🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Engine Variant:

4-cylinder (2.4L DOHC, non-GDI)

Platform:

XM (Second Generation)

Engine Code:

G4KC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families seeking a versatile, comfortable, and capable SUV

Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Equinox (though often smaller)

Design:

Second-generation 'XM' platform brought a more modern and car-like styling compared to its predecessor

Powertrain Options:

Offered with 4-cylinder and V6 engine options; this manual specifically covers the 2.4L 4-cylinder variant

Utility:

Available with 5 or 7-seat configurations, optional AWD

Value Proposition:

Often positioned as a strong value offering in its segment, balancing features, space, and price

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Bumper-to-bumper repair and maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for OEM FSMs of this era and scope)

Type:

Factory Shop Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECM/PCM), starting, charging

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission (AT) overhaul, diagnostics, operation, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Drivelines, axles, differential, transfer case (if applicable)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Brake system operation, hydraulic components, ABS/ESC, parking brake, rotor/pad replacement, bleeding procedures

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, wiper/washer system

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, liftgate, interior trim, glass, seals, corrosion prevention

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnostics, refrigerant, component replacement

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelts, chassis safety components

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluids), tune-ups

Repair:

Component replacement, assembly/disassembly procedures for major systems

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters

Installation:

Component installation and adjustment procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic diagnostics and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Index:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans of OEM factory documentation

Binding:

Digital (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Operating Systems:

Windows (95-98-ME-XP-7), MAC, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Linux

Requirement:

No internet access required (standalone PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

Theta II 2.4L MPI

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2359 cc (2.4 Liters)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Bore X Stroke:

86.7 mm x 96.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.6 U.S. quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact spec)

Engine Oil Type:

API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on climate)

Spark Plugs:

Iridium-tipped (e.g., NGK ILFR5A-11 or equivalent, verify part number in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT)

Type:

N/A for the 4-cylinder model in this generation

Features:

Driver-adaptive shifting logic, manual mode (Sportmatic or similar)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SP-IV (or equivalent specification, verify in manual)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.9 U.S. quarts (7.5 Liters) for refill, higher for overhaul (refer to manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4690 mm (approx. 184.6 inches)

Width:

1890 mm (approx. 74.4 inches)

Height:

1755 mm (approx. 69.1 inches)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (approx. 106.3 inches)

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.4 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 31.7 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 74.2 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg) depending on FWD/AWD and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5200 - 5500 lbs (2359 - 2495 kg) (refer to manual/placard)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with proper equipment and trailer brakes (verify specific limits in manual)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall:

4 out of 5 stars (Overall safety rating for 2012 Sorento by NHTSA)

IIHS:

Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact, Roof Strength) in IIHS tests (verify specific ratings for this year/configuration)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESC or VSM - Vehicle Stability Management)

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (first and second rows)

Seat Belts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in all seating positions, LATCH/ISOFIX child seat anchors

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Higher trims featured upgraded Infinity audio systems and available navigation.

Rearview Camera:

Available on higher trim levels, integrated with the infotainment display.

Bluetooth:

Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on select trims.

Usb Port:

Standard on most trims for audio playback and device charging.

Keyless Entry Start:

Available (Push-button start with smart key fob)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions, refer to manual for severe conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

At 105,000 miles (refer to manual for specific ignition system inspection requirements).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 60,000 miles or if used under severe conditions (refer to manual for specific checks).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles or 5 years, then every 52,500 miles or 2 years thereafter.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify in manual)

Coolant:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue, 50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent HOAT coolant.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specification, typically Dexron III or equivalent ATF for hydraulic power steering systems of this era.

Engine Performance:

Some owners have reported occasional rough idling or minor power loss, often attributed to carbon buildup on intake valves (especially on GDI variants, but less common on MPI). Check PCV system and intake manifold cleanliness.

Transmission:

Occasional reports of hard shifts or delayed engagement, often related to transmission fluid condition or mechatronics control issues. Software updates for the TCM may be available.

Suspension Noise:

Possible squeaks or rattles from suspension components, particularly strut mounts or bushings, after significant mileage.

Electrical Gremlins:

Rare instances of minor electrical issues (e.g., accessory malfunctions) can occur, often related to poor grounding points or connector integrity. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial here.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Legacy:

Kia Corporation, founded in 1944, has evolved from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive powerhouse known for value, design, and improving quality.

Sorento Introduction:

First generation Sorento (2002-2009) was a body-on-frame SUV. The 2011 model year marked the introduction of the second-generation (XM) Sorento, a unibody crossover SUV, a significant shift in the model's platform and market positioning.

2012 Model Year:

The 2012 model year is part of the second generation (XM) and carried over most features from the 2011 redesign. Minor packaging updates or feature availability adjustments might have occurred.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing for North American models: West Point, Georgia, USA; Hwasung, South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award IIHS:

Top Safety Pick (2012 Kia Sorento received this designation from the IIHS for its performance in crash tests)

Value Recognition:

The Sorento, across its generations, has often been recognized for offering strong value and features for its price point in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.