Worst 2012 Kia Sportage Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Sportage.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 326 | — | 15 | 97,001 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | 1 | 3 | 72,702 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | 2 | 1 | 76,222 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 11 | 1 | — | 22,313 mi | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | — | 85,281 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | 55,692 mi | |
| Airbags | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator:Integrated Starter(Other Than Propulsion) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Body Control Module/Bcm | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel Pump | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door:Handle:Interior | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Side/Rear Glass | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Sportage
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,747,057 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Sportage Years
2012 Kia Sportage — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Sportage?
How safe is the 2012 Kia Sportage?
Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Sportage?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Sportage
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