Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 877 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Sorento, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 320 | 36% |
| Air bags | 55 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 55 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 37 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 36 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 31 | 4% |
| Power train | 23 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 23 | 3% |
| Structure | 18 | 2% |
| Visibility | 12 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I had taken the Kia Sorrento to a local shop to get an oil change, and Mavis tire had discovered that the rear suspension and rear subframe were severely corroded with rust and I was told that the car is unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
On June 6, 2026, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly began smelling strongly of gasoline and burnt rubber. Within seconds, thick black smoke became visible in the side mirrors, followed immediately by white smoke po
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact’s spouse stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The contact's spouse noticed smoke
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 201
NHTSA complaint: Steering
In September 2025, an authorized Kia dealership performed recall SC284XM (HECU electrical short fire risk) on this 2012 Kia Sorento. During the repair, the dealership disconnected the battery, resetting the PCM/ECU and c
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Engine warning lamp illuminated as the engine lost some power. Code was diagnosed as the knock sensor issue. Unit taken to mechanic to evaluate and diagnose. Repair shop notified us that based on the sensor, the engin
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 pi
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 1-800-333-454
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
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
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 transmissio
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.
| Reliability raw | 51 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 61 | average |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 877 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 320 of them (36%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 51/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2012 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 63/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.