2012 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 113 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Kia Sorento, 13% of all complaints for that model year, with a median failure mileage of 81,000. There is a related recall (23V652000) covering brake fluid leaks that can cause engine-bay fires.
- Brakes complaints
- 113
- 13% of 880
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 10
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 81,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report total brake pedal failure, with the pedal sinking to the floor and the vehicle failing to slow or stop.
- Multiple owners describe engine-bay fires that start after a burning odor, smoke, or warning lights appear, sometimes while driving and sometimes while the vehicle is parked and off.
- Several complaints describe smoke entering the cabin through the vents, fogging the windshield and blocking the driver's view just before or during a fire.
- Some owners lost forward momentum or noticed a check-engine light shortly before smoke or flames appeared from under the hood.
- At least one owner directly linked their vehicle fire to recall 23V652000.
When 2012 Kia Sorento brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 13, 2012, latest Aug 19, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Brakes complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 113 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Sorento, which is 13% of all 880 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Kia Sorento?
- Yes. Recall 23V652000 covers the 2012 Sorento along with several other Kia models for a brake-related issue; Kia advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 81,000 miles.
- Did the brake problems cause any fires or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint area show 10 fires, 3 crashes, and 7 injuries for the 2012 Sorento.
- How does the 2012 Sorento's brake complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 2012 model's 13% share is the highest among the years listed, compared with 10% for 2011, 2013, and 2014, and lower single-digit shares from 2015 onward.