2012 Kia Sorento Kia Sorento 2012

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2012 Kia Sorento repairs by problem area

Engine (16%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (14%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (33%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (20%)

Other (11%)

Chart based on 132 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento.

2012 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (1%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (65%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 88 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Kia Sorento

Engine not specified

Kia Sorento in Delaware, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2017
Oct 2016

64300 mi
knocking in motor - replaced short block 
Jan 2017

66000 mi
Shift control switch and connector plug 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

58000 mi
having issues with car stuttering intermittently while driving - dealer could not replicate - not fixed 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Sri Lankia
Nov 2014 - Jan 2022
Aug 2015

38060 mi

$685
Steering rack damage and replace complete steering rack 
Dec 2015

43400 mi

$30
when turning the car sound come at CV joint. replace the both side CV Joints. 
Aug 2016

55340 mi

$600
auto transmission removed for replace tramission fluid. but every seals and sensor oil temp change. damper pully also change. splines of hypoid gear shaft and case differential wested. now running on 2 wheel. 
Jun 2018

82460 mi

$450
Front Shock absorbers, rear bumpers ball joints change. 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2015
Jun 2013

10000 mi
Plastic seat anchor cover replaced. 
Jul 2014

20300 mi
Replace the cabin filter cover that I broke trying to exchange cabin filters. My fault all the way. 
Feb 2015

24000 mi

US $160
OEM battery died. 
Kia Sorento in Alaska, United States
Dec 2012 - Mar 2021
Jan 2013

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. 
Mar 2021

35000 mi

US $3500
worst choice in my life. oil leaking between engine and transmission. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
May 2015 - Jun 2022
Jun 2016

42000 mi
Replace broken windshield washer pump. 
Jun 2017

51170 mi

US $500
A/C high side line had a leak. Replaced the line, flushed and charged the system. 
Kia Sorento in Missouri, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2013
Aug 2011

7500 mi
Broken driver seat trim Broken driver seat trim 
Nov 2011

17900 mi
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. 
Dec 2012

58000 mi
UVO system started having glitchy errors then stopped working altogether requiring new head unit 
Jan 2013

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. 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2013
Nov 2012

32000 mi
Second-row seat stuck, plus gunk inside driver's door fouling window. 
Dec 2012

34000 mi
Headlights needed re-alignment 
Kia Sorento in California, United States
Sep 2011 - Feb 2022
Dec 2021

86000 mi

US $30
Struts for the rear hatch failed. I replaced them myself. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

77000 mi

US $350
Transmission was serviced due to slipping issues.  It was also identified all four wheels needed new suspension parts for 1k but I did not proceed with that work. 
Kia Sorento in Alabama, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2016
Oct 2014

82500 mi

US $300
Had to replace a pulley and a belt. 
May 2016

143000 mi

US $750
ABS lights were on. Was told moisture had damaged the original ones and had to replace in order for them to work properly. 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2018
Aug 2016

88100 mi

US $505
Replaced alternator on 2012 Kia Sorento in August 2016 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Dec 2012 - Mar 2015
Feb 2014

36000 mi
Fog light seal was bad causing cloudiness in fog light assembly. Replaced fog light assembly under warranty 
Nov 2014

49000 mi

US $158
Battery not charging. Not enough power to turn engine over. Replaced bad battery 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013 rattling from dash panels. 
Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2018
Dec 2012

9000 mi
Dash lights fail intermittently. Dealer cannot replicate the problem, no repair, no help. Took it in twice, unresolved. 
May 2013

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 
Jun 2013

17000 mi
back-up camera AGAIN failed. Took it in, where it worked perfectly. 
Jul 2013

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. 
Nov 2014

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. 
Feb 2015

24000 mi
Same ol' problem, intermittent black out of dash & console lights 
Jul 2015

27200 mi
oil pan gasket leaking, gasket replaced 
Sep 2017

38000 mi

US $328
Bearings on A/C pulley were making horrific noise. New pulley was $75, remaining $258 was labor, shop supplies. 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2018
Jul 2012

4700 mi
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- 
Sep 2012

8000 mi
Check engine light due to bad sensor - Awaiting repair parts Located Owners Manual in glove box to look up reason for check engine light. Owners Manual was not properly bound, entire book and pages were falling out. Advised Irwin, Pennsylvania dealer- told MANUAL NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Rear wheel well plastic trim was falling off car- Dealer discovered that incorrect retainer clips were used during assembly 
Sep 2013

16000 mi
Rear bolts used to mount bumper rusting - Dealer ordered replacement parts 
Nov 2013

19100 mi
Still waiting from Dealer, Jim Shorkey to advise us if Kia will replace bolts and rusting panels on bumper- 
Jan 2014

22800 mi
Sorento stalling without reason. Dealer unable to determine reason for stalling. 
Mar 2014

