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Model year record

2012 Kia Sportage recalls & problems

The 2012 Kia Sportage has 5 safety recalls and 392 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (328 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints392filed by owners
Crashes · fires7 · 16reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4–5 ★crash-test stars
2012 Kia Sportage in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 25, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6520001,730,192 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
EngineDec 2, 2020

Engine

Recall 20V750000294,756 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
EngineFeb 15, 2019

Engine

Recall 19V10100032,296 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
EngineDec 19, 2018

Engine

Recall 18V90700071,653 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Engine; Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Engine and engine coolingMar 31, 2017

Engine

Recall 17V224000618,160 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Kia Sportage SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.5%

2012 Kia Sportage SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%
2012 Kia Sportage NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2012 Kia Sportage NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sportage 2WD

25mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Sportage 2WD

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Sportage 2WD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Sportage 4WD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Sportage 4WD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sportage 4WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine3280162100,000 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Body control module/bcm3014087,001 mi
Unknown or other2303093,000 mi
Power train2122183,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic111033,600 mi
Steering600052,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system610079,561 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Glass, side/rear40005,274 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door › Handle › Interior400148,949 mi
Air bags440321,000 mi
Vehicle speed control3000106,000 mi
Wheels2103—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations