VehicleVerdict

2012 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Kia Sportage carries two red flags at once: 454 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.7× the Sportage norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sportage years to avoid. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 73% of all reports (330 of 454), far ahead of electrical system at 32. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

454

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

10

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine33073%
Electrical System327%
Other235%
Transmission215%
Brakes112%
Fuel System72%
Steering61%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Airbags41%
Body & Structure41%
Speed Control31%
Lighting20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Seat Belts20%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V101000EngineFebruary 15, 2019 · 32,296 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V224000EngineMarch 31, 2017 · 618,160 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 17, 2022 · fire

“My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2022 · fire

“My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 17, 2022 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER AT 7:30 PM ON SANTIAGO CANYON ROAD ORANGE, CA. WHEN I NOTICED A CLICKING SOUND AND CAUGHT A GLIMPSE OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE OF A LIGHT REFLECTING OFF THE ROAD. I INSTANTLY PULLED OVER AND TOLD MY DAUGHTER TO GET OUT. THE CAR TOOK ABOUT 3 TO 4 MINUTES TO TOTALLY GO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2019 · fire

“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. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 17, 2011 · crash

2012 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 454 complaints put the 2012 model at #5 of 31 Sportage years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (330 complaints), electrical system (32 complaints), other (23 complaints).

Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

How safe is the 2012 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Kia Sportage earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.