2012 Kia Sportage
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Decode a VIN5 recalls and 392 owner complaints on record for this model year.
Almost all of this describes the model year, not the individual car. Nothing here can tell you about this vehicle’s mileage, accidents or ownership — no identifier encodes those.
BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING FALLS OFF, LEAVING A SLIPPERY SURFACE AND A FALLEN GRIP PADDING BLOCKING BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING IN FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SWERVING INTO TWO TOLL LANES & CRASHING INTO SEVERAL RUBBER DIVIDERS. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING HAS CONTINUED TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. KIA DEALERSHIP & SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN TGHE VEHICLE WITHOUT EVEN INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. *TT
I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY ONTO A MEDIAN DIVIDED STREET THAT RUNS EAST/WEST. I WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT, IN A DOUBLE TURN LANE, ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO TURN WEST GOING ABOUT 5 MPH, IMMEDIATELY I WAS HIT BY A WOMAN TO THE LEFT OF ME IN THE PARALLEL TURN LANE IN MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL. HER CAR HIT AT NEARLY A 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH ENOUGH IMPACT TO ROCK THE SPORTAGE, IT BUCKLED THE HOOD AND KNOCKED OFF SEVERAL OF THE GRILL PANELS. NOT UNTIL I MOVED THE CAR AND EXITED DID I REALIZE THAT THERE WAS A THIRD CAR INVOLVED THAT IMPACTED THE CAR THAT HIT ME DRIVING HER INTO MY CAR WITH ENOUGH FORCE THAT HER WINDOWS SHATTER AND BENT HER FRONT WHEEL IN. HER AIRBAGS EMPLOYED IN HER VM JETTA CONVERTIBLE, IN ADDITION, TO THE ROLL BARS DEPLOYING. I AM CONCERNED THAT NONE OF MY FRONT AND/OR SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH. MY PASSENGER AND MYSELF SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE IMPACT AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT. WHY DIDN'T THE BAGS DEPLOY? IT WOULD APPEAR THEY ARE DEFECTIVE? *TR
I SWERVED TO HIT A DEER, HIT THE DEER THEN WENT IN TO THE DITCH AND DROVE HEAD ON INTO A TREE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I AM WONDERING WHY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE GEAR PLACED IN PARK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY UTILIZING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HE ALSO OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN THE EVENT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO JUMP FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES, TRAPPING THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES THE ARMS, SHOULDERS AND RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WITH HELP FROM A BYSTANDER PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED THE NEXT DAY AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND KIA LOCATED AT (14101 NORTH FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 872-3859) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE KEYFOB NEED TO REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A 2ND DIAGNOSIS WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V101000 (ENGINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,806. *BF*JB
MY CAR WAS PARKED AT MY RESIDENCE. ALL DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. I PROCEEDED TO PULL THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE AND IT CAME OFF OF THE DOOR. THIS SMALL PULLING ACTION AND THE DETACHMENT OF THE DOOR HANDLE CAUSED ME TO FALL ON MY REAR END. THE FALL CAUSED BRUISING TO MY BUTTOCKS AND BACK.
AT ONLY 97,000 MILES OUR 2012 KIA ENGINE SEIZED AND THREW A ROD ONTO THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS 97 DEGREES OUT AND OUT 1 YO WAS STRANDED WITH US ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS KIA AND HYUNDAI ENGINE. THERE WAS EVEN A RECALL. UNFORTUNATELY KIA SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS AND THAT OURS WANT PRODUCED AT THE SAME PLACE. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF THIS SAME ISSUE. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN ISSUE OR A LARGER PRODUCTION ISSUE. I CANNOT EXPRESS THE ECONOMIC BIND THIS PUT OUR FAMILY IN AND KIA MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY DON'T CARE. THEY WERE EVEN RUDE AND DISMISSIVE ON THEIR CUSTOMER CARE LINE.
I was driving eastbound in my 2012 Kia Sportage on I-82 just past Benton City MP97 at about 11AM on Monday June 22, 2026, when my engine knocked twice, the red check engine light came on, and I lost power. I pulled over off the road next to a concrete barrier that was beside a rock roadcut. My flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that were popping up on the passenger side of my engine compartment near the firewall. After using both half gallons, I ran to the rear of the vehicle, opened the hatchback, and grabbed a gallon spray bottle of water and brought that back around to the front of the vehicle. By this point the prop rod holding the hood was bending and the flames were popping back up, I pumped the sprayer and directed a stream of water with my left hand and used my right to hold up the hood as the prop rod was not working. After the fire was completely out, I returned to the rear of the vehicle, donned my reflective vest, put a portable flasher on my vehicle, and at this point a Benton County fireman in a pickup arrived - he was called by a motorist that saw me pulling over with smoke trailing my vehicle. The fireman was followed by a large firetruck and crew. They propped up the hood with a bar and inspected the motor to verify the fire was completely extinguished. They took my information and left. A Washington State Patrol arrived, assessed the scene and offered assistance, but I already had called my wife so he left me to wait for her. He told me I had 24 hours to get the car off the interstate. I had the car towed to my driveway by A&E towing at about 2:30PM. I just realized this morning that I ought to report it to you. I haven't tried to start it, but I'm sure it won't.
