2012 Kia Sorento Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2012 Kia Sorento
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
- Scores 14 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2011 Kia Sorento earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: 2.4l gdi engine (theta ii) (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2012 Kia Sorento?
The 2012 Kia Sorento offers a compelling feature set for its price point, but its reliability is a mixed bag heavily influenced by the specific engine choice. While some components hold up well, the widespread issues with the 2.4L GDI engine's connecting rod bearings introduce a significant risk that potential owners must acknowledge and meticulously verify. If you're considering this vehicle, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and service history review are not just recommended, they are absolutely essential to avoid a potentially catastrophic and expensive engine failure.
Biggest Strengths
- Value for money and standard features
- Generally solid transmission performance
- Spacious and comfortable interior
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2012 Kia Sorento. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
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.
What breaks on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Kia Sorento by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Kia Sorento. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2012 Kia Sorento
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Frequently Asked Questions
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