Total Complaints
450 filings
KIA SPORTAGE · model year
450 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012KIASPORTAGE carries 450 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 22 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 SPORTAGE is engine with 326 filings, followed by unknown or other (23) and electrical system (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2012 SPORTAGE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
450 filings
Crashes Reported
10 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 326 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 23 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22 |
| POWER TRAIN | 20 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 11 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 2 |
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 engine.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 pi
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.
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.
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 would not be repaired unless the manufacturer contacted the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,841.
Mileage: 103,841
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 would not be repaired unless the manufacturer contacted the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,841.
Mileage: 103,841
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 inspection in violation of recall obligations. Car has been maintained with regular oil changes at the scheduled intervals for the duration of it's life.
VIN# [XXX] My recall has not been repaired because Kia claims the repair parts have not been made available to them yet. This recall is from Sept. 2023. Why hasn't this been taken care of yet? Ridiculous & DANGEROUS!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was sold this car in April 2025. June 29 2025 my engine stopped working. Confirmed it is entirely blown. I was unaware of open unaddressed recalls when I purchased the car. Because of the recalls not being addressed by previous owners, kia and the warranty company refused to fix the engine.
there were no warning lamps/lights/messages prior to the failure. I have been begging Kia Car pros Glendale to repair my engine since May 27 2025 as it qualifies under the settlement. I have requested in writing a response but they continue to use stalling tactics only calling me to convey they need the first 13,000mile oil change now. I have pictures and video timestamped I have documents to prove no negligence on my part for repairs and oil changes. I am a disabled veteran who lives on a mountain in a fire prone area. I have a service dog. I am not trying to endange my life, my service dogs or my neighbors. Email dated 21 June 2025: , I want to reiterate the full scope of documentation and context we have already provided in support of this case. To date, we have submitted: Over a decade of detailed maintenance and service records, covering 2012 through April 2023, demonstrating consistent oil changes and routine and meticulous upkeep; Confirmation that the KSDS upgrade was install
The car has been giving off a burning smell each time that I begin to drive especially if the heat is being utilized. The smell worsens as I drive a further distance.
While accelerating engine just shut off and seized. No warning. No check engine light before or after during the incident. Temp was normal. Next day a check engine light did come on while car was in "on" position (engine still not turning over) but no code was generating. No evidence of leaking oil. Dipstick showed normal oil level.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Purchased a used 2012 Kia Sportage in Nov 2023 took in for an anti theft update in that same month. My update was done at a Kia dealership . They informed me about the anti theft update.Now ffw to Aug 2024 I get a check engine light for knock sensor. I have no idea what this is. Took it back to dealership I was told that the KSDS update was done the same time the anti theft was done and the warranty had expired. How was I supposed to know what the knock sensor update was or the details of a warranty when the dealership did tell me they even done the update. Now I am sitting with a car that needs a new engine because they failed too inform me of the sensor I will be getting an attorney
See attached document for complaint
It's been eight months without a remedy? I live in an apartment under Section 8. I'm disabled (profound deafness in both ears). I'd like to ask for help to remedy this situation because my paranoia isn't helping. Will my Kia vehicle burst in fire? Why isn't there a replacement for the HECU? Can I get another Kia vehicle to replace the one I have without breaking the bank? I'm on disability benefits and I don't have the funds to get another vehicle right now. For reference (see below) Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 2011-2013 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. Safety Risk AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY. OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES OR STRUCTURES UNTIL THEY CAN HA
Since Sep. 25, 2023 we received a recall notice advising to park our KIA vehicle outside and away from our home, other vehicles and buildings due to a serious fire hazard from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit short circuiting. We have ALWAYS parked our vehicle in our garage to deter theft and break-ins, stealing catalytic converters, hail damage, any other damage. This is our primary vehicle and the recall states that the fire can occur when the vehicle is in use, as well as when just parked. If it gets damaged due to continually having to park it outside who is responsible for the repairs? It has been 8 months since we received this recall and no remedy has been offered. I spoke with KIA dealership and they had no suggestions, yet the recall states that the HECU fuse needs to be replaced. How can we get a resolve to this dangerous issue?
I am writing about a recall notice that was issued last fall (2023) and has not yet been repaired by KIA, this vehicle's manufacturer. The HECU unit has a bad fuse that can cause a fire while driving or when parked. The relevant data is: Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284SL NHTSA Recall Number23V652 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This waiting period has been excessive. KIA needs to get this done!
Recall was issued 09/23 for a possible engine fire and the replacement parts for repair have yet to be provided as of 5/24.
I have a recall for a Hydraulic electronic control module. However, Kia dealership told me thereâs no remedy for this recall
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
See attached letter
I was not aware of the HECU problem and did not receive a letter in Nov-23 or Mar-24 about the serious hydraulic electronic control unit that is starting fires with some Kia Sportage 2012 cars and others. The problem is listed as recognized in 09/2023 and it is now 7 months after this point. I called Kia Quirk in Braintree, MA and they were unable to provide me with the HECU fuse replacement unit for the ABS system. The NHTSA.gov website recommends that owners of vehicles included within the recall to not drive their vehicles and do not park near structures and/or other cars. But Kia Dealerships do not have the product to fix the problem that is cited as urgent. Please notify me as to what is the best remedy and more so, the dealership since you are unable to find 'the perfect solution,' is there a safe and tested solution that may be used instead to protect owners of vehicles. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] , 04162024 [XXX] USA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.