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2012 Kia Sorento

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Kia Sorento
Pictured: 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD, LX/EX 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
183.9 in
Curb weight
3,605–4,050 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints764 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 121 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Kia Sorento is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb (LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 15% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 764 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sorento — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sorento →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
LX/EX 4dr SUV AWD183.9 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,050 lb56/44
LX/EX 4dr SUV FWD183.9 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,605 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+15%$2,800370
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+15%$2,800370
Sorento 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+21%$2,900386
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+5%$3,050404
Sorento 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+5%$3,050404
Sorento 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Sorento 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+5%$3,350444
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Sorento.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Kia Sorento (this car)24 MPGNot rated5
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine · Dec 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles

Problem
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.
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, 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.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V626000 · 377,062 vehicles

Problem
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 with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

764Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
77Involved a fire
28Injuries reported
97,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine418
Electrical System107
Air Bags76
Unknown Or Other76
Service Brakes, Hydraulic63
Exterior Lighting52
Power Train30
Fuel/Propulsion System30
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 224/09: 424/10: 324/12: 125/01: 225/02: 225/03: 125/04: 125/05: 425/06: 125/08: 225/09: 325/10: 125/11: 125/12: 226/01: 226/02: 526/03: 326/04: 226/05: 126/06: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 324/0824/1225/0325/0625/1026/0126/0426/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 418 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 107 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Air Bags — 76 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sorento years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sorento37–Not rated00
2026 Sorento37189 inNot rated29
2025 Sorento36189 in★★★★★4135
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9227
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5275
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 inNot rated81,258

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →