2012 Kia Sorento powertrain problems
severe 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 49 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 49 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.