An award-winning family SUV, the 2012 Kia Sorento combines optional third-row seating with a relatively compact footprint, though its reliability is mixed. Common issues include engine failure, airbag faults, and various electrical issues ranging from mild to severe.
Key Points
- The 2012 Kia Sorento has four recalls covering a range of issues, including engine failure and fuel leaks that may result in a fire.
- Failure rates for the 2012 Kia Sorento’s base 2.4L inline-four engine are high, with owners reporting head gasket problems within the vehicle’s first 60,000 miles.
- Ineffective or failed air conditioning systems are frequently reported, as is peeling and easily damaged paint.
- 2012 Sorento owners often complain of premature headlight failure and doors that cannot be opened from the outside.
- Airbag issues are also common, and repairs can cost in excess of $2,000.
Engine Failure is the Top Complaint Among 2012 Kia Sorento Owners and Led to Recalls and an Open Investigation
The second-generation Kia Sorento (2011–2015) offered improved refinement and economy thanks in part to its new unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension.
Unfortunately, engine failures are common in the 2012 Kia Sorento and represent half of the nearly 700 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The majority of the owner feedback sounds similar and involves the engine randomly making an unusual knocking sound before it suddenly stalls. Sometimes, a “check engine” warning activated before the engine knocking sound began, but not always. Fortunately, some were able to restart the SUV and make it home.
“While driving the vehicle, it felt smooth and after a while a clicking sound started very faintly,” reports one owner. “I stopped at a red light and when I tried to accelerate at the green light, the engine stalled. Everything worked except the engine; it was locked. …An independent mechanic stated a full engine is needed.”
The 2012 Kia Sorento’s engine problems are also addressed in multiple recalls and an open NHTSA investigation, which looked into vehicle fires that originated in the engine compartment of Theta II-equipped vehicles.
Serious Safety Hazards Include Faulty Airbags and Doors That Can’t Be Opened
Airbag system warning lights that randomly activate unnecessarily are another commonly cited issue among owners of the 2012 Kia Sorento.
Though these complaints are widespread on enthusiast forums like Kia Forums and with the NHTSA, no recall has been issued, footing buyers with a repair bill that may be in excess of $2,000.
Another frequent issue involves doors that cannot be opened from the outside. Sometimes this issue is reported in conjunction with use of Child Safety Locks, though in other cases, use of this feature was not related.
There has been no safety recall, and repairs can cost $400 or more per door.
Some 2012 Kia Sorentos May Suffer From Peeling or Easily Damaged Paint and Weak, Melting Headlights
Paint quality seems to be poor on some 2012 Kia Sorentos, with many owners reporting peeling and an easily damaged finish.
These paint issues have been noted on both plastic and metal body panels, and are not confined to a particular factory paint color.
According to owners, the 2012 Kia Sorento is also subject to a bevy of headlight problems, including weak or inconsistent lighting, premature bulb failure, and even overheating and subsequent melting of the lens housing.
Heating and Air Conditioning Failures and Faulty Navigation Systems are Common Issues
A common thread on enthusiast forums concerns the 2012 Kia Sorento’s air conditioning system. Specifically, owners have complained of inadequate cooling, intermittent functioning, or outright failure of the air conditioning compressor.
Though reported with less frequency, failed or malfunctioning heat and ventilation system controls are not uncommon.
Navigation systems have also been known to fail. The problem manifests as an unresponsive screen, and the issue may be intermittent or permanent.
2012 Kia Sorento’s Potential Engine and Safety Problems Overshadow SUV’s Positive Attributes
The 2012 Kia Sorento offers a compelling mix of traits that include strong safety ratings and excellent fuel economy with class-leading 32 mpg on the highway.
Thus, it’s not surprising that the SUV landed on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the “10 Best Family Cars of 2012” as well as being named one of Consumers Digest‘s “Best Buys.”
However, the sport utility vehicle’s potential for dangerous engine failures, fires, and electrical issues tend to overshadow its finer points. But it may be worth the gamble considering that Vehicle History users give the 2012 Kia Sorento a respectable 4.3 stars (out of five).
Photos: Kia
