PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Kia Sorento brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Kia Sorento have filed 77 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 114,216 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
77
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Sorento | 14 |
| 2009 Sorento | 6 |
| 2011 Sorento | 81 |
| 2012 Sorento (this page) | 77 |
| 2013 Sorento | 66 |
| 2014 Sorento | 56 |
| 2015 Sorento | 28 |
| 2016 Sorento | 9 |
2crashes
6fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 77 brakes complaints filed for the 2012 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 77 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 17 model years of Kia Sorento in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HOUSING COVER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC148) - VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to inspect, clean and seal or, if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) housing covers on certain 2011-2015MY 2WD Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through April 30, 2014, originally retailed and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. If the rear wheel hub comes into contact with a significant amount of seawater, the water can enter the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers and may interrupt t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148OWNER - OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER -Notifying owners that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011-2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148DP - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148DPSM - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Sorento's brake complaints break into several categories. Early on, owners heard grinding during braking and pedal release starting around 10,000 miles—Kia acknowledged numerous such complaints in 2012 but offered no recall, only assurance the vehicle was "safe to drive." Some owners experienced brake pedal drift to the floor during traffic stops, with the vehicle rolling forward; dealers initially dismissed the problem even after independent mechanics confirmed actual brake loss.
The more serious failures involve complete brake pedal failure—one owner at 385 miles on a mountain road couldn't stop despite hard pedal pressure and crashed into another vehicle and a wall. Another at 35 MPH lost all power steering and brakes simultaneously while smoke poured from under the hood.
Separate from brake mechanics, owners report engine compartment fires starting at various mileages from 62,000 to 212,000, some while parked, others during normal driving. Multiple vehicles caught fire after owners received recall notice 23V652000 (hydraulic brakes) but couldn't get the recall done because parts were unavailable for years. Several vehicles were declared total loss by insurance.
Engine problems also surface: rapid oil depletion, metal shavings in oil, and blown engines. One owner at 73,000 miles had the engine fail with catastrophic oil spray; Kia acknowledged faulty engines from Korea but issued no recall.
Warning lights (check engine, ABS, brake warning) illuminate frequently and persist despite service attempts. A rear wheel speed sensor housing lets water in, triggering ABS and stability control warnings—Kia fixed it once but denied warranty the second time.
Same Kia Sorento brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Brake grinding and noise during braking and release
Owners report hearing and feeling grinding sounds when applying or releasing brakes, particularly at low speeds. The grinding occurs when coming to a stop or upon brake pedal release, with some describing it as caliper grinding. The noise starts after low mileage and persists despite dealer inspections that sometimes claim nothing is wrong. Kia acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about this issue but advised it was safe to drive pending a solution.
When: Starting around 10,000 miles; reported from 2012-2015 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during braking at low speeds; Grinding sensation during brake pedal release; Noise occurs when stopping or moving forward after braking; Hearing grinding or scraping sounds from the caliper area
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed inspections but did not perform repairs; some awaited Kia guidance on coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about brake grinding; stated vehicle was safe to drive pending a solution
Brake pedal drift and loss of braking pressure
Owners experience brake pedal slowly drifting to the floor during stops, particularly at long traffic lights, with the vehicle beginning to roll forward. The brake system loses pressure and must be pumped to regain normal function. Brake fade was also noted in reversing situations. Dealers denied the problem existed even after independent mechanics confirmed brake loss and verified pedal movement to the floor.
When: Reported in early ownership; one used vehicle purchased in March 2015 with warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal drifting to the floor while stopped; Vehicle rolling forward during stops; Loss of braking pressure requiring pedal pumping; Brake fade when reversing with pedestrians nearby
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified brake loss and pedal movement; dealers denied repair was needed despite confirmation of the problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealers stated no repair was needed and condition was normal, even after problem was replicated by their own technician
Engine compartment fire and electrical hazards related to recall 23V652000
Multiple owners report engine compartment fires, electrical failures, and smoke from under the hood occurring at various mileage intervals. Several of these incidents occurred in vehicles that had received notification of NHTSA Recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) or after attempted recalls were delayed due to parts unavailability. Some fires started while idling, during normal driving, or while parked. In one case, fire originated at the fuse box; in another, the source could not be determined. Several vehicles were declared total loss by insurance.
When: At various mileages from 62,000 to 250,000 miles; recall parts unavailable for extended periods
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood or through air vents; Burning fuel or burning odor from vents or cabin; Flames visible under engine compartment or at fuse box; Fire spreading to engulf front of vehicle; Fire occurring while vehicle idling, driving, or parked unoccupied
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple vehicles totaled; one owner used water hose to extinguish fire; fire department called in multiple cases; insurance companies declared vehicles total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued but parts unavailable for extended time; one vehicle confirmed not included in recall; manufacturer investigator examined one fire but could not determine cause
Brake failure and pedal loss of pressure at critical moments
Owners report brake pedal depressing completely to the floor with loss of braking power during driving, in one case leading to a multi-vehicle collision. In a separate incident, a vehicle with less than 400 miles accelerated unexpectedly on a mountainous road and the brake pedal went to the floor, resulting in a crash. The vehicle continued to accelerate and hit a cement wall.
When: One incident at 385 miles; other occurrences at various speeds including mountainous terrain
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depresses fully to floor; Complete loss of brake pressure; Vehicle cannot be stopped during driving; Unexpected acceleration combined with brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle damaged in collision but not repaired; insurance declared vehicle destroyed; airbag failed to deploy in crash
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case; insurance company identified faulty brakes and airbags as cause of crash
Vehicle stalling and electrical system failures
Owners report vehicles stalling while driving at highway speeds or while idling, often accompanied by warning light illumination (check engine, MIL, ABS lights). Some stalls were temporary and vehicle restarted; others left vehicles non-responsive. In one case at 62,000 miles with pending recall repair, vehicle stalled at 35 MPH and lost motive power, power steering, and brake functionality, with smoke and burning odor present. Several cases involved vehicles awaiting parts for recall 23V652000.
When: Reported from 62,000 to 250,000 miles; some during period of delayed recall parts
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling at highway speeds or while idling; Check engine light or MIL illuminated; ABS warning light illuminated; Loss of power steering and brake functionality; Smoke or burning odor from under hood; Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (MIL), ABS warning light, TPMS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to residence or dealer; some not diagnosed or repaired; one case involved battery replacement that did not resolve issue; engine failure diagnosed in one case at 250,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some vehicles awaiting recall parts; one case involved manufacturer refusing warranty coverage due to mileage; parts unavailability cited in multiple cases
Engine oil depletion and metal contamination
Owners report engines losing oil rapidly or showing no oil in engine despite oil not being due for change soon. One case involved metal shavings found inside the engine, and another involved a blown engine with catastrophic failure at 73,337 miles.
When: At 73,337 miles (blown engine); 129,000 miles (oil depletion); 163,847 miles (excessive oil consumption)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil depleted with no recent change due; Metal shavings found inside engine; Engine blow-out with loud noise; Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs; Burning oil odor in cabin
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Blown engine required over $2,000 diagnostic fee; dealer requested maintenance history and refused to perform recall due to maintenance concerns; oil changes and engine work not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledged awareness of faulty engines shipped from Korea but stated no recalls issued; refused warranty coverage in some cases due to maintenance or mileage
Check engine light and ABS warning light illumination without clear cause
Owners report check engine lights, ABS warning lights, MIL lights, and brake warning lights illuminating and remaining on despite dealer service attempts and independent diagnosis. Some cases involve HECU (Hydraulic Control Unit) malfunction identified but not repaired. Many of these cases occurred in vehicles awaiting parts for recall 23V652000.
When: Various mileages from 81,000 to 193,000 miles; many during recall parts shortage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; ABS warning light illuminated; MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Traction control warning light illuminated; Lights remaining on despite service attempts
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (MIL), ABS warning light, Brake warning light, Traction control light, HECU (Hydraulic Control Unit) malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: HECU fuse replaced in one case but failure persisted; independent mechanic diagnosed ABS HECU malfunction but vehicle not repaired; dealers unable to provide repair due to parts unavailability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V652000 parts unavailable for extended periods; manufacturer confirmed parts not available in multiple cases
Smoke, burning odors, and electrical/hydraulic faults without clear diagnosis
Owners report smoke coming from under the hood, burning plastic or oil odors from vents, and burning sensations (fuel-related odors causing physical burning sensation on legs). These issues occurred at various speeds and sometimes while parked idling. Many occurred in vehicles awaiting recall service parts.
When: Reported across various mileages; many during recall parts shortage period
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood or through air vents; Burning plastic odor from vents; Burning oil odor while idling; Burning sensation on driver's legs from fumes; Fog on windshield from smoke/vapor; Smoke occurring while vehicle idling
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Firestone performed leak test on one vehicle and found unknown fluid on starter, replaced starter but issue persisted; vehicles not repaired in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V652000 parts unavailable; manufacturer exceeded reasonable time for recall repair in many cases
Brake pad sticking and rotor degradation
Owner reports front driver-side interior brake pad becoming stuck, causing abrupt stopping when brake pedal is depressed. Rotor texture became smooth and shiny. Issue only occurred in wet or snow-covered road conditions.
When: Mileage unavailable; wet weather and snowy road conditions triggered failure
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops abruptly when brake pedal depressed lightly; Front driver-side brake pad stuck; Rotor surface smooth and shiny instead of textured; Failure only in wet or snowy conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer identified stuck brake pad and smooth rotor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not provided
Rear wheel speed sensor water intrusion and ABS/ESC light issues
Owner reports rear wheel speed sensor housing covers prone to water intrusion, interrupting sensor signal and illuminating ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), and downhill sensor warning lights. Issue recurred after Kia repair in 2017, but manufacturer denies warranty coverage on second occurrence.
When: First fixed July 24, 2017; recurred one month before complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Water intrusion into rear wheel speed sensor housing; ABS warning light illuminated; ESC (electronic stability control) warning light illuminated; Downhill sensor warning light illuminated; Warning lights recurring after prior repair
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light, ESC warning light, Downhill sensor warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Kia repaired water intrusion on July 24, 2017; same failure recurred and owner reports concern about wheel detachment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia states second occurrence is out of warranty
Synthesized from 77 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. 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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
2012 Kia sorento. Consumer writes in regards to accelerator and brake pedals are too close together. *smd the consumer stated when he applied the brake pedal, his foot also hit the accelerator pedal. The brake pedal would travel below the accelerator pedal.
Had brakes trouble with your 2012 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 77 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 73,337 and 160,000 miles, with the median around 114,216. A quarter of owners report trouble before 73,337; a quarter make it past 160,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.