2012 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Kia Sorento ranks 3rd worst of 21 model years, with 880 complaints and a complaint index of 90. Engine problems dominate at 56% of complaints, backed by 5 recalls including two separate engine fire campaigns, earning it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 880
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 21
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 77
- Injuries
- 36
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 36 / 0
Top 2012 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine490 (56%)
- Electrical System174 (20%)
- Brakes113 (13%)
- Other84 (10%)
- Airbags81 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain55 (6%)
- Structure & Body48 (5%)
- Fuel System39 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers28 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the vehicle rolling away after being left in park with the engine off or idling, in at least one case crashing into a house.
- Engine compartment fires were reported, including one case where smoke, oil, and a small flame came from the engine near 129,000 miles after a loud banging noise.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed side and rear collisions, in one case leaving occupants injured.
- One report describes a young child shifting the vehicle out of park on an incline, causing it to roll and strike a tree.
- An electrical fire was reported overnight while the vehicle was parked in a driveway, triggering the car alarm.
- A seat belt reportedly failed to fully restrain a child passenger during a multi-vehicle rear-end collision.
2012 Kia Sorento recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
2012 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2012 Sorento has a complaint index of 90, the 3rd highest among 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Engine problems account for 56% of its 880 complaints.
- What are the main problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?
- The top problem area is the engine, with 490 complaints (56% share) and a median failure mileage of 98,000. Electrical system issues follow at 174 complaints, and brakes at 113 complaints.
- Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires, and recall 18V907000 covers fuel pipe inspection after prior engine replacements. Recall 17V224000 addresses machining errors that caused premature bearing wear.
- How does the 2012 Sorento compare to other Sorento years?
- The 2012 model's complaint index of 90 is close to the worst year, 2011, at 100, but worse than 2013's 80 and 2015's 70. The lowest complaint index among all years belongs to 2024, at 15.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Sorento, covering engine, brakes, and transmission components, with none classified as do-not-drive.