392 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict AVOID 39/100
“On XXX, my 2012 Kia Sportage experienced a catastrophic engine failure while traveling on the interstate. The connecting rod failed, breaking through the engine block, causing sudden and sever oil leak and heavy smoke. The safety of the occupants was put at risk due to the sudden powefr loss in high-speed traffic. This vehicle has two active federal safety recalls, SC200 snd SC 284, which are unrepaired. After the v”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Kia Sportage owner
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to open to the front driver's side door from the inside of the vehicle, the contact heard an unknown part inside the door fall, and the door required to be opened manually by pulling on the exterior door handle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle wou”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Kia Sportage owner
“The car experienced sudden engine failure, flashing check engine light. The car was towed to the nearest mechanic and knock sensor code P1326, consistent with recall 20V750, was present. Kia Corporate refuses to authorize inspection and repair under the recall because the code was cleared after the event in order to get it towed to the dealer. The defect clearly matches the recall condition, but Kia is declining insp”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Kia Sportage owner
| Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 19/12/2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings SAFETY | 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 |
| 02/12/2020 | 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. |
| 15/02/2019 | 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. |
| 31/03/2017 | 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 engi |
| 25/09/2023 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module SAFETY | 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, |
On the federal record it scores 39/100: 392 owner complaints (28 per year on the road) and 5 recall campaigns, 2 touching safety-critical systems.
The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 328 of 423 categorised reports.
The 2012 Kia Sportage scored 39/100 on the federal record.