Kia Sorento (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,653 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2199cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel2199cc14 years old3,653 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

75% of MOT tests on Kia Sorentos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 3,653 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,666 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models514th of 650(bottom 22%)

Rank among Kia models384th of 471(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-3%(78% avg)

vs Kia average-11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,666

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Kia Sorento had 105,666 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2012 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Kia Sorento by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	92%	797	36,475 mi
2019	90%	5,231	43,737 mi
2018	89%	5,394	52,871 mi
2017	88%	5,869	60,803 mi
2016	84%	5,714	72,775 mi
2015	83%	7,581	79,583 mi
2014	79%	5,512	87,900 mi
2013	77%	4,199	97,498 mi
2012	75%	3,653	105,666 mi
2011	75%	3,283	110,486 mi
2010	73%	3,463	113,933 mi
2009	72%	2,396	107,820 mi
2008	70%	1,936	108,273 mi
2007	72%	2,670	112,654 mi
2006	67%	3,595	117,298 mi
2005	66%	1,973	116,648 mi
2004	65%	1,065	115,317 mi
2003	65%	407	120,995 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+4%

Volkswagen Golf

2012 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,077/year

80%

+5%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+10%

Vauxhall Zafira

2013 · 1956cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+3%

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About the 2012 Kia Sorento

The 2012 Kia Sorento is a family car. Our records list a 2199cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,653 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 105,666 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Sorento owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Kia Sorento Fuel Costs

The 2199cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Kia Sorento?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Kia Sorento Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Sorentos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Kia Sorento

At 14 years old, the Kia Sorento is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 106k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Kia Sorento stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Kia Sorento(2012)	75%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Volkswagen Golf(2012)	80%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£564
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£564
Vauxhall Zafira(2013)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Kia Sorento

Is the 2012 Kia Sorento reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2012 Kia Sorentos ended in a pass, from 3,653 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Kia Sorento cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Kia Sorento?

75% of 3,653 MOT tests on the 2012 Kia Sorento ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 514th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 22%).

Which year Kia Sorento has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Sorento has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2003 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Kia Sorento?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Kia Sorento is 105,666 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.