27000 mi
Still waiting for dealer to resolve rusting stainless steel bumper panels.. 
Jul 2014

28300 mi
Sway bars replaced Antenna defective 
Sep 2014

30000 mi
Sirius signal was cutting in and out- Dealer replaced antenna 
Mar 2015

36000 mi
Noise in rear suspension- Dealer unable to determine reason at last service visit. 
May 2015

38000 mi

US $112
Battery died - Car required AAA service call 
Jul 2015

38700 mi

US $50
Backup warning sensors stopped functioning requiring sensor replacement 
Oct 2016

54500 mi
Passenger door lock handle fell off Support struts failed on rear cargo hatch causing hatch door not to stay open properly 
Jul 2017

65000 mi

US $50
Other Passenger outside door handle fell apart/fell off car. Dealer claims wear not covered by extended warranty. 
Dec 2017

71000 mi

US $50
Front noise occurred- Stabilizer bar replaced under extended warranty. 
Kia Sorento in Nova Scotia, Canada
Nov 2011 - Feb 2014
Jul 2013

16620 mi
Right rear passenger door handle was sticking. Veh will be going in for same thing in October.. 
Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2011 - Jun 2015
Oct 2011

248 mi
Was pulling right. Changing front tire position resolved the problem. 
Feb 2012

3100 mi
Squeaks in the middle console on the front passenger side. Squeaks in the middle console on the front passenger side. Dealer knows the problem and resolve it. 
Apr 2012

4960 mi
Exterior driver door handle won't open the door. Parts inside the door failed. Replaced under warranty. Exterior driver door handle won't open the door. Parts inside the door failed. Replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2012

13640 mi
Back-up camera unsealed. Bad image quality (foggy). Camera replaced under warranty. Service engine light came up and vehicle slow down until complete stop. Need to shut down the engine and re-start. Will redo randomly. Service bulletin called for bad program but trottle body actuator was replaced under bulletin revision. 
Dec 2013

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). 
Jan 2015

15840 mi
Loose link-kit on front left wheel. Parts changed and coverred by warranty. 
Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2011

3000 mi
Drivetrain thump which could be felt upon starting engine. Apparently common to this vehicle. 
Oct 2012

21300 mi

US $75
Burning odor when operating HVAC. Dealer changed cabin air filter. 
Aug 2015

58300 mi

US $380
Squeak when steering wheel was turned. Steering rack was replaced. 
Sep 2015

60000 mi
Loud clunk in left front immediately after brake repair. Lower control arm bolt flange was replaced. Middle row seatback would not release after being folded down. Seat latch cables were adjusted. Engine intermittently failed to start; starter would not activate. Loose/bad connection was found, treated with dielectric grease & re-seated. 
May 2017

95000 mi

US $300
Replaced inhibitor switch in attempt to fix intermittent failure to start. 
Jul 2021

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. 
May 2022

136000 mi

US $200
Passenger (right) side outer rear door handle broke off. Was replaced by a new assembly. 
Kia Sorento in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
May 2012

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 
Nov 2015

16000 mi
idler pulley noisy when acelerating 
Dec 2016

21000 mi

US $120
Five year old battery failed load test requirements.Requested dealer replace battery. 
Aug 2017

27000 mi
Replace left front lower ball joint. Seems to be a lot of premature ball joint failures on this model Kia Sorento. My extended dealer warranty covered this repair less a $50 deductible 
Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States
Jul 2011 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

5300 mi
Electric Door latch malfunction 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2022
Aug 2014

25800 mi
Idler pulley (noise) for the transmission, was fully functional. Replaced under warranty. 
Kia Sorento in Manitoba, Canada
Oct 2011 - Sep 2017
Sep 2015

43400 mi
It is running terribly since it came back and sputters upon starting. For the a long time it doesn't seem to be in gear when running. The part has not failed so I have no correct answer to that question. 
Jul 2016

47740 mi
Recalled 
Jul 2017

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. 
Kia Sorento in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2011 - Jun 2014
Mar 2012

4960 mi
faulty fuel pump and sensor repaired under warranty failure of replacement fuel pump 
Dec 2013

32860 mi
Heated steering wheel not working. Part replaced 
Kia Sorento in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2011 - Feb 2021
Aug 2015

65600 mi
Broken rear passenger door handle 
Jan 2017

96000 mi
Clunk in front end. Dealer unable to locate the source of the problem and was told to bring it back when it got worse/louder. 
Oct 2017

112000 mi

US $200
ball joint replaced 
Sep 2018

125000 mi
Brought to shop for clunking noise in suspension. Shop unable to diagnose so no repair was completed. 
Kia Sorento in Washington, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2013
May 2013

8000 mi
Accelerator sensor malfunction 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

191-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2016
Jan 2016

US $350
replaced struts, strut mounts, etc air bag sensor 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Dec 2013 - Sep 2016
May 2014

42900 mi
Fuel filler cap would not spring open 
Jun 2015

57000 mi
Non-functioning front door speaker (passenger side) 
Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada
May 2012 - Jul 2022
Dec 2013

13640 mi
Problems with starter 
Feb 2016

29760 mi
Seat heater 
Jul 2022

58900 mi

C $900
front right ball bearing + brakes and discs on 4 wheels 
Kia Sorento in New York, United States
Mar 2012 - Oct 2017
Aug 2015

27700 mi
Reclining rear seats very difficult to operate. Both sets of mechanisms were replaced, acommon problem caused by "cheep materials". 
Apr 2016

31300 mi
Drivers side heated seat failed, still under warantee. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - Apr 2014
Apr 2013

20800 mi
Seat heaters need to be replaced. 
Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2013

17000 mi
Rear right passenger seat back broken - would not return to upright position. Replaced parts. 
Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2015
Sep 2011

4000 mi
Drivers map light was not installed correctly. Dealer reinstalled it so that electrical contacts lined up and it worked fine. 
Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States
Mar 2012 - Oct 2014
Oct 2012

10300 mi
Drivers window rubber trim replaced. Had folded over and window would not seal proper. 
Kia Sorento in Maryland, United States
Sep 2011 - Feb 2022
Jul 2015

26200 mi
Leaking oil pan. Replaced the oil pan under warrantee. 
Jul 2018

43000 mi
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. 
Dec 2021

65000 mi

US $289
Removed and replaced both the left and right rear wheel hub assembly and wheel speed sensors. Also replaced left rear brake light bulb. 
Kia Sorento in North Carolina, United States
May 2011 - Sep 2012
Mar 2012

9000 mi
Bluetooth not working. Wire to Microphone disconnected. 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

191-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2015
Feb 2015

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 
Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2011 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

4800 mi
Took vehicle for 1st scheduled maint. Had loud clicking sound. Dealer said catastrophic failure in the engine. Metal bits in the oil & elsewhere, engine seized twice while they had it. Replaced the block & rebuilt. traded it in. Took vehicle for 1st scheduled maint. Had loud clicking sound. Dealer said catastrophic failure in the engine. Metal bits in the oil & elsewhere, engine seized twice while they had it. Replaced the block & rebuilt. traded it in. 
Kia Sorento in Oklahoma, United States
Apr 2013 - Mar 2017
Jul 2013

10700 mi

US $135
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 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
May 2017

51460 mi

C $110
Front suspension knocking left side. Replace link kit. 
Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States
Dec 2017 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022

107000 mi
Replaced all brake pads and flushed brake lines. 
Kia Sorento in Florida, United States
Jul 2012 - Sep 2013
Aug 2012

9800 mi
driver seat trim around the power seat adjustment levers constantly breaking. Since purchase in Febuary 2012 this problem has been returned to dealer four times. 
Oct 2012

11500 mi
Same problem with the seat trim. We returned the vehicle to Kia dealer with appointment and was told that they were in conversation with Kia corporate office discussing this repair. this will be the 5th attempt by a Kia dealer. 
Aug 2013

20900 mi
Same problem as in past. The repairs last for a few weeks and the same problem reoccurs. I guess the solution will be to repair the problem, dispose of thr vehicle and replace it. Definitely not with a Kia. 
Kia Sorento in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2018
Oct 2012

10300 mi
Local body shop said have a soft paint job, since then have found this to be known problem with KIA. District rep. met and took pictures Oct.4,2012 and said customer service would call but haven't heard from them since. 
Jan 2013

12000 mi
Paint coming off car LT year old. At factory rep. request took to dealer who sent me to independent body shop for estimate. Sent notice that they would pat $700 against estimate of $1404. Kia warranty useless. 
Apr 2013

12200 mi
After turning claim in with BBB,got agreement with Kia to paint hood,front fenders and top. Used estimate and got painted April 1- 5, 2013. Thanks, M.S. 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Kia Sorento in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2015
Sep 2012

23000 mi

US $100
DASH RATTLE 
Oct 2012

25000 mi

US $100
Replaced DRIVERS SIDE SEAT LOOSE FROM THE TRACK PASSENGER SEAT SQUEEKS WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN IT DASH RATTLE 

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2012 Kia Sorento 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Kia Sorento in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2013 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

92000 mi
Block replaced. Cam replaced. Oil pump sensor replaced. Metal chips found. 

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2012 Kia Sorento

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Kia Sorento in Texas, United States
May 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2013

19000 mi
i have rattles in my dashboard. they said it was fixed but not. this was the third trip to the dealer so i guess im going to take it back. 
Jul 2013

19200 mi
i took the car in for the same rattling problem in the dash borad and also a thumping sound coming from the rear of the car. i told the service manager about the problem they kept the car 3 days still not fixed. 

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2012 Kia Sorento Repair Histories

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.