My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the Fire Department arrived, the blaze had already reached the rear of the vehicle. Everything was completely lost.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WAS FLAGGED DOWN BY A BYSTANDER WHO NOTICED FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACTS HUSBAND MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. NO INCIDENT REPORT WAS MADE HOWEVER THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT TO THE SCENE BUT WAS NOT NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACTS INSURANCE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE ITS AWAITING DETAILS FOR DAMAGES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE OIL WAS CHANGED 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THAT OCCURRED. KIA OF LAKE CHARLES 1900 SIEBARTH DRIVE, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70615 (844) 203-6075 WAS CONTACTED AND HAD TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED ON MARCH 2ND 2021. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
THIS INFORMATION IS FROM MECHANIC: ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE, VEHICLE DROVE INTO PARKING LOT, PUT IN PARK, OPENED HOOD, GREY/GREEN SMOKE NOTICED, ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED UP - WOULD NOT RESTART - HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT DRIVING 55 MPH, WHEN SHE NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT COME ON AND SAW SMOKE. WHEN SHE PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE HOOD SHE SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY GOT HER GRANDDAUGHTER OUT AND QUICKLY RAN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EXPLODED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE MADE POPPING NOISES AS IT WAS ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE COMPANY CAME AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CITY TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS YET TO OFFICIALLY TOTAL THE VEHICLE SINCE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED YESTERDAY ON A SUNDAY. THE CONTACT HAD LEARNED OF NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM THE INTERNET OF KIA VEHICLES CATCHING ON FIRE. THE DEALER WEST HERR KIA (3565 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127 (716) 239-4859) OFFERED TO GET HER INTO A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED ON 07/2019. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
SO HE STAR TO USED ALL THE OIL WITHOUT REASON THE DEALER CHECK THE MOTOR AD SAY THE MOTOR BURN THE OIL BUT HE CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM SO 2 DAY AFTER I WAS RUNNING 80 KM WHEN THE CAR TURN ON ENGINE LIGHT IM PARKING AND TURN OFF THE CAR TOWING THE CAR DEALER SAY ENGINE BROKE DOWN BECAUSE WAS NO BREATHE, EL MECANICO DIJO QUE EL FLUJO DE MOTOR DE ACEITE A LOS COJINETES E LAS BIELAS SE DESGATASTARON Y POR ENDE FALLO EL MOTOR.
TRAVELING HOME ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FEW SECONDS LATER, SOME LOUDER NOISES CAME FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND I LOST ALL POWER AND LOTS OF LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH. I COULD IMMEDIATELY SMELL BURNING OIL AND NOTICED BLUE SMOKE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE A CIRCULAR PART SLIDING ON THE PAVEMENT BEHIND ME WHICH I KNEW WAS SOME PART FROM THE CAR. I PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER AND LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES ON THE REAR OF THE ENGINE ON THE EXHAUST AREA. I USED 10 OR 12 HANDFULS OF SNOW FROM THE DITCH TO THROW ON THE FIRE TO GET IT OUT. HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST CITY AND HAD TO RENT A CAR TO GET HOME. I KNOW THAT THE ENGINE BLEW UP. I SAW OIL FROM THE ENGINE ON THE SHOULDER RIGHT UP TO WHERE IT CAME TO REST.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A WITNESS OBSERVED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AND BOTH DEPARTMENTS FILED REPORTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND REMAINED IN THE PARKING LOT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.
1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Check whether this vehicle was remedied before driving or storing it.
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
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.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
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.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.
The internal thread diameter of the tie rod may be too large. Over time, this can reduce the fastening force, which could result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The vacuum pump in the engine may be damaged by a mechanical defect on the camshaft due to high acceleration torque when the engine starts. As a result, an increased force may be required to apply the brake pedal, which may increase braking distance. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to an internal leak of brake fluid, a short circuit can occur in the electrical circuit for the ABS/ESC (Anti-lock Braking System / Electronic Stability Control) system. This can lead to an increase in current and overheating in the fuse box, increasing the risk of the engine catching fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to an internal leak of brake fluid, a short circuit can occur in the electrical circuit for the ABS/ESC (Anti-lock Braking System / Electronic Stability Control) system. This can lead to an increase in current and overheating in the fuse box, increasing the risk of the engine catching fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
A faulty filter inside the tandem pump can cause insufficient oil supply and failure to generate vacuum pressure. This can affect the braking distance, increasing a risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Matched on brand and model name — Safety Gate publishes no VIN. Check the production dates, and quote the recall code to a dealer.