🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

XM

Engine Code Primary:

G4KG (2.4L Theta II MPI)

Engine Code Optional Diesel:

D4HA (2.2L R-eVGT CRDi)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation with available AWD

Key Competitors 2012:

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

Seating Capacity:

Available 5-seater or 7-seater configurations

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, Dynamax All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional

Design Philosophy:

European-influenced styling, practical and spacious interior

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair for Kia Sorento XM 2012

Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission controls, engine electrical, starting and charging systems

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission (including torque converter, hydraulics, control modules, clutches, gears, seals)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, hub bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabilizer bars, wheel alignment procedures

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, tie rods, power steering fluid

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, ESC, brake fluid, brake discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, mirrors, sunroof, exterior trim, rust prevention and corrosion repair

Body Interior:

Seats, interior trim panels, dashboard, instrument cluster, airbags, seat belts, HVAC system, audio system, interior lighting

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), multiplex communication systems

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, blower motor, controls, cabin air filter

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt pretensioners, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, use of diagnostic tools (OBD-II)

Repair Overhaul:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Installation Replacement:

Replacement of major components like engine, transmission, starter, alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, radiators, catalytic converter

Wheel Tire:

Tire rotation, wheel balancing, tire pressure specifications, wheel bolt torque specifications, wheel bearing replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Fuse and relay testing, circuit diagnosis using wiring diagrams, sensor testing, actuator testing, module programming (limited)

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable for hard copy reference

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name Gas:

2.4L Theta II MPI GDI

Engine Configuration Gas:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Displacement Gas:

2359 cc (2.4 Liters)

Bore Stroke Gas:

88.0 mm x 97.0 mm

Compression Ratio Gas:

10.5:1

Horsepower Gas:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Gas:

169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Name Diesel:

2.2L R-eVGT CRDi

Engine Configuration Diesel:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Turbocharged Diesel

Displacement Diesel:

2199 cc (2.2 Liters)

Horsepower Diesel:

197 hp @ 3800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Diesel:

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

Fuel Type Gas:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel System Gas:

Multi-point Injection (MPI) with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for some variants

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel fuel

Fuel System Diesel:

Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDi) with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Gas:

6-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Diesel:

6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Options:

6-speed Automatic (standard on 2.4L gasoline, optional on 2.2L diesel); 6-speed Manual (standard on some 2.2L diesel trims)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Sequential shifting capability, electronic control

Manual Transmission Features:

Clutch operation, gear engagement

Atf Specification:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-IV or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4690 mm (184.6 in)

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 in)

Height:

1710 mm (67.3 in) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track:

1630 mm (64.2 in)

Rear Track:

1637 mm (64.5 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 110.4 cu ft (3126 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 9.6 cu ft (272 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 30.7 cu ft (869 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 74.2 cu ft (2101 L)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 1700-1800 kg (3748-3968 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes (check specific model and region)

Tongue Weight:

Up to 200 lbs (90 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2012 model year, specific ratings may vary by configuration)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012 model year)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Traction Control System TCS:

Standard

Anti-Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Ebd:

Standard

Hill Start Assist Control Hac:

Available on some trims

Downhill Brake Control Dbc:

Available on AWD models

Airbags:

Dual front, front side-impact, side curtain (3-row coverage)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms:

Available

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, USB/Aux inputs. Base models may have simpler audio systems.

Audio System:

Optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer

Rearview Camera:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available (front and rear)

Keyless Entry Start:

Available (push-button start and smart key)

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Standard on most trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming

Usb Aux Ports:

Standard for audio input

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe conditions.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually

Spark Plug Replacement Gas:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium type plugs

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for automatic transmission (severe conditions may require more frequent changes). Refer to manual for specifics.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 5 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.

Engine Oil Type Gas:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic or synthetic blend oil

Engine Oil Capacity Gas:

Approx. 4.5-4.8 liters (4.8-5.1 quarts) with filter change

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4 or ACEA C3 certified synthetic oil

Engine Oil Capacity Diesel:

Approx. 7.5-7.7 liters (7.9-8.1 quarts) with filter change

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 approved brake fluid

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant, long-life type (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant)

Engine Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption in early Theta II engines, potential for carbon buildup in GDI engines, issues with knock sensors.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional complaints of rough shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions. Torque converter issues reported in some instances.

Suspension Steering Issues:

Premature wear of suspension components like ball joints and bushings, especially in vehicles driven in harsh conditions. Steering rack leaks possible.

Electrical Issues:

Issues with power window motors, battery drain due to parasitic draw, and malfunctioning sensors (e.g., ABS sensors).

Brake Issues:

Warped brake rotors and premature wear of brake pads, especially under heavy braking or towing.

Paint Exterior Issues:

Some reports of paint chipping or clear coat delamination, particularly on hoods and roof lines.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Motors Foundation:

Founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. Kia entered the automotive industry in the 1960s.

Sorento First Generation:

Launched in 2002, body-on-frame SUV. XM generation is the second generation, moving to unibody construction for improved ride and handling.

Xm Generation Introduction:

Introduced for the 2011 model year, replacing the previous generation's body-on-frame design with a modern unibody platform. This marked a significant shift towards a more car-like driving experience.

Production Location:

Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market)

Production Years Xm Generation:

2010-2015

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick Award:

The 2012 Kia Sorento was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its strong performance in crash tests.

NHTSA Crash Test Performance:

Achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating excellent occupant protection in various crash scenarios.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimated fuel economy varied by engine and drivetrain; for example, the 2.4L FWD automatic was rated around 21 MPG city / 30 MPG highway. (Specific ratings are in the manual).