2012 Kia Sportage
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 392
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
84% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 392 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 401 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 192 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
84% · 328 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving eastbound in my 2012 Kia Sportage on I-82 just past Benton City MP97 at about 11AM on Monday June 22, 2026, when my engine knocked twice, the red check engine light came on, and I lost power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-26
Also filed under Electrical system and power train
Engine failure as described in multiple complaints and same as current recall for which my VIN is supposedly not affected. Regular maintenance as been performed. 1 day after most recent oil change, accelerated to enter interstate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-09
At only 97,000 miles our 2012 Kia engine seized and threw a rod onto the interstate. It was 97 degrees out and out 1 yo was stranded with us on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere until help arrived.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-29
Electrical system
8% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and starter assembly.
Power train
5% · 21 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I parked my car to unload groceries. My car was on but in park. I walked around the back of the car to the passenger side to unload the. At.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-30
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle proceeded to move forward with the gear placed in park. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle by utilizing the emergency brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-05
Service brakes
3% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
2% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 392 complaints filed for this model year.
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2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
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2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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2019-07-03Engine19V101000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge.
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2021-01-25Engine20V750000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 328 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 19V101000 · Engine
- Recall 20V750000 · Engine
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 84% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Sportage have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.