2012 Kia Sportage — Model Year Report: verdict, complaints & recalls

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	380
2014	122
2015	146
2016	130
2017	394
2018	158
2019	68
2020	153
2021	46
2022	42
2023	182
2024	64
2025	49
2026	19

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 84%

84% of complaints: engine — 328 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show 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, 20260626

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, 20181009

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, 20180829

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show 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, 20260626

POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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, 20260626

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, 20180930

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, 20120305

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 3%

3% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING FALLS OFF, LEAVING A SLIPPERY SURFACE AND A FALLEN GRIP PADDING BLOCKING BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING IN FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SWERVING INTO TWO TOLL LANES & CRASHING INTO SEVERAL RUBBER DIVIDERS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20111027

STEERING 2%

2% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 392

I 20170518 — RQ (closed 20211222)

Scope and Timeliness

R 20170620 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 17V224000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190703 — engine

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.

Campaign 19V101000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210125 — engine

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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed