| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2012 Kia Sorento repairs by problem area
Engine (16%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)
Brakes and Traction Control (2%)
Suspension and Steering (14%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (33%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (20%)
Other (11%)
Chart based on 132 repairs.
2012 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution
$2500+ (1%)
$1000 - $2499 (1%)
$500 - $999 (9%)
$100 - $499 (24%)
< $100 (65%)
Chart based on 88 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2012 Kia Sorento
Engine not specified
| Kia Sorento in Delaware, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Oct 201664300 mi | knocking in motor - replaced short block | ||
| Jan 201766000 mi | Shift control switch and connector plug | ||
| Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2015 - Jul 2015 | |||
| Jul 201558000 mi | having issues with car stuttering intermittently while driving - dealer could not replicate - not fixed | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Kia Sorento in Sri Lankia Nov 2014 - Jan 2022 | |||
| Aug 201538060 mi$685 | Steering rack damage and replace complete steering rack | ||
| Dec 201543400 mi$30 | when turning the car sound come at CV joint. replace the both side CV Joints. | ||
| Aug 201655340 mi$600 | auto transmission removed for replace tramission fluid. but every seals and sensor oil temp change. damper pully also change. splines of hypoid gear shaft and case differential wested. now running on 2 wheel. | ||
| Jun 201882460 mi$450 | Front Shock absorbers, rear bumpers ball joints change. | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Mar 2012 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Jun 201310000 mi | Plastic seat anchor cover replaced. | ||
| Jul 201420300 mi | Replace the cabin filter cover that I broke trying to exchange cabin filters. My fault all the way. | ||
| Feb 201524000 miUS $160 | OEM battery died. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Alaska, United States Dec 2012 - Mar 2021 | |||
| Jan 20136000 mi | Driver seat heater failed intermittently at the begining, now is dead. Waiting for new seat. Dealer couldn't find where is the problem after few hours tests. They want to change entire seat to see if problems could be fixed. Really not happy. | ||
| Mar 202135000 miUS $3500 | worst choice in my life. oil leaking between engine and transmission. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States May 2015 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 201642000 mi | Replace broken windshield washer pump. | ||
| Jun 201751170 miUS $500 | A/C high side line had a leak. Replaced the line, flushed and charged the system. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Missouri, United States May 2011 - Jan 2013 | |||
| Aug 20117500 mi | Broken driver seat trim Broken driver seat trim | ||
| Nov 201117900 mi | Auto headlamps do not work. Only turn on in very dark and never shut off during light conditions. Kia's response to auto headlights is it's a sealed system. No way to repair it. | ||
| Dec 201258000 mi | UVO system started having glitchy errors then stopped working altogether requiring new head unit | ||
| Jan 201321000 mi | New UVO head unit having same glitchy problems that led to replacement of head unit. Dealer unable/ unwilling to change head unit a second time. Done with glitchy piece of junk. Trading in for a real car. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Texas, United States Oct 2012 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Nov 201232000 mi | Second-row seat stuck, plus gunk inside driver's door fouling window. | ||
| Dec 201234000 mi | Headlights needed re-alignment | ||
| Kia Sorento in California, United States Sep 2011 - Feb 2022 | |||
| Dec 202186000 miUS $30 | Struts for the rear hatch failed. I replaced them myself. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Aug 2017 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 201877000 miUS $350 | Transmission was serviced due to slipping issues. It was also identified all four wheels needed new suspension parts for 1k but I did not proceed with that work. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Alabama, United States Mar 2012 - Jul 2016 | |||
| Oct 201482500 miUS $300 | Had to replace a pulley and a belt. | ||
| May 2016143000 miUS $750 | ABS lights were on. Was told moisture had damaged the original ones and had to replace in order for them to work properly. | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Kia Sorento in Wisconsin, United States Jan 2015 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Aug 201688100 miUS $505 | Replaced alternator on 2012 Kia Sorento in August 2016 | ||
| Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States Dec 2012 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Feb 201436000 mi | Fog light seal was bad causing cloudiness in fog light assembly. Replaced fog light assembly under warranty | ||
| Nov 201449000 miUS $158 | Battery not charging. Not enough power to turn engine over. Replaced bad battery | ||
| Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2012 - Jan 2013 | |||
| Jan 2013 | rattling from dash panels. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States Nov 2012 - Mar 2018 | |||
