2012 KIA SPORTAGE

5 recalls, 454 complaints - 259 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

ENGINE

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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, ... Read more

294,756 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

ENGINE

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 1-8... Read more

32,296 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

71,653 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

618,160 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

454 total complaints 12 crashes 26 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	317
POWER TRAIN	26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	24
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	19
STEERING	9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7
AIR BAGS	7
SERVICE BRAKES	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	4

Incident date: Jun 22, 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 flash... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

Fire

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

Fire

Incident date: Jun 9, 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 hig... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

This forward collision system will engage at inappropriate times when there is no crash concern. This vehicle has routinely engaged in a highway setting locking up the brakes and forcing the vehicle to a full stop on the highway with vehicles at speeds of 60+mph causing a grave safety risk and an im... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

1. The battery is consistently being drained from an unknown issue, mechanic unsure. In two years it has need 3 batteries. This causes start issues, window closing issues, and the radio screen console issues. 2. The transmission gets stuck in third now needing a new transmission.Was told only a ne... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH up a ramp with an incline in the rain and merging onto the freeway, the accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard, but the vehicle hesitated while responding and slowly accelerated. It was unknown whether ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

The steering wheel feels "sticky" when driving at highway speeds, as in it takes an additional amount of force to do regular and micro adjustments when driving at mostly over 45 MPH, it is more noticeable during longer trips. This feels like a very serious safety issue, since it feels like at any mo... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2001 Honda Accord. The contact purchased the vehicle and was provided a copy of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS) by the original owner of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer refused to ... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light and while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and inspected ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

Water pump failed causing coolant leaked into engine causing major engine damage

Incident date: Apr 3, 2025

My car makes a click sound when turning the wheel left or right and gas is applied. This has been happening for around 5 months. It’s not noted all the time but I do hear it occasionally. I have a DashCam video with sound as proof, but this website is not letting me upload the video as its file si... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2024

The car's paint is peeling all over. The roof was repainted in 2018, the hood and side door in 2024 and now the the roof supports on each side and trunk are peeling . While driving a big piece of white paint flew to my windshield blocking the driver's view. It stuck under the wipers when used to r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2024

Upon driving at approx 20mph in traffic on the highway, there was a sudden loss of power in acceleration. Smoke was seen around the vehicle. Multiple lights flashed on the dashboard and then quickly went blank. As I was pulling to the side of the road I noticed flames coming from the front right sid... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 17, 2024

Allison transmission valve body failure, going on 2 months backorder due to high demand for this part several others are experiencing long delays. Perhaps a recall will gets things moving

Incident date: May 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

I purchased 4 Cooper Adventurer 265/70R16 tires in 3-2022 from Pep Boys in Mobile, AL. I had a ASE Certified mechanic checked these tires and found there was a bulge on the tread of the passenger front & tread separation on the driver's rear tire. The tires have approx. 17K miles since purchase. Pe... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

The manufacturer of Kia has not resolve the fire issue to the vehicles. The recall has not be looked into or updated since letter in 2022. I’ve asked multiple Kia reps when the recall will be handled and was told there is no remedy. This recall is super dangerous and is a liability when driving on... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2024

2023 Buick Envision. Brakes failed. This was a new car driven 1k miles. There was no warning notification, no alert and no dashboard lights prior to this incident. Of course I had expected the normal brake resistance when I stepped on the pedal. Instead, my foot sunk closer to the floor. I pressed... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shudder, displaying symptoms consistent with the transmission slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cl... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

My sunroof spontaneously shattered/exploded during a standstill at a stoplight while waiting to enter a freeway. The glass sunroof panel appeared slightly curved upwards (caused by built up interior pressure?) and the shattered hole is right below my roof crossbar. There is no damage to metal roof ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2024

On or about Sep 25th 2023, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes or errors. On or about Apr 01st 2024, automatic brake system invertedly activated while driving 40mph with no traffic. Dealership could not find any codes ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2024

Infotainment center will randomly go into "component protection" mode, and the center console will become stuck in a loop of rebooting. While component protection is active, the following systems become unavailable: Backup camera, radio, climate controls, advanced driver assist systems, park assist ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 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 re... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

I scan the truck misfire keep popping up I change four coil packs and all new sparkplugs and the same thing 4cyl misfire again and its paper sucking up thru tail pipe

Incident date: Nov 14, 2023

Once or twice a day my vehicle hesitates from a light and I have to almost floor it to get it going again.I have brought it to 2 different Subaru dealers 3 times and they say they can't fix the problem.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2021

The car has been taken to the dealer multiple times for not accelerating out of 1st gear when starting up, and also for shuddering at high speeds. We have been stranded, hundreds of miles from home on 2 occasions, first with less than 30,000 miles because the spark plugs needed to be replaced. And... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) 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 man... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2024

The ABS light and traction control light came on and the cruise control stopped working. Brakes are spongy and require increased peddle pressure to stop. According to dealership the problem is the ABS module. A new ABS module will not be available until May 24.

