Brackets associated with the rear axle rusted and cracked. Became unable to drive safely. Back wheels started going crooked(top was inward and bottom was outward)
2012 Kia Sorento suspension problems
moderate 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
What stands out
Among the 9 model years of Kia Sorento in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2012 Sorento owners report premature suspension wear (struts, shocks, springs) often within 2 years, plus serious structural rust affecting rear subframe/crossmember in snow belt climates. Critical safety issues include strut bolt failure causing wheel detachment and front axle fracture, though KIA has not issued recalls for the 2012 model year despite some issues affecting 2014 models.
Owners of 2012 Sorentos describe suspension failures well ahead of normal wear-out. Struts and shocks require replacement within two years or low mileage; one owner paid over $3,000 at an independent shop, only to discover KIA's Technical Service Bulletin SA178 addressed the issue, then faced denial for reimbursement because the work wasn't done at a dealership. Front coil springs crack under 50,000 miles with residential-only driving. One critical failure: a driver's-side front strut bolt broke and fell out during normal city driving at 35 mph, causing the wheel to detach.
Rust corrosion of the rear subframe and crossmember appears severe in snow belt regions. One owner reports the rear subframe cracked in half while driving; another describes the suspension mounting block rusting off the frame entirely, making the vehicle undrivable. A 2016 Voluntary Safety Campaign (SC141) applied extra undercoating, but owners in snow states who had already driven five years report the corrosion continued unchecked afterward.
Diagnostic confusion is common: Big O Tires blamed shocks and suggested aftermarket parts; KIA's own dealer found defective tires were the root cause of noise after multiple alignment checks. One owner reported a front axle fracture identical to a 2014 recall, but no extension to 2012 models exists. Steering noise from sway bars persists after initial repair, and one vehicle exhibits ball joint deterioration causing rapid tire wear to the wires.
Same Kia Sorento suspension reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Strut and Shock Deterioration
Premature wear, noise, and failure of struts and shocks requiring replacement well before typical service life, with some producing metallic noises or squeaks even after replacement.
When: Early in ownership; one vehicle at 2 years old/low mileage; another with routine alignment check
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rumbling road noise over speed bumps; Tin can/metallic rattling noise when cold; Squeaking noises from shocks; Excessive bouncing; Failed strut mounts
Repairs/costs cited: Strut mounts replaced along with brake pads and shocks ($3000+ at independent shop); repeated strut replacement at dealership; aftermarket camber adjustment parts suggested by Big O Tires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA Technical Service Bulletin SA178 cited by independent repair shop; KIA refused reimbursement when repair done out-of-warranty at non-dealership; multiple alignments performed within KIA specs
Strut Bolt Failure
Bottom bolt of front strut breaks and falls out, causing wheel detachment from vehicle during normal driving.
When: During routine driving at 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side front wheel caved into/detached from vehicle spontaneously; No prior accident or impact
Repairs/costs cited: KIA dealer found broken and missing bottom strut bolt
Coil Spring Cracking
Front coil springs crack and break prematurely in vehicles with low mileage driven only on residential paved roads.
When: Under 50k miles, residential driving only
Symptoms owners cite: Broken driver's side coil spring presenting safety hazard; Cracked left rear spring
Repairs/costs cited: Coil spring replacement required; tire shop identified issue during rotation that dealership routine inspections missed
Front Axle Fracture
Right front axle develops fracture causing loud noise at mild turns; condition worsens over time and may parallel unreleased 2014 model recall.
When: Discovered during strut replacement; fracture progression ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise at mild turns; Fracture visible in right front axle
Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised fracture will worsen as it progresses; repair needed but cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2014 model year axle fracture recall exists but not extended to 2012; mechanic suggested owner submit for review to extend recall coverage
Rear Subframe and Crossmember Rust Damage
Rear subframe and crossmember corrode severely despite undercoating treatment, leading to structural failure and unsafe vehicle operation.
When: After 5 years in snow belt state; one vehicle after Voluntary Safety Campaign SC141 undercoating performed in 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Crossmember completely rusted and away bar broken loose; Subframe completely rusted out on one side; Rear subframe cracked in half while driving; Rear axle brackets rusted and cracked; Suspension mounting block rusted off frame
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle became undrivable; rear wheels going crooked (top inward, bottom outward); replacement appears necessary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Voluntary Safety Campaign SC141 for additional anti-corrosive material applied; owner claims dealer stated no further action needed despite pre-existing corrosion from 5 years snow belt use
Suspension Noise and Control Issues
Various suspension-related noises and handling problems including sway bar malfunction that is not corrected on first repair attempt.
When: Multiple instances; one requiring second visit to dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Sway bar noise incorrectly diagnosed and not properly fixed on first attempt; Same noise reappearing on passenger side after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Sway bar repair performed; dealer then blamed strut for recurring noise
Ball Joint and Front End Wear
Ball bearings or ball joints fail causing rapid and severe tire wear and potential steering safety issues.
When: Failure occurred; owner noted engine seized within weeks of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Ball bearings went out on front end; Both front tires wore down to wire within short period; Steering wheel shaking when driving; Boot cracked affecting ball joints
Repairs/costs cited: Ball joint/bearing replacement performed; steering wheel shaking and cracked boot requiring attention
Tire Wear and Suspension Geometry Issues
Multiple alignment procedures required; tires wear abnormally despite repeated alignments within manufacturer specs; defective tires suspected by KIA dealer but blamed on suspension by tire shop.
When: Late April 2014 after new tire installation November 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rumbling road noise; Abnormal tire wear despite multiple alignments
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignments performed (November 2013, spring 2014, later repeat); Big O Tires suggested camber adjustment and aftermarket part; KIA concluded tires were defective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA dealership completed two inspections and road tests, reviewed alignment records, concluded defective tires were root cause
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had suspension trouble with your 2012 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 23,072 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,072; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.