2012 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Kia Sportage: 5 recalls, 392 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V224000 · 2017 · 618,160 vehicles
What's wrong: Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process May cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Why it matters: Bearing wear May result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017.
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet May have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019.
Engine Vehicle recall #19V101000 · 2019 · 32,296 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine oil pan May leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil May result in engine damage.
Why it matters: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V750000 · 2020 · 294,756 vehicles
What's wrong: An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the knock sensor detection system (ksds) software,…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 control unit (hecu) May experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the hecu fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (328): the most common themes are noise or vibration (140), stalls / loses power (123), warning light on (92).
- Electrical (29): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), fire / smoke (8), electrical failure (7).
- Other / unknown (23): the most common themes are fire / smoke (8), stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), noise or vibration (6).
The 2012 Kia Sportage has 392 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (2.6× the average Sportage year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (100 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 97,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (181 complaints, 6 recalls), 2013 (381 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Kia Sportage.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Sportage problems?
Owners have filed 392 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (328), electrical (29), other / unknown (23).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Kia Sportage repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.