2012 Kia Sportage Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 331 engine complaints for the 2012 Kia Sportage, 84% of all complaints filed for this model year, with 16 fires reported. Four engine-related recalls apply, covering bearing wear, oil pan leaks, fuel pipe issues, and engine compartment fires. Median mileage at failure was 100,000.
- Engine complaints
- 331
- 84% of 392
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 16
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 100,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 4
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Loud banging or popping noises from the engine compartment followed by smoke or visible flames, sometimes while driving at highway speed.
- Sudden loss of power, stalling, or engine shutting off while driving, often with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated.
- Engine fires reported both while driving and while the vehicle was parked, in some cases after a prior engine replacement under recall.
- Excessive oil consumption or burning oil smell preceding engine damage, with dealers unable to locate a leak source.
- Vehicles that shake or lose instrument panel function briefly before stalling, followed by difficulty restarting.
When 2012 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 20, 2012, latest Jun 26, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Kia Sportage
- 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.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Engine complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2012 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 331 engine complaints for this model year, which is 84% of all complaints filed for the 2012 Sportage, one of the highest shares among Sportage model years.
- Is there a recall for engine fires on the 2012 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires on the 2012 Sportage, and recall 17V224000 covers premature bearing wear from machining errors in the engine assembly.
- At what mileage do 2012 Kia Sportage engines typically fail?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 100,000 miles for engine complaints on this model year.
- Did any 2012 Kia Sportage engine fires cause injuries?
- NHTSA records 16 fire reports and 2 injuries tied to engine complaints for the 2012 Sportage, with no reported crashes.
- Is the 2012 Sportage worse than other Sportage years for engine issues?
- Yes, relative to other years. The 2012 model's 84% engine complaint share is the highest among all Sportage model years in the data, followed closely by 2013 at 82%.