2012 Kia Sorento engine problems
461 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Kia Sorento — 53% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and…”
filed Jul 29, 2026
“The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact’s spouse stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The contact's spouse noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, prompting the contact’s spouse to pull…”
filed May 7, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An engine compartment fire can occur while drivingCampaign 20V750000 · Dec 2, 2020
- Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear…Campaign 17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 18 | 26% |
| 2024 Sorento | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 Sorento | 28 | 25% |
| 2022 Sorento | 50 | 27% |
| 2021 Sorento | 61 | 26% |
| 2020 Sorento | 63 | 48% |
| 2019 Sorento | 151 | 36% |
| 2018 Sorento | 102 | 41% |
| 2017 Sorento | 381 | 48% |
| 2016 Sorento | 690 | 56% |
| 2015 Sorento | 359 | 48% |
| 2014 Sorento | 384 | 39% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.