2012 Kia Sportage recalls and problems
The 2012 Kia Sportage has 5 safety recalls and 392 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Kia Sportage recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall 20V-750: Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Recall 19V-101: Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Recall 17V-224: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
2012 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Wheels | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
- Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 98,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Kia Sportage complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Kia Sportage: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-750 (engine), 19V-101 (engine), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline), 17V-224 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Sportage?
Owners report engine problems most often (328 reports), followed by electrical system (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 98,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.