🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

XM

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Segment:

Family SUV, often competing with models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.

Key Competitors 2012:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse.

Seating Capacity:

Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations.

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasizes practicality, value, and a more European-inspired design compared to some rivals.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Official Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (estimated 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake system, exhaust system, engine management systems.

Engine Performance:

Ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable), engine diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission assembly, disassembly, repair, clutch system, gears, synchronizers, shift mechanism.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, disassembly, repair, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM), fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) system, transfer case, differentials, drive shafts, axles, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, stabilizers, wheel alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, power steering pump, fluid service, hydraulic systems.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, fenders, glass replacement, sunroof, exterior trim, rust prevention.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, interior trim panels, headliner, carpeting, airbags, seat belts, HVAC controls, sound insulation.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant service, climate control unit, cabin air filter.

Infotainment Audio:

Audio system, speakers, radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), Bluetooth, USB integration.

Driver Assistance:

Cruise control, rearview camera, parking sensors (if equipped).

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, belt inspections/replacements.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, component testing, intermittent fault diagnosis.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, radiators, brake calipers, sensors, modules.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including lighting, power, sensors, and control modules.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Tightening Sequences:

Specific order for tightening critical components like cylinder heads and wheel nuts.

Recalibration Procedures:

Instructions for recalibrating sensors and modules after replacement or repair (e.g., throttle body, steering angle sensor).

Depth:

Full factory-level technical detail, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gasoline:

G4KH (Theta II 2.4L)

Engine Type Gasoline:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement Gasoline:

2359 cc (2.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke Gasoline:

88.0 mm x 97.0 mm

Compression Ratio Gasoline:

10.0:1

Horsepower Gasoline:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Gasoline:

169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type Gasoline:

Unleaded Regular

Fuel System Gasoline:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Control Gasoline:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR (may vary by market)

Engine Code Gasoline V6:

G6DF (3.5L Lambda II V6)

Engine Type Gasoline V6:

V-type 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve

Displacement Gasoline V6:

3470 cc (3.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke Gasoline V6:

91.0 mm x 88.5 mm

Compression Ratio Gasoline V6:

10.4:1

Horsepower Gasoline V6:

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque Gasoline V6:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Type Gasoline V6:

Unleaded Regular

Fuel System Gasoline V6:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Control Gasoline V6:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR (may vary by market)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 17.4 gallons (66 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2.4L:

6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type 2.4L Auto:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Sportmatic® Shifting

Transmission Type 3.5L V6:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Sportmatic® Shifting

AWD System:

Active ECO System for improved fuel efficiency (available on automatic transmissions).

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Kia SPIII or equivalent ATF (refer to specific manual for exact type and capacity)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

Refer to specific manual for manual transmission fluid type (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 189.4 inches (4810 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.2 inches (1885 mm)

Height:

Approx. 68.3 inches (1735 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.0 inches (178 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 28 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 24 degrees

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

Typically 17 or 18 inches (alloy wheels on higher trims).

Tire Size Standard:

P235/65R17 (for 2.4L models)

Tire Size Optional:

P235/55R18 (for 3.5L V6 models)

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 3800-4000 lbs (1724-1814 kg) depending on engine and trim.

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 3950-4150 lbs (1792-1882 kg) depending on engine and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Refer to vehicle's compliance plate for exact GVWR.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with standard equipment, up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package.

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 9.6 cubic feet (272 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.0 cubic feet (850 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 74.0 cubic feet (2095 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Generally received good ratings. For specific model year 2012 results, consult NHTSA database.

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes, typically achieved 'Good' ratings in IIHS crash tests for this generation.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Hill Start Assist:

Available on some models, particularly with AWD.

Airbags Front:

Dual front advanced airbags

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Full-length side curtain airbags for all rows

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available with a touch-screen infotainment system, often featuring navigation, rearview camera display, and multimedia playback.

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input and USB port. Premium Infinity® audio system available on higher trims.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming capability.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional rearview camera, parking assist sensors, cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry and alarm system. Push-button start available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Available dual-zone automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil may extend this to 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months under ideal conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:

Platinum spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L V6:

Iridium spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Coolant Replacement:

First replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months.

Engine Oil Type 2.4L:

API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified, SAE 0W-20 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendation).

Engine Oil Type 3.5L V6:

API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified, SAE 5W-20 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendation).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L V6:

Approx. 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, P-HOAT (Phosphated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) long-life coolant. Kia Genuine Coolant recommended. Do not mix coolant types.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for precise specification).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific power steering fluid (likely ATF SPIII or a dedicated synthetic power steering fluid).

Engine Noise:

Some reports of piston slap or general engine noise, particularly on the 2.4L engine, especially when cold. Often considered normal by some, but worth investigating if excessive.

Transmission Hesitation:

Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, especially in earlier models. Software updates and fluid changes can sometimes rectify this.

Evaporative Emission Control System Evap:

Potential for EVAP system leaks (e.g., faulty vent control valve, canister purge valve) leading to check engine light illumination. P0455 or P0442 codes are common.

Suspension Noise:

Reports of knocking or rattling noises from the suspension, often related to worn ball joints or sway bar links.

Airbag Warning Light:

Intermittent airbag warning lights can occur due to issues with occupant detection sensors or wiring harnesses.

Water Pump Leaks:

Some instances of water pump leaks, particularly on the V6 engine, may require replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Origins:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is a South Korean automobile manufacturer.

Kia Growth:

Known for offering vehicles with strong value propositions and increasingly sophisticated designs and technology.

Sorento Introduction:

First generation Kia Sorento (JC) launched in 2002.

Generation 2012:

The 2012 Sorento represents the second generation (XM), which debuted for the 2009 model year.

Xm Generation Updates:

The XM generation marked a significant shift from body-on-frame to unibody construction, improving ride comfort and handling. The 2012 model year received minor updates, including powertrain enhancements and feature availability.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured at Kia's Hwaseong plant in South Korea. Also assembled in other locations globally depending on market.

Model Years Current Generation:

2009-2015 (for the XM generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The 2012 Sorento consistently received good safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to its appeal as a family vehicle.

Value Awards:

Kia vehicles, including the Sorento, are often recognized for their strong value proposition and extensive feature sets for the price.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Consumer Reports generally rated the Sorento well for its segment, often highlighting its ride comfort and practicality, though reliability scores could vary by year and specific component.