Photo: Areaseven / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2012 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Sportage years.
One of the Kia Sportage years to avoid. All Sportage years
392 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Sportage?The 2012 Kia Sportage has 392 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sportage years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Sportage?
Across the 29 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2003) to 399 (2017). With 392 complaints, the 2012 Sportage sits above the model's median of 131.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Sportage
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V907000Kia 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.
engine
Campaign 20V750000Kia 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.
engine
Campaign 19V101000Kia 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 17V224000Kia 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.
Show 1 more recall
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 23V652000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sportage listings typically run $17,749–$24,718.
Other Sportage model years
Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sportage against its rivals
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