| Dec 20129000 mi | Dash lights fail intermittently. Dealer cannot replicate the problem, no repair, no help. Took it in twice, unresolved. | ||
| May 201313000 mi | Backup camera fails to "light up" on the monitor screen, intermittently. I haven't had time to take it in for service, but will when I return home in early June | ||
| Jun 201317000 mi | back-up camera AGAIN failed. Took it in, where it worked perfectly. | ||
| Jul 201317200 mi | Back in for same problem, intermittent failure of back-up camera. At direction of KIA engineers, dealer inspected and tightened connections in tailgate and behind EVO unit. They seem to think this will solve the problem. I'm hoping so. Update: solved. | ||
| Nov 201423000 mi | Intermittent blackout of dash lights, failure would not occur for the dealer, so KIA would not authorize warranty parts replacements. Was told to bring it back when it happenws again. | ||
| Feb 201524000 mi | Same ol' problem, intermittent black out of dash & console lights | ||
| Jul 201527200 mi | oil pan gasket leaking, gasket replaced | ||
| Sep 201738000 miUS $328 | Bearings on A/C pulley were making horrific noise. New pulley was $75, remaining $258 was labor, shop supplies. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jul 20124700 mi | Navigation System went dead-Req'd. Replacement-Dlr unable to match dash parts after repair-Commented to Dlr parts matched when new - Irwin Pa. Dlr stated- | ||
| Sep 20128000 mi | Check engine light due to bad sensor - Awaiting repair parts Located Owners Manual in glove box to look up reason for check engine light. Owners Manual was not properly bound, entire book and pages were falling out. Advised Irwin, Pennsylvania dealer- told MANUAL NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Rear wheel well plastic trim was falling off car- Dealer discovered that incorrect retainer clips were used during assembly | ||
| Sep 201316000 mi | Rear bolts used to mount bumper rusting - Dealer ordered replacement parts | ||
| Nov 201319100 mi | Still waiting from Dealer, Jim Shorkey to advise us if Kia will replace bolts and rusting panels on bumper- | ||
| Jan 201422800 mi | Sorento stalling without reason. Dealer unable to determine reason for stalling. | ||
| Mar 201427000 mi | Still waiting for dealer to resolve rusting stainless steel bumper panels.. | ||
| Jul 201428300 mi | Sway bars replaced Antenna defective | ||
| Sep 201430000 mi | Sirius signal was cutting in and out- Dealer replaced antenna | ||
| Mar 201536000 mi | Noise in rear suspension- Dealer unable to determine reason at last service visit. | ||
| May 201538000 miUS $112 | Battery died - Car required AAA service call | ||
| Jul 201538700 miUS $50 | Backup warning sensors stopped functioning requiring sensor replacement | ||
| Oct 201654500 mi | Passenger door lock handle fell off Support struts failed on rear cargo hatch causing hatch door not to stay open properly | ||
| Jul 201765000 miUS $50 | Other Passenger outside door handle fell apart/fell off car. Dealer claims wear not covered by extended warranty. | ||
| Dec 201771000 miUS $50 | Front noise occurred- Stabilizer bar replaced under extended warranty. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Nova Scotia, Canada Nov 2011 - Feb 2014 | |||
| Jul 201316620 mi | Right rear passenger door handle was sticking. Veh will be going in for same thing in October.. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada Aug 2011 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Oct 2011248 mi | Was pulling right. Changing front tire position resolved the problem. | ||
| Feb 20123100 mi | Squeaks in the middle console on the front passenger side. Squeaks in the middle console on the front passenger side. Dealer knows the problem and resolve it. | ||
| Apr 20124960 mi | Exterior driver door handle won't open the door. Parts inside the door failed. Replaced under warranty. Exterior driver door handle won't open the door. Parts inside the door failed. Replaced under warranty. | ||
| Dec 201213640 mi | Back-up camera unsealed. Bad image quality (foggy). Camera replaced under warranty. Service engine light came up and vehicle slow down until complete stop. Need to shut down the engine and re-start. Will redo randomly. Service bulletin called for bad program but trottle body actuator was replaced under bulletin revision. | ||
| Dec 201317980 miC $190 | Charging light came in the dash. Dealer has tested the alternator but found after that the battery was grounded. Had to replace the battery (warranty paid for 20% of battery price and 100% of replacement time). | ||
| Jan 201515840 mi | Loose link-kit on front left wheel. Parts changed and coverred by warranty. | ||
| Kia Sorento in New Jersey, United States Aug 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Sep 20113000 mi | Drivetrain thump which could be felt upon starting engine. Apparently common to this vehicle. | ||
| Oct 201221300 miUS $75 | Burning odor when operating HVAC. Dealer changed cabin air filter. | ||
| Aug 201558300 miUS $380 | Squeak when steering wheel was turned. Steering rack was replaced. | ||
| Sep 201560000 mi | Loud clunk in left front immediately after brake repair. Lower control arm bolt flange was replaced. Middle row seatback would not release after being folded down. Seat latch cables were adjusted. Engine intermittently failed to start; starter would not activate. Loose/bad connection was found, treated with dielectric grease & re-seated. | ||
