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    Kia Sorento

    EPA MPG: 22 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Sorento is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Kia Sorento has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "No picture. Not resolved."

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""When the car is cold, under 55F it takes 8-15min for it to warm up and come back to functional use depending on the temperature. When it was out it would respond to manual controls such as changing radio stations or volume with the steering wheel toggle. Back up camera would not display until screen warmed up.""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The display shows icons when there is a problem (i.e.tires are low). Last year the icons appeared and will not go away. Service shop says it would cost too much to fix."

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    ""The back-up camera stopped working, and cannot be fixed.""

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "I replaced multiple times since owned the car"

    Anonymous A., (2012 Kia Sorento LX 3.5-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    ""In 13 years of owning this car, this was the first problem I had with it. The left front shock had worn out. I replaced it. No further problem.""

    Anonymous, BC (2012 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)

    "Replaced most of front and components. Shocks struts tie, rods, bushings, stabilizer bar. It still makes a lot of noise going over bumps and on."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Kia Sorento LX 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    ""My vehicle starts with a key but my keyless entry system stopped working about 3 years ago (2022). At first the dealership thought it was the battery and replaced it, but it stopped working about a week after. I started using the spare key, but it too soon failed to open the doors. I started opening them manually by inserting the key in the driver's side door (the only door on the entire vehicle with a keyhole), but after a few months, I had such trouble unlocking my vehicle that I decided to lock the other doors (which will happen if I manually push the "lock" button while the driver's side door is open and the engine is still running - or turned on battery only), and just leave the driver's side door unlocked. I just make sure my glove compartment is locked and I've left no valuables (laptop, etc.) in my vehicle. The problem has not been resolved; the dealership informed me it would cost over $700 alone just to have my keys re-coded after the replacement of the system. I love my Sorento, but at 13+ years old and 187,000 miles, it's not worth to spend the money on a repair that doesn't impede it's operation or performance.""

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    ""The side drivers side control plate kept falling off, and now can't be fixed at all.""

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Sunroof

    ""Sun roof would start to close then feel resistance and open up again. Had to gently tap it forward until it was more than halfway closed and it would finish closing automatically. Had it serviced with a clean and greasing, which helped however it ran slowly.""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    ""Late summer 2024, Just prior to buying the car the previous owner had the front Cat replaced (may have been a misdiagnosis due to previous owner's technical knowledge), I had them get a go0d diagnosis for a continuing issue of no power. It was the rear cat which was reflected in the purchase price. I then replaced it myself and have had no issues since.""

    Anonymous A., WI (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Alternator failed"

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Kia Sorento EX 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Difficult to fill up gas tank

    "Tried to fill up gas tank but fuel would not go in tank. Had to leave gas cap off overnight and then could fill up gas tank next day"

    Anonymous A., TN (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Problem(s) fueling the tank

    "Carbon build up in the fuel canister"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Ac went totally out"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    "Needs new compressor. Not fixed."

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Cost $11,000 to replace engine after botched oil change. Could not prove beyond a doubt that company who did oil change created problem but engine seized when all oil leaked out. Engine light never came on about low oil"

    Anonymous A., TN (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "Light bulb harness overheated and burned out."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Kia Sorento LX 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    "early 2025 fuel pump failed and was replaced"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "Rear lift poles needed replaced rear lift would not stay open. Re placed lift bars"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    "Brake hose kinked and stopped normal fluid flow. Caused brakes to stay locked, burning smell and damage to calipers and rotors all of which needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous A., MD (2012 Kia Sorento EX 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    ""broken seal, replaced driveshaft""

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    "2021 drivers side heated seat failed to work.did not repair due to high cost and living in florida"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2012 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 25, 2023
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V652000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1730192
    ENGINE
    Dec 02, 2020
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V750000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 294756
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 19, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
    What should you do:
    Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 71653
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Mar 31, 2017
    Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V224000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 618160
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 06, 2015
    Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V626000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 377062
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