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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
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-BOD093R32017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS; SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY. TSB: SECOND ROW SEAT INOPERATIVE OR DIFFICULT TO RELEASE - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 to November 5, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to the second row seats being inoperative or difficult to release.
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
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.
PS327R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. PITSTOP: XM 2.4L GDI MIL ON WITH DTC ? P0269 - On some 2012-2015MY Sorento (XM) equipped with 2.4L GDI engines, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate with the ECM system-related DTC P0269. To correct this concern, replace the fuel injector in cylinder number three (3) by referring to the Service Information on KGIS.
TSB-BOD090R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: DRIVER?S SIDE POWER SEAT TRIM COVER REPLACEMENT AND WASHER RELOCATION - This bulletin provides information about some 2011~12MY Sorento models produced before November 1, 2011 that may experience a loose or disengaged driver?s side seat outer trim cover from the mounting bracket assembly.
TT0512017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. TECH TIP: TECH TIP: DTC P0455 on Sorento(XMa) - Test the functionality of the PSV (purge solenoid valve) and monitor EVAP test results / CARB readiness monitors and replace / repair, as necessary.
TT0462017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. TECH TIP: Passenger seat not as warm as the driver?s seat - There will be a difference in temperature between the RH and LH cushions. The same heaters are used in the cushions of both seats, but the RH cushion has a body sensor mat applied over the heater, resulting in less heat reaching the front passenger.
TSB-ENG140R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TSB: 3.5 L MPI - COLD ENGINE START-UP CHATTER - This bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, equipped with the 3.5 L engine and produced from October 26, 2009 to July 14, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to unusually loud engine chatter during initial start-up after sitting for several hours.
TT0382017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. TECH TIP: Oil Leak in Rear Main Seal Area - Most oil leaks on this engine are found in the top of the engine, under the intake manifold. In some cases, oil may leak from the filter housings where they mate with the block, or from the oil pressure switch.
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.
TT0352017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TECH TIP: DTC P200A returns after VCMA replacement and reflash procedure - Test the vehicle battery with the GR8. If the battery fails the test then it should be replaced and the VCMA relearn procedure should be performed with the GDS.
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-BOD099R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. TSB: SORENTO FUEL FILLER DOOR OPERATION UPGRADE - This bulletin provides information related to some Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 15, 2009 to September 29, 2011, which may exhibit a hard to open fuel filler door.
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.
PS3272017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. PITSTOP: RESETTING CYLINDER BALANCE ADAPTATION VALUES - When addressing a cylinder balance concern on a vehicle equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine, it is important to note that the DTC may recur after replacement of any faulty component(s) and resetting adaptive values. See this Article for information on resetting cylinder balance adaptation values.
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.
SC106QA2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Q AND A - SC106 - 2011-2013 MY SORENTO ECM LOGIC UPGRADE VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
SC106OWNER2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER: Dear Kia Sorento Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module in certain 2011-2013 model year Sorento vehicles.
SC106DSM2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to upgrade the Engine Control Module (?ECM?) logic on certain 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.5 liter engine and an alternator supplied by Remy.
SC106DP2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: ATTENTION: KIA DEALER PRINCIPALS - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2011-2013 MY Sorento vehicles with the 3.5 liter engine, to upgrade the Engine Control Module (?ECM?) Logic.
PS3152017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly into the engine cylinder head assembly. Therefore, it is completely normal for the combustion process to create deposits on the injector spray tip surfaces.

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