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Chart based on 40 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
Auto headlamps do not work. Only turn on in very dark and never shut off during light conditions. Kia's response to auto headlights is it's a sealed system. No way to repair it.
58000 mi
UVO system started having glitchy errors then stopped working altogether requiring new head unit
21000 mi
New UVO head unit having same glitchy problems that led to replacement of head unit. Dealer unable/ unwilling to change head unit a second time. Done with glitchy piece of junk. Trading in for a real car.
24000 mi
US $160
OEM battery died.
6000 mi
Driver seat heater failed intermittently at the begining, now is dead. Waiting for new seat. Dealer couldn't find where is the problem after few hours tests. They want to change entire seat to see if problems could be fixed. Really not happy.
42000 mi
Replace broken windshield washer pump.
51170 mi
US $500
A/C high side line had a leak. Replaced the line, flushed and charged the system.
Navigation System went dead-Req'd. Replacement-Dlr unable to match dash parts after repair-Commented to Dlr parts matched when new - Irwin Pa. Dlr stated-
28300 mi
Antenna defective
30000 mi
Sirius signal was cutting in and out- Dealer replaced antenna
Battery not charging. Not enough power to turn engine over. Replaced bad battery
88100 mi
US $505
Replaced alternator on 2012 Kia Sorento in August 2016
9000 mi
Dash lights fail intermittently. Dealer cannot replicate the problem, no repair, no help. Took it in twice, unresolved.
13000 mi
Backup camera fails to "light up" on the monitor screen, intermittently. I haven't had time to take it in for service, but will when I return home in early June
17000 mi
back-up camera AGAIN failed. Took it in, where it worked perfectly.
17200 mi
Back in for same problem, intermittent failure of back-up camera. At direction of KIA engineers, dealer inspected and tightened connections in tailgate and behind EVO unit. They seem to think this will solve the problem. I'm hoping so. Update: solved.
23000 mi
Intermittent blackout of dash lights, failure would not occur for the dealer, so KIA would not authorize warranty parts replacements. Was told to bring it back when it happenws again.
24000 mi
Same ol' problem, intermittent black out of dash & console lights
38000 mi
US $328
Bearings on A/C pulley were making horrific noise. New pulley was $75, remaining $258 was labor, shop supplies.
32860 mi
Heated steering wheel not working. Part replaced
3100 mi
Drivers power seat motor inoperative. All left side power seat functions inoperative. Replace drivers side power seat motor and frame assembly.Electrical failure.Repair successful but vehicle returned with scratches on seat back and lower sections.Technician failed to place seat on a protective surface when performing repair
21000 mi
US $120
Five year old battery failed load test requirements.Requested dealer replace battery.
5300 mi
Electric Door latch malfunction
21300 mi
US $75
Burning odor when operating HVAC. Dealer changed cabin air filter.
130000 mi
US $1300
Once started, the engine ran roughly and slowly. No electronic items functioned; shifter was stuck in park. on a 95+ degree day, the engine cooling fans did not run and for about an hour, the engine could not be shut off. Tow truck driver was able to shut it off after jumping the battery. Car spent over TWO WEEKS at R K KIA before they even looked at it. The problem turned out to be simply a bad alternator.
47740 mi
C $750
Audio system stopped working. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle. I have had it in to be checked numerous times and they couldnt find the problem. They will not cover it under warranty even though it has been an issue since day 1. Very disappointed.
13640 mi
Back-up camera unsealed. Bad image quality (foggy). Camera replaced under warranty.
17980 mi
C $190
Charging light came in the dash. Dealer has tested the alternator but found after that the battery was grounded. Had to replace the battery (warranty paid for 20% of battery price and 100% of replacement time).
Back-up camera works intermittently. Did not have replaced since the shop was unable to determine whether the camera was defective or if the problem was due to faulty wiring. Problem still exists; ordered a new camera, but the part is on back order so I have to wait until the camera arrives to determine if this will resolve the problem.
57000 mi
Non-functioning front door speaker (passenger side)
13640 mi
Problems with starter
29760 mi
Seat heater
20800 mi
Seat heaters need to be replaced.
4000 mi
Drivers map light was not installed correctly. Dealer reinstalled it so that electrical contacts lined up and it worked fine.
31300 mi
Drivers side heated seat failed, still under warantee.
9000 mi
Bluetooth not working. Wire to Microphone disconnected.
Broken AC Compressor: Cost of part was $1020, had to be shipped in from out of state, but was covered under warranty.
Brake Rotors needed machining, this is what cost $135
81000 mi
US $149
Drivers Seat Heater was not working. they charged $95 to check it with obd reader. Gave them no information, checked different components, determined lower heating element was bad. $500 for the part, est $250 labor. bought a seat heater for $149 ebay
See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how
frequently 2012 Kia Sorento problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.