TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING THROUGH A SNOW STORM AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE WIFE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND CALLED FOR A TOW AND A NEW BATTERY WAS BOUGHT AND THE OLD ONE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDNENT MECHANIC WHO OBSERVED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING ON AND OFF AND REF…
2012 kia Sorento electrical problems
severe 110 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
110
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I experienced a Malfunction of indicators lamp, ABS warning lights, burning/ melting smell and smoke from the engine compartment.
The passenger low beam head light keeps burning out. I have had the wiring replaced twice because it keeps melting. The brake light blow at least every 2 months
HI I AM WRITING YOU ON BEHALF OF MY KIA SORRENTO 2012 I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS THE LAST PAST NINE MONTHS AFTER MY CAR WOULDN'T START I SUPPOSEDLY ASSUMED IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED IN THE LOCK AT THE BATTERY IS ABOUT 78 YEARS OLD SO I CHANGED IT AFTER CHANGE THAT STILL DRAIN AFTER EVERY MONTH MY CAR WOULD JUST TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ME DRIVING OR STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN WH…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 110 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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