2012 Kia Sorento
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Sorento is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 381 on record.
2012 Kia Sorento at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2012 Kia Sorento recalls 5
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 repl…
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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,…
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.
Fix: 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.
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 wi…
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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, …
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2012 Kia Sorento common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 874 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2012 Kia Sorento safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2012 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2012 Kia Sorento worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($14,035) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,550), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2012 Kia Sorento trims & engines on record
2012 Kia Sorento vehicles on record
2012 Kia Sorento GL(Middle-low grade)5XYKT3A68CG267129
2012 Kia Sorento TOP (High Grade)5XYKWDA26CG267494
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A13CG279841
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A64CG309425
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A69CG304916
2012 Kia Sorento SX5XYKW4A2XCG255560
2012 Kia Sorento SX5XYKWDA26CG193686
2012 Kia Sorento SX5XYKW4A22CG208815
2012 Kia Sorento SX5XYKWDA24CG302923
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT4A1XCG273489
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKTCA60CG293918
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A18CG257298
2012 Kia Sorento EX5XYKU4A66CG248730
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A65CG230877
2012 Kia Sorento Base5XYKT3A12CG303482
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A66CG224957
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKTDA28CG227300
2012 Kia Sorento SX5XYKW4A20CG254529
2012 Kia Sorento Base5XYKT3A14CG229854
2012 Kia Sorento EX5XYKUDA20CG209192
2012 Kia Sorento Base5XYKT4A12CG304377
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKTDA23CG241279
2012 Kia Sorento Base5XYKT3A1XCG233469
2012 Kia Sorento LX5XYKT3A6XCG190893
Other Kia Sorento model years
2012 Kia Sorento — frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sorento?
Based on 874 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, suspension.
What is the 2012 Kia Sorento safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2012 Kia Sorento an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Sorento get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Sorento at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway).
How much is a 2012 Kia Sorento worth?
Comparable 2012 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $10,500–$17,500, typically around $14,035 (from 378 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.