2012 Kia Sorento — Specs, Recalls & Safety
The 2012 Kia Sorento is a suv from South Korea. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2012 Sorento VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
When things go wrong — failure mileage by component
| Component | Complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 345 | 101,541 mi (median) |
| Electrical | 110 | 80,000 mi (median) |
| Brakes | 78 | 119,509 mi (median) |
| Airbags | 71 | 97,000 mi (median) |
| Powertrain | 49 | 50,000 mi (median) |
| Lighting | 45 | 98,000 mi (median) |
Recall gap — complaints without a matching recall
9 components with significant owner complaints but no corresponding NHTSA recall campaign:
- Airbags — 71 complaints
- Body — 22 complaints · 2 alleged fires
- Cruise Control — 23 complaints · 1 alleged fires
- Electrical — 110 complaints · 19 alleged fires
70 alleged fires reported for this model year across all components.
73 service bulletins (TSBs) on file. Top category: airbags (6 bulletins).
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0) — aggregated from public NHTSA complaints and recalls. Owner reports are unverified; scores reflect volume, not per-vehicle defect rates.
Overview
Specifications at a glance
| Model year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Make | Kia |
| Model | Sorento |
| Body | SUV |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Source: EPA SmartWay vehicle list (public domain, U.S. EPA). Scores are EPA certification values for the configuration: trim, engine and transmission change the result.
NHTSA safety recalls — 2012 Kia Sorento
Most reported problem areas: 2012 Kia Sorento
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this vehicle, grouped by component, with the mileage where failures typically appear. Source: ProblemsByVin aggregation of public NHTSA complaints (unverified owner reports).
| Component | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Typical repair estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 345 | 101,541 mi | $3,100 |
| Electrical | 110 | 80,000 mi | $850 |
| Brakes | 78 | 119,509 mi | $450 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 71 | 97,000 mi | $1,100 |
Related OBD-II diagnostic codes: P0300 · P0171 · P0128 each with what the code means and how urgent it is.
Check-engine light on your 2012 Sorento?
Every 1996-and-newer vehicle uses the OBD-II standard. Look up any stored code, then search 2,000+ codes to see what each code means and how urgent it is.
Have a question about the 2012 Sorento?
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Related guides for 2012 Kia Sorento owners & buyers
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2012 Kia Sorento specs?
The 2012 Sorento is a SUV. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 2012 Sorento?
No open NHTSA recalls were found in our latest check. Recall status is tracked per-VIN, decode the specific VIN to confirm.
Is the 2012 Kia Sorento reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on maintenance history, a well-serviced example almost always outperforms a neglected one.
How do I check this specific 2012 Sorento?
Enter the VIN above to see the factory-decoded specifications and open recalls. Combine with a free vehicle history check and a pre-purchase inspection.
How much is a 2012 Kia Sorento worth?
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them, and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 2012 Sorento?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page: NHTSA vPIC (specifications), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA NCAP (safety), EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG), SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Kia or any government agency.