NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
This page covers 5 recalls, 390 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Kia Sportage.
21–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2012 Kia Sportage are heavily concentrated in one area: the engine. With 300 of 390 filed complaints pointing there, owners across multiple report years describe sudden and often complete engine failure, frequently with little or no warning beforehand, no check engine light, no unusual sounds, just an engine that stops running. Many owners report the failure occurring while driving, and a recurring detail is that the engine is described as seized or fully destroyed rather than simply stalling. Powertrain complaints, a distant second at 18, cover related drivability issues without a single dominant symptom. Electrical system reports are comparatively sparse. The engine failure pattern is the clear story here, with owners consistently describing an abrupt loss of power and engines that cannot be repaired or restarted after the event.
390
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
15
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Kia Sportage has 5 recalls, with three separate fire risks — an engine compartment fire that can occur while driving or while the vehicle is parked, a fuel leak that can ignite on vehicles that previously had engine replacement work done, and a brake control module that can overheat and catch fire.
The engine fire risk and the brake module fire risk are distinct concerns. The brake system's anti-lock control module can develop an electrical fault that starts a fire in the engine compartment whether the vehicle is moving or sitting still. The fuel leak risk applies specifically to vehicles that have already had an engine replaced under a prior recall or warranty repair — the replacement engine can develop a fuel leak near an ignition source, raising the risk of fire.
On the mechanical side, internal engine bearing wear can cause the engine to seize without warning while driving, which can cause a sudden loss of power and raise the risk of a crash. A separate recall covers an engine oil pan that can leak, and if enough oil is lost, the engine can overheat, stall, or catch fire. An engine stall at speed gives the driver little time to react, and the combination of heat and lost lubrication can accelerate the damage. Prior repair attempts under earlier campaigns did not fully resolve the engine replacement issue for some vehicles, which is why an additional recall now addresses fuel leaks specifically in those previously repaired engines.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil pan may leak, causing oil loss that can damage the engine if not corrected.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved version and inspect the oil pan, replacing it if leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
