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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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