🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Product Type:

OEM Factory Electronic Service Repair Manual

Internal Code:

KIASORENTO2012ESRM

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation, light towing needs.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Design Philosophy:

Stylish, modern design with a focus on comfort, practicality, and increasingly, advanced technology for its segment.

Value Proposition:

Often positioned as a strong value proposition, offering a good blend of features, space, and performance at a competitive price point.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

2.4L GDI (Theta II), 3.5L V6 (Lambda II), 2.2L CRDi Diesel

Chassis Types Covered:

All chassis configurations (FWD/AWD)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., LX, EX, SX)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 2500+ pages (based on typical OEM manual size for this model)

Manual Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual, Including Troubleshooting

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (likely PDF or proprietary OEM format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management (EFI, GDI, Diesel common rail), lubrication, cooling, exhaust, ignition, fuel, emissions control

Transmission:

Automatic Transaxle (6-speed A6GF1, A6LF2), manual transmission (if applicable), transfer case (AWD), driveline components (axles, driveshafts)

Chassis:

Suspension (front McPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, ESC, EBD, brake fluid specifications), wheels and tires

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, grounding, power distribution

Body And Interior:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heater, air conditioning), SRS airbag system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), sunroof

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic strategies, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical troubleshooting diagrams (ETD)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements (air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering component repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, pinpoint tests for electrical circuits, common noise diagnosis, drivability issues

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances and tolerances for engine and drivetrain components, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications (resistance, voltage), dimensional data

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Typically provided as a searchable PDF or a collection of linked HTML files, allowing for easy navigation and text searching. May also be in a proprietary OEM format requiring specific viewer software.

Diagram Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations, often in vector or high-quality raster format, crucial for accurate repair.

Binding Type:

N/A (Electronic format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Electronic format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 Liters

Engine 1 Type:

Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated, GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)

Engine 1 Code:

Theta II G4KH

Engine 1 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 6000 RPM (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

169 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.5 Liters

Engine 2 Type:

V6, Naturally Aspirated, MPI (Multi-Point Injection)

Engine 2 Code:

Lambda II G6DC

Engine 2 Horsepower:

276 hp @ 6300 RPM (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.2 Liters

Engine 3 Type:

Inline-4, Turbocharged Diesel, Common Rail Injection

Engine 3 Code:

R2A

Engine 3 Horsepower:

197 hp @ 3800 RPM (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

311 lb-ft @ 1800-2500 RPM (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (2.4L, 3.5L), Diesel fuel (2.2L CRDi)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

67 Liters (17.7 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Standard Transmission Codes:

A6GF1 (for 2.4L), A6LF2 (for 3.5L)

Optional Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on certain engine/market configurations)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

SPIII or SP-IV automatic transmission fluid (refer to specific manual section for exact specification and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4690 mm (184.6 in)

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 in)

Height:

1755 mm (69.1 in) (with roof rails)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 185 mm (7.3 in)

Seating Capacity:

7-passenger (2+3+2 configuration, with optional third-row seating)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.5 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.5 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 71.5 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1750-1900 kg (3858-4189 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2000 lbs (4500 lbs with factory tow package and V6 engine, check specific market regulations)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for AWD models)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Achieved Top Safety Pick ratings in some configurations.

Standard Active Safety:

ABS, EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

Optional Active Safety:

Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTLA)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all rows.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, three-point seatbelts for all rear seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional: UVO infotainment system with touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Audio Options:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional Infinity premium audio system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional: Rearview camera, parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Standard or optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming.

Usb Auxiliary Ports:

Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil (check owner's manual for specific viscosity grade like 0W-20 or 5W-30).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.4L GDI: Approx. 105,000 miles. 3.5L V6: Approx. 105,000 miles (using long-life iridium plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles for normal driving, or 30,000 miles for severe driving (highly recommended by mechanics even if OEM interval is longer).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN/ILSAC GF-5 certified, SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to oil filler cap and owner's manual).

Coolant Specification:

OAT (Organic Additive Technology) type, ethylene glycol-based, color typically pink (refer to manual for Kia P/N).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to reservoir cap and owner's manual for exact specification).

Common Complaints:

Potential for GDI engine carbon buildup on intake valves, occasional steering column noise (EPS), transmission shift quality concerns in early models, starter motor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Reputation:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has evolved significantly, moving from a budget-oriented brand to a global player known for improving quality, design, and technology.

Generation:

Second Generation (XM) Sorento (2009-2015)

Platform Change:

Transitioned from body-on-frame to unibody construction, significantly improving ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in South Korea (Hwasung Plant), with some assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Ratings:

Received generally positive reviews for its redesign, features, and value, though specific reliability ratings vary by source and year.

Safety Awards:

IIHS Top Safety Pick designations for models meeting specific criteria.