Notable Issues

2012 KIA SPORTAGE Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Sportage. This model year has 390 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

390
Complaints
7
Crashes
15
Fires
10
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
5
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2012 Kia Sportage Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
328
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:15
Injuries:2
#2
28
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Fires:3
#3
23
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Fires:3

Considering a 2012 Kia Sportage?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Sportage. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems328β€”15β€”
Electrical Faults2813β€”
Uncategorized Issues23β€”3β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2021β€”
Brake System111β€”β€”
Hydraulic111β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System61β€”β€”
Steering Defects6β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions44β€”β€”
Visibility4β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues21β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 390 most recent complaints

Door Lock IssuesNov 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to open to the front driver's side door from the inside of the vehicle, the contact heard an unknown part inside the door fall, and the door required to be opened manually by pulling on the exterior door ha…

Engine ProblemsOct 27, 2025

The car experienced sudden engine failure, flashing check engine light. The car was towed to the nearest mechanic and knock sensor code P1326, consistent with recall 20V750, was present. Kia Corporate refuses to authorize inspection and repair under the recall because the code wa…

Engine ProblemsAug 12, 2025

VIN# [XXX] My recall has not been repaired because Kia claims the repair parts have not been made available to them yet. This recall is from Sept. 2023. Why hasn't this been taken care of yet? Ridiculous & DANGEROUS!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A…

Engine ProblemsJul 2, 2025

I was sold this car in April 2025. June 29 2025 my engine stopped working. Confirmed it is entirely blown. I was unaware of open unaddressed recalls when I purchased the car. Because of the recalls not being addressed by previous owners, kia and the warranty company refused to fi…

Engine ProblemsJun 24, 2025

there were no warning lamps/lights/messages prior to the failure. I have been begging Kia Car pros Glendale to repair my engine since May 27 2025 as it qualifies under the settlement. I have requested in writing a response but they continue to use stalling tactics only calling me…

Electrical FaultsApr 18, 2025

The car has been giving off a burning smell each time that I begin to drive especially if the heat is being utilized. The smell worsens as I drive a further distance.

Engine ProblemsApr 12, 2025

While accelerating engine just shut off and seized. No warning. No check engine light before or after during the incident. Temp was normal. Next day a check engine light did come on while car was in "on" position (engine still not turning over) but no code was generating. No evid…

Brake SystemDec 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of t…

Engine ProblemsAug 28, 2024

Purchased a used 2012 Kia Sportage in Nov 2023 took in for an anti theft update in that same month. My update was done at a Kia dealership . They informed me about the anti theft update.Now ffw to Aug 2024 I get a check engine light for knock sensor. I have no idea what this is. …

Brake SystemAug 7, 2024

See attached document for complaint

Uncategorized IssuesMay 28, 2024

It's been eight months without a remedy? I live in an apartment under Section 8. I'm disabled (profound deafness in both ears). I'd like to ask for help to remedy this situation because my paranoia isn't helping. Will my Kia vehicle burst in fire? Why isn't there a replacement fo…

Uncategorized IssuesMay 12, 2024

Since Sep. 25, 2023 we received a recall notice advising to park our KIA vehicle outside and away from our home, other vehicles and buildings due to a serious fire hazard from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit short circuiting. We have ALWAYS parked our vehicle in our garage…

Electrical FaultsMay 11, 2024

I am writing about a recall notice that was issued last fall (2023) and has not yet been repaired by KIA, this vehicle's manufacturer. The HECU unit has a bad fuse that can cause a fire while driving or when parked. The relevant data is: Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284SL NHTSA Re…

Engine ProblemsMay 6, 2024

Recall was issued 09/23 for a possible engine fire and the replacement parts for repair have yet to be provided as of 5/24.

Uncategorized IssuesApr 30, 2024

I have a recall for a Hydraulic electronic control module. However, Kia dealership told me there’s no remedy for this recall

Brake SystemApr 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex…

Electrical FaultsApr 22, 2024

See attached letter

Uncategorized IssuesApr 16, 2024

I was not aware of the HECU problem and did not receive a letter in Nov-23 or Mar-24 about the serious hydraulic electronic control unit that is starting fires with some Kia Sportage 2012 cars and others. The problem is listed as recognized in 09/2023 and it is now 7 months after…

Brake SystemMar 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not …

Brake SystemFeb 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Kia Sportage.

Recalls for 2012 Kia Sportage

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V907000Invalid Date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

20V750000Feb 12, 2020
ENGINE

19V101000Invalid Date
ENGINE

17V224000Invalid Date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

23V652000Invalid Date
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

2012 Kia Sportage β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2012 Kia Sportage has 390 NHTSA owner complaints, 7 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (328 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (328 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (28 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (23 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

The 2012 Kia Sportage has 7 crash-related complaints and 15 fire reports out of 390 total NHTSA complaints. 10 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Kia Sportage. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2012 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

The 2012 Kia Sportage has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Sportage

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.