The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact noticed that the driver’s side headlamp failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring had melted, and the headlamp socket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, a couple of months later the failure recurred on the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken back to …
2012 kia Sorento lighting problems
severe 45 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$250
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
PURCHASED NEW 2012 KIA SORENTO SX 3.5 IN MAY 2012. IT NOW HAS 54K MILES. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULBS BOTH SIDES ON 3 OCCASIONS AND HIGH INTENSITY DRIVING LIGHTS (OEM) 2 TIMES EACH SIDE. THE LAST TIME 12/23/15 THE DEALER (LANGDALE KIA, VALDOSTA GA) STATED THAT THE SOCKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DRIVING LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE BULB TO EXPLODE, AND THE INTENSE HEAT AND DEBRIS CAUSE…
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2012 kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.