2012 Kia Sportage Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 Sportage years
The 2012 Kia Sportage has a Complaint Index of 87, ranking 3rd worst of 16 model years. NHTSA lists 392 complaints, 16 fires, and 5 recalls, with engine problems making up 84% of complaints at a median 100,000 miles.
- Complaints
- 392
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 16
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
Top 2012 Kia Sportage problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine331 (84%)
- Electrical System31 (8%)
- Other23 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (5%)
- Brakes13 (3%)
- Fuel System7 (2%)
- Steering6 (2%)
- Airbags4 (1%)
- Structure & Body4 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report engine fires with smoke or a loud banging noise coming from the front of the vehicle, sometimes after hearing an abnormal noise while driving around 45 mph.
- Some describe engine fires occurring shortly after an oil change or after already having the engine replaced under a prior recall.
- One owner reported the transmission allowing the vehicle to roll away on its own while parked and supposedly in park, with no one inside.
- Another owner reported the vehicle moving forward while the gear was placed in park, leading to a crash into parked vehicles.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple frontal and side-impact crashes described by owners.
- A brake pedal grip pad was reported to fall off and block the pedal, contributing to a loss of control at highway speed.
2012 Kia Sportage recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
- NHTSA 19V101000Feb 15, 2019Engine32,296 vehicles
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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
2012 Kia Sportage fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Compared with other Sportage model years, 2012 ranks poorly. NHTSA lists a Complaint Index of 87, the 3rd worst of 16 model years, driven mainly by engine complaints.
- What problems does the 2012 Kia Sportage have?
- Engine issues account for 84% of the 392 NHTSA complaints, including reports of fires, with a median failure mileage of 100,000 miles. Electrical system and transmission/powertrain issues follow at 8% and 5% of complaints.
- Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have an engine recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple engine-related recalls covering the 2012 Sportage, including campaigns 20V750000, 19V101000, 18V907000, and 17V224000, addressing oil leaks, fire risk, and bearing wear.
- How does the 2012 Sportage compare to other years?
- NHTSA data shows 2012 (Complaint Index 87, Avoid) is worse than 2011 (47, Good) and 2013 (80, Avoid), while 2014 (13), 2019 (7), and 2022 (20) rank as Best among Sportage years.