The 2012 Kia Sorento has 875 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag engine failures: reports of engines (including non-recalled engines) failing and requiring replacement, sometimes under 100,000 miles, with repair costs around $6,000. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Kia Sorento vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 8 Sorento model years we track, complaint volume runs from 21 (2021) to 976 (2014). With 875 complaints, the 2012 Sorento sits abovethe model's median of 242.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V907000Kia 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 …
engine
Campaign 20V750000Kia 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 17V224000Kia 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 engin…
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 15V626000Kia 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,…
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations. For newer models (2023-2026), feedback is often positive regarding value, interior comfort, ride quality, feature content, and hybrid…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sorento. See the full Sorento owner picture and every model year.
Used Sorento listings typically run $29,848–$34,610 across 2014 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Sorento year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.