is this just a numbers game to them??? How many cars have to blow up? How many lives lost?? How many houses catch on fire?!?? Geez Kia! Fix this problem and don’t just bandaid it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11580461

This has been recalled for 6 months with no remedy. I cannot drive my car due to risk of engine fire, and I have been advised to not park near other cars. This has been extremely frustrating and inconvenient. I have not been offered a replacement vehicle either

NHTSA ODI 11579039

I'm filing this complaint about a Safety Recall letter, dated November 14, 2023, that I received from the KIA America Corporate Headquarters concerning a (NHTSA Recall Number: 23V652) defect which can result in an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to my local Balise KIA dealer, on two separate occasions to be told my information is in their system and they will contact me via email or by a phone when this part has been created to schedule my vehicle for repair. Within weeks after receiving my initial Safety Recall letter my Malfunction Indicator Lamp and ABS warning light, as well as, the complete anti-locking brake system lights suddenly illuminated on my front console. The Safety Recall letter I received indicates that when the ABS warning light illuminates I could experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked and could increase the risk of injury. When I recalled the KIA dealer on 1-19-24 for a second inquiry, I again explained the ongoing problem and the letter KIA Headquarters sent me in November, emphasizing and reading the letter stating if the ABS warning light is illuminated and I smell burning/melting smell, and/or smoke from the engine compartment to pull over to a safe location and contact KIA Roadside Assistance to have my vehicle towed. I was then told by an Advisor that the ABS warning light wasn't a safety issue? I again reiterated the letter's wording and was then told that I could bring it in and hook it up to their Diagnostic System but if they didn't find that was the problem they would charge me $150. Needless to say, I refused that offer, when currently there's no part available anyway. I'm hoping that this complaint can be put on record and if I could somehow get any information as to when this particular part has been created so that it can be replaced before a possible fire occurs would be greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11577909

I received an important safety recall on November 14, 2023. It has been over 3 months since I have received this recall. I have contacted my nearest dealer, and they have yet to receive the part (HECU) to replace in my vehicle. I have had to park my car outside for the past 3 months in bad weather. Now, three of my windows are not working because the cold weather froze their motors. When should I expect to have this part replace, so I and park my car in the garage and out of the elements?

NHTSA ODI 11573412

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HEUC) may experience an electrical short circuit, which may result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice was received 11.14.23. The part is not available. The warning light under the WARNING in the letter, illuminated on my dashboard and I followed the WARNING instructions: PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. TURN OFF THE ENGINE. CALL KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBE. I did this. I had to pay $166.77 for the tow and can't be refunded until the remedy notice is issued. Kia tells me they have to charge $190 to diagnose the car and that there is no remedy at this time. It has been 77 days, today, since the recall was sent. I understand Kia is aware prior to the notice issuing. This is a major safety issue. A fire can be catastrophic. This is interfering with my livelihood. I am a traveling cardiac nurse and I am single, with no other means of travel. I have just this one vehicle to rely on. Why is there not a remedy for this recall after so long? This is unacceptable and Kia needs to be held responsible.

NHTSA ODI 11568980

i was out door dashing on monday january 15 2024. i went into panera to pick up order. came outside to my car and it looked like it was smoking. i popped the hood and was about to put my hand in there to lift the hood when i realized it was hot. i looked under and it was on fire.. everything is melted.. there wasnt any warnings at all. now i have know car..

NHTSA ODI 11566324

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to an electrical failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11562513

I experienced a Malfunction of indicators lamp, ABS warning lights, burning/ melting smell and smoke from the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI 11562574

SC284XM HECU My car was exacted by the HECU fuse

NHTSA ODI 11560819

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. The contact was able to enter the vehicle 10 minutes later after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off however, later that night she became aware that the vehicle had independently restarted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11556650