Model year
2012 Kia Sportage
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 392 complaints for the 2012 Kia Sportage (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). 1 recall marked park outside. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (328), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23). NHTSA lists 4 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA overall stars for rated variants run from 4 to 5. EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700–$3,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 304 complaints
- 2001 228 complaints
- 2002 234 complaints
- 2005 68 complaints
- 2006 111 complaints
- 2007 77 complaints
- 2008 98 complaints
- 2009 80 complaints
- 2010 20 complaints
- 2011 181 complaints
- 2012 392 complaints
- 2013 381 complaints
- 2014 125 complaints
- 2015 146 complaints
- 2016 134 complaints
- 2017 403 complaints
- 2018 164 complaints
- 2019 71 complaints
- 2020 162 complaints
- 2021 54 complaints
- 2022 46 complaints
- 2023 193 complaints
- 2024 75 complaints
- 2025 55 complaints
- 2026 27 complaints
- 2027 1 complaints
Recalls
23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023
Park outsideSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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…
20V750000 · Dec 2, 2020
ENGINE
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.
19V101000 · Feb 15, 2019
ENGINE
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.
18V907000 · Dec 19, 2018
ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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…
17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Complaints
392 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 7, fire flag on 16, injury field 10, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ17003 | Scope and Timeliness · ENGINE | May 18, 2017 | Dec 22, 2021 |
| EA21003 | Engine Fires · ENGINE | Dec 22, 2021 | Feb 5, 2024 |
| DP22003 | Loss of Motive Power · ENGINE | Sep 12, 2022 | Dec 12, 2023 |
| AQ23002 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | Nov 17, 2023 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.155 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.174 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD · 2L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Sportage 2WD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Sportage 2WD · 2.4L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Sportage 4WD · 2L · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 25 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Sportage 4WD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Sportage 4WD · 2.4L · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Kia Sportage at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.