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Service bulletins for the 2012 Kia Sorento

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

233 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
VPI1803_TSB2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - TSB - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Technical Service Bulletin for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1803_QA2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1803_OWNER_SO2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - OWNER LETTER - Dear Kia Sorento Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2012-2014 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (?GDI?) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit (?ECU?).
VPI1803_DSM2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Service Managers, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1803_DP2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DC_201808282018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS - Dear Kia Retailer, You and your customers may have seen recent media reports regarding thermal incidents in Kia vehicles or NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorentos and Optimas, and I want to update you on KMA?s response to this issue. All automobiles contain combustible materials and a vehicle fire may be a result of any number of complex factors which must be carefully evaluated by trained technicians to, if possible, determine its cause and, ultimately, determine if a defect trend exists. At Kia, customer safety is paramount and although both KMA and NHTSA have independently concluded that no defect trends exist, KMA has significantly increased its committed resources to ensure that all thermal incidents are fully evaluated.
TSBELE091R32017-12-22. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.
TSB-ELE091R12017-08-31. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005).
PS4742017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.
VSC149TSBR12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. TSB: SC149R1 - HALOGEN HEADLAMP LOW BEAM CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT (SC149) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses on some 2011-2012MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 25, 2011 through June 16, 2011. In a limited production of these vehicles, a small number of headlamp connectors may lose electrical contact with a low beam bulb in one of the headlamp assemblies. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. Also, the high beams continue to function at all times. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the low beam connector wiring harnesses. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
VSC149DPSM2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC149DPSM - DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer parts and service managers of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses on certain 2012 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from April 25, 2011 through June 16, 2011. In a limited production of these vehicles, a small number of headlamp connectors may lose electrical contact with a low beam bulb in one of the headlamp assemblies. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. Also, the high beams continue to function at all times.
VSC149DP2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC149DP - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harnesses on certain 2012 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from April 25, 2011 through June 16, 2011. In a limited production of these vehicles, a small number of headlamp connectors may lose electrical contact with a low beam bulb in one of the headlamp assemblies. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. Also, the high beams continue to function at all times.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-ENG160R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
TT0362017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. TECH TIP: Finding the correct wiring diagram for reverse input into audio head unit - If this vehicle is equipped with Navigation, then see wiring diagram for ?Back-Up Lamps? and you will see the Back-Up input into the audio unit. Also verify the reverse lamps operate as one of your first checks.
TT0312017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECH TIP: Module 2 Fuse Blows Intermittently - In some cases, this may result from chaffed wiring harnesses in the driver?s seat. Inspect the harness near the right side of the driver?s seat track assembly.
TSB-ENG133R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECM UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC P0638 AND ETC MOTOR CLEANING (SA153) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade for some 2011-2013MY Sorento 3.5L MPI vehicles, produced from October 25, 2009 through January 31, 2013, and 2011, 2012 & 2014MY Sedona 3.5L MPI vehicles, produced from March 03, 2010 through July 12, 2013, which may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) system-related DTC P0638.
TSB-FUE0262017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: MIL ON WITH DTC P0087 - DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - This bulletin provides information related to some Optima (TF/QF), Sportage (SL), Sorento (XM) and Cadenza (VG) vehicles, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) system-related DTC P0087.
TSB-ENG139R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. TSB: VCMA DIAGNOSIS - MIL ON WITH DTC P200A - This bulletin provides information for some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L MPI engine, which may exhibit a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with DTC P200A,
TSB-ENG1602017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
PS235R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. PITSTOP: HORN ANSWER BACK OR PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE/SMK FOB - When addressing a customer complaint related to an inoperative parking light confirmation flash, and/or audible answer back when locking the vehicle with the RKE/SMK fob, ensure each door lock position switch (viewable in BCM > Current Data) is displaying the appropriate status and the pad-lid switch (hood switch depressor) is in place on the hood.
TSB-SC1062017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - ECM LOGIC UPGRADE ? SORENTO (XMA) 3.5L MPI (SC106) - This bulletin provides information related to an upgrade of the ECM software on some 2011~2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from July 12, 2010 through January 31, 2013. During a specific set of operating conditions, it is possible under rare circumstances when braking and bringing the vehicle to a stop, for the engine to also stop.
TT0592017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECH TIP: Difficulty Programming SMK - Process to troubleshoot difficulty programming SMK because the vehicle won?t power up.
TSBELE051R22017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. TSB: DRIVER’S SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO SOME SORENTO (XMA) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2010 THROUGH MAY 16, 2011, WHICH MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERABLE DRIVER’S SIDE WINDOW. TO CORRECT THIS CONCERN, REPLACE THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR BY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN.
TSBELE0892017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). TSB: NAVIGATION HEAD UNIT SD CARD REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE SD CARD EXCHANGE/REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE RELATED TO ERROR MESSAGES THAT MAY BE DISPLAYED ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WHEN THE INCORRECT SD CARD IS INSERTED. NOTE: ONLY NEW MODELS (DURING PDI INSPECTION OR AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE) OR COMPATIBILITY MISMATCHES THAT OCCUR AFTER HEAD UNIT REPLACEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS PROGRAM.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.