2012 Kia Sorento · 6,451 MOT tests
2012 Kia Sorento reliability
2012 Kia Sorentos fail 38.6% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 Sorento years (6,451 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Kia Sorento?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Sorentos: 30.2%)
- 38.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Sorentos: 30.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 96,955
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,451
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.4% of tests fail here (230% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 18% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Kia Sorento
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.1%
- Lights and electrics14.5%
- Brakes11.8%
- Tyres7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
- Steering3.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.15%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.74%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.55%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.68%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.65%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.48%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.59%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.73%) · Brake pads wearing thin (10.17%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.22%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.8%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (5.07%)
Other years
Every Kia Sorento year
The full picture: Kia Sorento reliability. Before you pay for any Kia Sorento, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Kia Sorento reliable?
2012 Kia Sorentos fail 38.6% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 Sorento years (6,451 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Kia Sorento MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.15% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.74% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.55% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Kia Sorento have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Kia Sorento shows 96,955 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Kia Sorento free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.