How much does a 2012 KIA SORENTO cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 KIA SORENTO?

The 2012 KIA SORENTO has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 3,653 tests in 2026. This ranks 546 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year KIA SORENTO is most reliable?

The 2020 KIA SORENTO has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 KIA SORENTO?

The average mileage for a 2012 KIA SORENTO is 105,666 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

KIA SORENTO (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 KIA SORENTO reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of KIA SORENTOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,653 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,653 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2199cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2195/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

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2199cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 14 years old, 75% of KIA SORENTOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,653 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,666 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars546th of 685(top 80%)

Rank among KIA models384th of 472(top 81%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

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

vs KIA average-11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,666

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 KIA SORENTO has 105,666 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2012 sits between the two at 75%.

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

£1,727/year

79%

+4%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2012 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,577/year

80%

+5%

BMW 3 SERIES

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,577/year

85%

+10%

FORD TRANSIT

2014 · 2198cc Diesel

£2,050/year

77%

+2%

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About the 2012 KIA SORENTO

The 2012 KIA SORENTO is a family car with a 2199cc diesel engine. 3,653 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 105,666 miles at 14 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2012 KIA SORENTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
KIA SORENTO(2012)	75%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£468
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2012)	80%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£618
BMW 3 SERIES(2013)	85%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£618
FORD TRANSIT(2014)	77%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.