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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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By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
WTY012_DP2019-04-30. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of the 2011-2013 MY Kia Sorento vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, for the halogen headlamp low beam connector wiring harness from 5-years/60,000-miles to 10-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The 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. In addition, the high beams continue to function at all times.
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBENG2052019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBELE1792019-04-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. TSB: HALOGEN LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the halogen low beam bulb connector on some 2011 - 2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2013, which may experience an inoperable low beam bulb due to poor terminal contact at the low beam bulb connector. This condition on the affected headlamp does not affect the other low beam. In addition, the high beams continue to function at all times.
PI1803WX_TSB_R42019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1803WX_TSB_R32019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1803_OWN#2_SOR2019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 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").
VPI1803WX_TSB_R22019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1803WX_TSB_R12019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X)- This bulletin has been revised to include additional information This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
TSBCLI018_CLOSED2019-03-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: MANUAL HVAC CONTROL HEAD UPDATE ? LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA088) - THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN CLOSED.
VPI1803_TSB_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBENG083_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. In these engines highly pressurized gasoline is injected via a common fuel rail and injectors that deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. In comparison, in a conventional Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) engine, the gasoline is injected into the intake port of each cylinder at a relatively low pressure. Due to high fuel pressure in a GDI system, servicing the GDI system requires special attention and handling procedures. This bulletin provides special service information and specifications for the GDI fuel system components.
DC_201901252019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, January 25, 2019 Update - Dear Kia Retailer, At Kia, safety is a top priority and we wrote to you last August and again last October to provide you with updates regarding news reports about non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and the status of Kia?s cooperative work with NHTSA.
VPI1803WX_TSB2019-01-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
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_201810262018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, OCTOBER 26 2018 UPDATE - Dear Kia Retailer, We wrote to you in late August to provide you with an update regarding news reports regarding non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorento and Optima vehicles. Since that time, we have been working cooperatively with NHTSA to analyze the safety performance of these and all Kia vehicles and added additional resources to quickly and effectively address any incidents. Recently, a non-profit consumer advocacy group called the Center for Automotive Safety (CAS) has asked for a recall of Kia vehicles for fire risk and members of the Senate Commerce Committee have asked Kia for additional information related to non-collision fires in Kia vehicles. These actions have generated additional media reports so we are providing you with additional information to assist you and your teams in addressing customer concerns.
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.
PS5392018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSBTRA047_R22018-03-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT. TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
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.
WTY201709R52017-10-15. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. WTY - SC147 Claims Processing Procedures - REVISED - Authorization of Claims Processing for SC147 - See this bulletin for specific handling procedures regarding SC147.

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