Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC: C1613,C1205, C1206, C1207, C1208, C1210 and C1211. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse(R) and parking the vehicle, the vehicle was then shifted into neutral; however, the vehicle reversed instead. The driver quickly shifted the vehicle into a drive; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact then shifted the vehicle into the park(P) then turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 75,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was plenty of fluids in the vehicle however, the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rod bearings were knocking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V626000 (Power Train), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 20V750000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the warranty company which declined the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: [redacted] (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and for NHTSA Campaign Number: [redacted] (Power Train) however, when the contact attempted to set up a recall appointment the contact was told that the recalls only applied to vehicle in the United States and not Puerto Rico. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
On August 23, 2015, a 2012 Kia Sorento was parked on the side of the highway and stationary after being involved in a minor accident. Without the driver's knowledge and without the driver taking any intentional action, the vehicle shifted out of park and into nuetral or reverse, causing the vehicle to move backwards. As it moved backwards, it knocked over and dragged the owner of the vehicle, who at the time was standing next to the vehicle. The vehicle then struck a person standing behind the vehicle, pinning that person between the vehicle and another vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. The cause of this incident appears to be related to NHTSA recall number 15V626 for 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles involving widespread failure of the brake-shift interlock mechanism.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away independently causing the vehicle to crash into a front gate. The contact entered the vehicle and depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle from continuing to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sustained leg and knee injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V626000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure was 106,927.
My wife parked car in driveway and open garage door to take trash out to curb. She left the car idling and in park. My driveway has slight incline. It took her about 3 to 5 minutes to bring trash to curb. While approaching the Kia Sorento she noticed it started rolling down the driveway. Panicking she tried to reach in and kill the engine. She was hit by door and knocked her onto the drivers floor with her feet outside the car. She tried pressing the brake pedal with no luck slowing down the car. As she got to the end of the driveway the cars speed had increased enough where she couldn't hold on any longer. She was thrown from the car into the street. Take one step back now. When she pulled into the driveway she put the car in park allowing her to get out of the car. When I got there afterwards no one had touched the car yet and the car was in neutral. …
My 10-year old son, without my knowledge, was playing in our 2012 Kia Sorento one Sunday afternoon. It's the pushbutton start type and he didn't have the key fob. That was in the house. Regardless, without the car started and without his foot on the brake, he was able to shift the vehicle out of park and into neutral. Because the Sorento was parked on an incline, it began to coast backward down the driveway. Our son tried to put the SUV back into park. Because it was moving, he was unable to do this. So, in a panic, he jumped out of the truck and tried to stop it by getting behind it and trying to slow it down. He was unsuccessful and ended up being crushed between the Sorento and a tree in the yard. This resulted in a huge laceration in his knee, serious bruising to his lungs, 4 cracked ribs and a cracked pelvis. …
Last July my husband had changed my brakes and then went for a test drive just to make sure everything was working properly. Well, the engine shut off in the middle of driving. Called Kia and had it towed there(unreimbursed) replaced engine told them that sometimes the transmission would hesitate to shift into gear. Kia said nothing was wrong. Now, a year later still trans problem. Took to master mechanic that has a trans shop and that has been in business for over 40 years. He said it needed a software update from Kia for a hard transmissikn shift. Called Kia they said they had to "research problem", but had never heard of this happening. Also, my car shuts off if I have to do a hard brake even after my engine being replaced. Also, my gas lid wont open, my mirrors had stopped moving and my windows all stopped working. Having major electrical problem with fuse box. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out…
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Transmission complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Kia Sorento, 6% of the model year's 880 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-626 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Sorento transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.