Name: 2012 Kia Sorento
Brand: Kia

Kia Sorento

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

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

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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

"It stopped working."

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

CD player

"CD player stopped working, they said they don't replace them."

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

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"In 2012, the year I purchased the car, it was the last year Kia made available updates for it's navigation system. It's only accurate for the year 2012. If a new road or address appeared in 2013 it isn't shown on the unit. There is no way to update it."

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

Steering wheel controls

"Since purchase the volume controls have never worked."

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

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"The engine died and was under a recall. Since I bought the car there have been at least5 to 6 recalls. They made me pay for the parts to put in what I thought was a new engine, only to find out it was remanufactored . Now I have another recall saying I can't park the car in my garage because it might catch on fire. Whatever happened to the lemon law???"

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

Head gasket

"Approx.in Sept.of 2023 as I was driving in a traffic jam, I heard a bubbling sound coming from the engine bay; after checking, the coolant reservoir had a milky substance which my mechanic identified as a mix oil & coolant due to a busted head gasket."

Anonymous A., PR (2012 Kia Sorento SX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Steering And Suspension

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

Alignment

"Car jumps back and forth on roads or highways."

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

Power steering

"sluggish response to steering wheel input"

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

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

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

"Had to replace low beam head light wiring harness twice."

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

Keyless entry

"Constant key fob issues. Replace battery and key fob works for a couple of months but then it will be hard to open doors and vehicle will only start if key fob is put into slot. The same issue happens with 2 separate key fobs."

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

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"The catalytic converter wore out at the connection to a pipe on the engine side. This resulted in an expensive repair with the replacement of the catalytic converter and adjoining pipes."

Anonymous, ON (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 injection system

"6 mos ago I checked oil and it has the smell of gas"

Anonymous A., PA (2012 Kia Sorento 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

Problem(s) fueling the tank

"When I try to put gas in the tank, the hose clicks off every 1/3 of a gallon. I have to pull the hose out and restart filling over and over and over. They recently said its a blocked filter. One has been ordered."

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

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

Windows

"Had to replace ignition cylinder on steering column and drivers door lock cylinder. Had to replace climate control panel."

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

Engine Cooling

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

What Owners Say

Cooling fan

"I noticed an erratic behavior on the temperature gauge; to make a long story short, I was given a free cooling fan by the local KIA Dealer!"

Anonymous A., PR (2012 Kia Sorento SX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Kia Sorento

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Engine Minor

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Engine Cooling

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

Engine Electrical

Transmission Major

Brakes

Transmission Minor

Drive System

Paint And Trim

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