CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Sportage has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 392 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 16 fires, 10 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (328 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Kia Sportage recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Engine oil leak can cause engine damage, fire or stall
Certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles may have an engine oil pan that leaks.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause the engine's bearings to wear out prematurely.
Most common 2012 Kia Sportage problems
Problem areas named in the 392 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 328 |
| Electrical System | 30 |
| Unknown Or Other | 23 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 |
| Steering | 6 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 |
| Visibility | 4 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
What owners report
I was driving eastbound in my 2012 Kia Sportage on I-82 just past Benton City MP97 at about 11AM on Monday June 22, 2026, when my engine knocked twice, the red check engine light came on, and I lost power. I pulled over off the road next to a concrete barrier that was beside a rock roadcut. My flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that were popping up on the passenger side of my engine compartment near the firewall. After using both
On XXX, my 2012 Kia Sportage experienced a catastrophic engine failure while traveling on the interstate. The connecting rod failed, breaking through the engine block, causing sudden and sever oil leak and heavy smoke. The safety of the occupants was put at risk due to the sudden powefr loss in high-speed traffic. This vehicle has two active federal safety recalls, SC200 snd SC 284, which are unrepaired. After the vehicle was towed to Auffenberg Kia in Cape Girardeau, MO I experienced an unreasonable delay of atr a mininum of 2 weeks or more before they could assess the damage, and they refused to provide a loaner vehicle while I was left without transport. Futhermore, they have stated they
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 handle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle would not be repaired unless the manufacturer contacted the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,841.
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 was cleared after the event in order to get it towed to the dealer. The defect clearly matches the recall condition, but Kia is declining inspection in violation of recall obligations. Car has been maintained with regular oil changes at the scheduled intervals for the duration of it's life.
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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2012 Kia Sportage safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (15.5% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (17.4% rollover risk) |
2012 Kia Sportage questions
Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Sportage: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Engine oil leak can cause engine damage, fire or stall; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?
Based on 392 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (328), Electrical System (30), Unknown Or Other (23).
How safe is the 2012 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Kia Sportage up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia Sportage has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.