Engines seize without warning
The 2012 Sportage has about 1,080 complaints per 100,000 sold, almost three times the average. Most are engine failures with no warning lights.
Updated November 2026 · based on 392 owner complaints and 5 recalls
1,078 2.9x the Sportage average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sportage year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2012 Sportage
Top problems and what they cost
Engine seizure
The engine fails while driving, often without warning.
Fix: Free under recall if eligible; otherwise $4,000 to $7,000
Engine
ABS module fire risk
Recall 23V652 covers an ABS module that can catch fire.
Fix: Free under recall
Brakes
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2012 Kia Sportage
- Confirm recalls 17V224, 19V101, 20V750 and 23V652 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2012 Sportage has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask for engine replacement records.Some engines on this car were repaired or replaced under recalls or extended warranties. Paperwork shows whether that was done and how much coverage is left.Owners filed 218 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2012 Sportage, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2012 Kia Sportage reliable?
Engines seize without warning. The 2012 Sportage has about 1,080 complaints per 100,000 sold, almost three times the average. Most are engine failures with no warning lights.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Sportage have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Sportage problems?
Engine seizure; ABS module fire risk.
Crash rating shown for the 2012 Kia Sportage SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.