| May 201795000 miUS $300 | Replaced inhibitor switch in attempt to fix intermittent failure to start. | ||
| Jul 2021130000 miUS $1300 | Once started, the engine ran roughly and slowly. No electronic items functioned; shifter was stuck in park. on a 95+ degree day, the engine cooling fans did not run and for about an hour, the engine could not be shut off. Tow truck driver was able to shut it off after jumping the battery. Car spent over TWO WEEKS at R K KIA before they even looked at it. The problem turned out to be simply a bad alternator. | ||
| May 2022136000 miUS $200 | Passenger (right) side outer rear door handle broke off. Was replaced by a new assembly. | ||
| Kia Sorento in New Hampshire, United States Jul 2011 - Jun 2018 | |||
| May 20123100 mi | Drivers power seat motor inoperative. All left side power seat functions inoperative. Replace drivers side power seat motor and frame assembly.Electrical failure.Repair successful but vehicle returned with scratches on seat back and lower sections.Technician failed to place seat on a protective surface when performing repair | ||
| Nov 201516000 mi | idler pulley noisy when acelerating | ||
| Dec 201621000 miUS $120 | Five year old battery failed load test requirements.Requested dealer replace battery. | ||
| Aug 201727000 mi | Replace left front lower ball joint. Seems to be a lot of premature ball joint failures on this model Kia Sorento. My extended dealer warranty covered this repair less a $50 deductible | ||
| Kia Sorento in Ohio, United States Jul 2011 - Mar 2012 | |||
| Feb 20125300 mi | Electric Door latch malfunction | ||
| Kia Sorento in Texas, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Aug 201425800 mi | Idler pulley (noise) for the transmission, was fully functional. Replaced under warranty. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Manitoba, Canada Oct 2011 - Sep 2017 | |||
| Sep 201543400 mi | It is running terribly since it came back and sputters upon starting. For the a long time it doesn't seem to be in gear when running. The part has not failed so I have no correct answer to that question. | ||
| Jul 201647740 mi | Recalled | ||
| Jul 201747740 miC $750 | Audio system stopped working. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle. I have had it in to be checked numerous times and they couldnt find the problem. They will not cover it under warranty even though it has been an issue since day 1. Very disappointed. | ||
| Kia Sorento in British Columbia, Canada Nov 2011 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Mar 20124960 mi | faulty fuel pump and sensor repaired under warranty failure of replacement fuel pump | ||
| Dec 201332860 mi | Heated steering wheel not working. Part replaced | ||
| Kia Sorento in Massachusetts, United States Dec 2011 - Feb 2021 | |||
| Aug 201565600 mi | Broken rear passenger door handle | ||
| Jan 201796000 mi | Clunk in front end. Dealer unable to locate the source of the problem and was told to bring it back when it got worse/louder. | ||
| Oct 2017112000 miUS $200 | ball joint replaced | ||
| Sep 2018125000 mi | Brought to shop for clunking noise in suspension. Shop unable to diagnose so no repair was completed. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Washington, United States Apr 2012 - Jun 2013 | |||
| May 20138000 mi | Accelerator sensor malfunction | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
191-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Nov 2015 - Jun 2016 | |||
| Jan 2016US $350 | replaced struts, strut mounts, etc air bag sensor | ||
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Dec 2013 - Sep 2016 | |||
| May 201442900 mi | Fuel filler cap would not spring open | ||
| Jun 201557000 mi | Non-functioning front door speaker (passenger side) | ||
| Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada May 2012 - Jul 2022 | |||
| Dec 201313640 mi | Problems with starter | ||
| Feb 201629760 mi | Seat heater | ||
| Jul 202258900 miC $900 | front right ball bearing + brakes and discs on 4 wheels | ||
| Kia Sorento in New York, United States Mar 2012 - Oct 2017 | |||
| Aug 201527700 mi | Reclining rear seats very difficult to operate. Both sets of mechanisms were replaced, acommon problem caused by "cheep materials". | ||
| Apr 201631300 mi | Drivers side heated seat failed, still under warantee. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Aug 2011 - Apr 2014 | |||
| Apr 201320800 mi | Seat heaters need to be replaced. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Texas, United States Jul 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Sep 201317000 mi | Rear right passenger seat back broken - would not return to upright position. Replaced parts. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States Jun 2011 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Sep 20114000 mi | Drivers map light was not installed correctly. Dealer reinstalled it so that electrical contacts lined up and it worked fine. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States Mar 2012 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Oct 201210300 mi | Drivers window rubber trim replaced. Had folded over and window would not seal proper. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Maryland, United States Sep 2011 - Feb 2022 | |||
