2012 Kia Sportage Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: June 22, 2026 · Filed: June 26, 2026

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.

Incident: June 9, 2026 · Filed: June 15, 2026

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 vehicle was towed to Auffenberg Kia in Cape Girardeau, MO I experienced an unreasonable delay of atr a mininum of 2 weeks or more before they could assess the damage, and they refused to provide a loaner vehicle while I was left without transport. Futhermore, they have stated they will not assist with anything until the inspection is complete and the exact cause of failure is determined.

Incident: November 26, 2025 · Filed: November 26, 2025

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.

Incident: October 23, 2025 · Filed: October 27, 2025

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.

Incident: August 12, 2025 · Filed: August 12, 2025

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)

Incident: June 29, 2025 · Filed: July 2, 2025

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.

Incident: May 26, 2025 · Filed: June 24, 2025

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 installed by Kia Glendale on June 6, 2022, and was fully operational at the time of failure; Proof of an oil change on March 7, 2025, at 98,798 miles; Photographic and video documentation dated March 27, 2025, showing the vehicle at exactly 100,000 miles with no check engine lights, warning indicators, or abnormal engine noise; A clear timeline showing that, just five weeks later on May 6, 2025, the vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at approximately 101,000 miles—despite having had an oil change only weeks earlier. For your convenience, we have re-sent all supporting documentation in case any records were misplaced during what has now become a significantly drawn-out process. Importantly, the vehicle owner did not continue driving after any warning light appeared. They immediately pulled over and had the vehicle professionally towed, demonstrating responsible action at every turn.

Incident: April 18, 2025 · Filed: April 18, 2025

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.

Incident: April 3, 2025 · Filed: April 12, 2025

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.

Incident: December 31, 2024 · Filed: December 31, 2024

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.