CarModelProblems.com

2012 Kia Sportage Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 6.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
392Complaints
5Recalls
7Crashes
16Fires
10Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (83.7% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 6.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine328 · 83.7%RecalledRecall 20V750000 · Recall 19V101000 · Recall 17V224000
Electrical System23 · 5.9%No official action
Power Train21 · 5.4%No official action
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11 · 2.8%RecalledRecall 23V652000
Steering6 · 1.5%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System6 · 1.5%RecalledRecall 18V907000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE328 · 83.7%
Unspecified / other23 · 5.9%
POWER TRAIN21 · 5.4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC11 · 2.8%
STEERING6 · 1.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6 · 1.5%
AIR BAGS4 · 1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3 · 0.8%
STRUCTURE:BODY2 · 0.5%

Percentages are the share of the 392 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 2020 · reported 12/02/2020

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 19V101000 · 2019 · reported 02/15/2019

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 2017 · reported 03/31/2017

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“DRIVING FROM ARIZONA TO VEGAS ON HIGHWAY 93 NORTHBOUND , NO PRIOR PROBLEM, NO WARNING SUDDENLY HEARD A VIBRATING OR TICKING NOISE, CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T…”NHTSA complaint 11186190 — filed 03/12/2019 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A AWFUL KNOCKING NOISE. THEN THE DASH LIT UP WITH OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I…”NHTSA complaint 11185919 — filed 03/11/2019 · ENGINE
“MY VEHICLE MAKES A TICKING/KNOCKING AND GRINDING NOSE. IT RUNS REALLY HARD AND IS SLUGGISH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT HAS ALSO STALLED…”NHTSA complaint 11184178 — filed 03/04/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

620122920142102016457320181118120202738202215182024842026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 328 of 392 NHTSA complaints (83.7%), followed by electrical system (23), unspecified/other issues (23), power train (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Kia Sportage have?

392 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 16 involved a fire, and 10 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Kia Sportage's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.