| Jul 201526200 mi | Leaking oil pan. Replaced the oil pan under warrantee. | ||
| Jul 201843000 mi | Back-up camera works intermittently. Did not have replaced since the shop was unable to determine whether the camera was defective or if the problem was due to faulty wiring. Problem still exists; ordered a new camera, but the part is on back order so I have to wait until the camera arrives to determine if this will resolve the problem. | ||
| Dec 202165000 miUS $289 | Removed and replaced both the left and right rear wheel hub assembly and wheel speed sensors. Also replaced left rear brake light bulb. | ||
| Kia Sorento in North Carolina, United States May 2011 - Sep 2012 | |||
| Mar 20129000 mi | Bluetooth not working. Wire to Microphone disconnected. | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
191-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States Sep 2013 - Sep 2015 | |||
| Feb 201581000 miUS $149 | Drivers Seat Heater was not working. they charged $95 to check it with obd reader. Gave them no information, checked different components, determined lower heating element was bad. $500 for the part, est $250 labor. bought a seat heater for $149 ebay | ||
| Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2011 - Apr 2012 | |||
| Apr 20124800 mi | Took vehicle for 1st scheduled maint. Had loud clicking sound. Dealer said catastrophic failure in the engine. Metal bits in the oil & elsewhere, engine seized twice while they had it. Replaced the block & rebuilt. traded it in. Took vehicle for 1st scheduled maint. Had loud clicking sound. Dealer said catastrophic failure in the engine. Metal bits in the oil & elsewhere, engine seized twice while they had it. Replaced the block & rebuilt. traded it in. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Oklahoma, United States Apr 2013 - Mar 2017 | |||
| Jul 201310700 miUS $135 | Broken AC Compressor: Cost of part was $1020, had to be shipped in from out of state, but was covered under warranty. Brake Rotors needed machining, this is what cost $135 | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Sorento in Quebec, Canada Jan 2017 - Dec 2017 | |||
| May 201751460 miC $110 | Front suspension knocking left side. Replace link kit. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Indiana, United States Dec 2017 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 2022107000 mi | Replaced all brake pads and flushed brake lines. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Jul 2012 - Sep 2013 | |||
| Aug 20129800 mi | driver seat trim around the power seat adjustment levers constantly breaking. Since purchase in Febuary 2012 this problem has been returned to dealer four times. | ||
| Oct 201211500 mi | Same problem with the seat trim. We returned the vehicle to Kia dealer with appointment and was told that they were in conversation with Kia corporate office discussing this repair. this will be the 5th attempt by a Kia dealer. | ||
| Aug 201320900 mi | Same problem as in past. The repairs last for a few weeks and the same problem reoccurs. I guess the solution will be to repair the problem, dispose of thr vehicle and replace it. Definitely not with a Kia. | ||
| Kia Sorento in Tennessee, United States Jun 2012 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Oct 201210300 mi | Local body shop said have a soft paint job, since then have found this to be known problem with KIA. District rep. met and took pictures Oct.4,2012 and said customer service would call but haven't heard from them since. | ||
| Jan 201312000 mi | Paint coming off car LT year old. At factory rep. request took to dealer who sent me to independent body shop for estimate. Sent notice that they would pat $700 against estimate of $1404. Kia warranty useless. | ||
| Apr 201312200 mi | After turning claim in with BBB,got agreement with Kia to paint hood,front fenders and top. Used estimate and got painted April 1- 5, 2013. Thanks, M.S. | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Kia Sorento in Minnesota, United States Nov 2011 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Sep 201223000 miUS $100 | DASH RATTLE | ||
| Oct 201225000 miUS $100 | Replaced DRIVERS SIDE SEAT LOOSE FROM THE TRACK PASSENGER SEAT SQUEEKS WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN IT DASH RATTLE | ||
2012 Kia Sorento 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Kia Sorento in Connecticut, United States Mar 2013 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Oct 201492000 mi | Block replaced. Cam replaced. Oil pump sensor replaced. Metal chips found. | ||
2012 Kia Sorento
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Kia Sorento in Texas, United States May 2013 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Jun 201319000 mi | i have rattles in my dashboard. they said it was fixed but not. this was the third trip to the dealer so i guess im going to take it back. | ||
| Jul 201319200 mi | i took the car in for the same rattling problem in the dash borad and also a thumping sound coming from the rear of the car. i told the service manager about the problem they kept the car 3 days still not fixed. | ||
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See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.
