NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 880 owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Most complaints involve engine (461) and electrical system (127). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sorento model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2011 | 1,520 |
| 2012 | 880 |
| 2013 | 983 |
| 2014 | 988 |
| 2015 | 755 |
| 2016 | 1,262 |
| 2017 | 808 |
| 2018 | 255 |
| 2019 | 435 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 194 |
| 2023 | 126 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 77 |
| 2026 | 6 |
“I am filing this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected engine failure in my 2012 Kia Sorento LX equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Vehicle Information: Year: 2012 Make/Model: Kia Sorento LX Engine: 2.4L Theta II VIN: [XXX] While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and lost power, leaving the vehicle inoperable. This occurred without warning. The vehicle received routine maintenance, including regular oil changes, and the failure was not due to intentional neglect or misuse. I am concerned because this vehicle is equipped with the Kia Theta II 2.4L engine family, which has been associated with previous recalls, investigations, settlements, and numerous consumer complaints involving engine seizure, premature failure, stalling, and safety concerns. I understand my specific VIN may not currently fall within an active recall; however, my vehicle has experienced the same type of catastrophic engine failure reported by other Kia owners with similar engines. I am concerned that vehicles outside current recall VIN ranges may still be experiencing the same defect. An unexpected engine failure while driving creates a serious safety concern…”
“My kia Sorento shocks are really bad seems like it bounces Alot More than normal and heard a squeak coming from the shocks also hard to get the to turn when Im park and electric seems to glitch with bulbs going out faster and radio acting like it shorting out since the wiring was replaced it does this”
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was diagnosed and DTC: V1481 was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Sorento 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Sorento 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Sorento 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Sorento 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Sorento 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Sorento 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 880 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (461), electrical system (127), air bags (81). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Kia Sorento at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Kia Sorento 4 out of 5 stars overall.