2012 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#3 most-complained of 21 Sorento years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Kia Sorento has 880 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #3 highest of 21 Sorento model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (490 complaints, 56% of the total). Complaints report 21 crashes, 77 fires, and 36 injuries.
- Complaints
- 880
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 21 / 77
- Injuries / deaths
- 36 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
Top 2012 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Kia Sorento ranks #3 of 21 among Sorento model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 880 complaints and 5 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (490 complaints), electrical system (174 complaints), and brakes (113 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 90,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Sorento, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes, engine, and transmission & powertrain.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Sorento?
- EPA rates the 2012 Kia Sorento at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.