Incident date: Nov 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The first time, the contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle independently lurched forward without warning before the vehicle corrected... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 30, 2023

Concerned driver stopped me and said I had no brake lights , only the lights atop the hatch showed breaking. After returning home I checked all settings on light controls and none made lower break lights work when pedal depressed. This could cause someone not watching top of vehicle crash into my ve... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2023

While traveling westbound on I-64 at highway speed (~65 MPH), I experienced a complete tire failure of the driver's side front fire. It was first experienced as severe front-end vibration that made control of the vehicle difficult; there were no warnings or other indications of imminent failure. F... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, causing the braking system to activate and the vehicle to veer to the left. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that after five minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2021

Please check for all recalls on my car.

Incident date: May 16, 2023

Vehicle was regularly maintained and did not show any air bag codes on a reader. Was told by tow truck driver a new ball joint failed after recently being replaced. This caused me to lose steering around a small bend and lead me to go straight into a guardrail at 55mph. Upon impact of guardrail and ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 2, 2023

I was driving my car at a normal rate of speed when all of a sudden it slowed down to a crawl and almost caused an accident, reduced engine power and engine came one after getting the codes they were 2122 and 2097

Incident date: Mar 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that vehicle had failed to accelerate upon a cold start as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed a crack in cylinder #1 which caused coolant to lea... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact depressed the brake pedal, stopped, and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2023

During my early commute on a sunny morning shortly after sunrise with the sun at the rear of the vehicle, when selecting the turn signal, the dash display flashes rapidly, i.e., hyperflashing, and it has been confirmed that the rear signal light does not operate during this anomaly. The forward tur... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that an unknown warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was test driven and the fault codes were reset. Upon restart of the vehicle, the power steering assist message appeared on t... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2022

On this new Hyundai design the headlights and bright lights are put low, into the area where the bumper and turn signals normally are. They put halogen bulbs in 3 versions (including the version we own). We are older and don't have perfect vision. The lights in this location are unusually dim and c... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2023

When connected to a trailer with trailer brakes, the driver information center displays a message check trailer brakes when I apply the brakes. After usually the 3rd brake application the driver information center displays a message. Service trailer brakes. Trailer brakes disengage. Local certified... Read more

Incident date: Sep 26, 2022

It died when we turned it on but we didn’t think it started so we started it again and it was fine. Then 1 hour later we were driving and check engine light came on and it turned off then the car was dying. When I pulled over to let it cool down the car wouldn’t turn back on and when I checked u... Read more

Incident date: Sep 26, 2022

Incident date: Dec 19, 2022

The day I drove the car off the lot after purchasing (roughly 4 years ago) the low tire pressure sensor came on and I was unable to get it to go off. Mentioned it to the dealership whenever I went back for my first oil change and they told me they were able to “wake it up” whenever they checked ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2022

Showing 50 of 454 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA SPORTAGE

2012 Kia Sportage SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.5%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA SPORTAGE

259 manufacturer communications from 155 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	51
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	39
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	26
350000 EQUIPMENT	21
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	12
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	11
010000 STEERING	11
100000 POWER TRAIN	10

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2103) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2011-2013 MY Kia Sportage vehicles equipp

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

160000 STRUCTURE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160000 STRUCTURE

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

010000 STEERING

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160000 STRUCTURE

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

010000 STEERING

100000 POWER TRAIN

PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chat

020000 SUSPENSION

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2103Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2103) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System -

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a follow-up notification advising that Kia developed a software upgrade that can be installed on your vehicle free of charge to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ig

350000 EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Mod

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supp

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. So

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin are

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressur

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2011-2013 MY Kia Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4-l

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2103) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Product Improvement Campaign (PI2103).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engin

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bul

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802YZ/1803YZ.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin pr

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATIVE CANISTER - COMPLETION STICKER - To be filled out and provided to the customers whose vehicles are registered in one of the S.177 States ( Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Mass

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATOR CANISTER - PROOF OF COMPLETION CARD - To be filled out and provided to the customers whose vehicles are registered in one of the S.177 States ( Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATIVE CANISTER - OWNER LETTER - This notice is to announce a new Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect the evaporative canister and, if necessary, install an Auxiliary Canister K

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATIVE CANISTER - QA - This document is a Question and Answer guide for the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect the evaporative canister and, if necessary, install an Auxiliary

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 5 -KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update t

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATIVE CANISTER - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - Announces the new Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect the evaporative canister and, if necessary, install an Auxiliary Canister Kit t

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATIVE CANISTER - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE - This notice is to announce a new Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect the evaporative canister and, if necessary, install an Aux

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN - CANISTER INSPECTION AND AUXILIARY CANISTER INSTALLATION (SC184) - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect the evaporative system's existing canister for noise caused

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Showing 100 of 259 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SPORTAGE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION

KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC ENGINE COOLING FAN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL.KIA'S DEFECT REPORT STATES, ...HEAT GENERATED BY THE ENGINE CAUSES REPEATED BENDING DEFORMATION OF THE POLYPROPYLENE COOLING FAN...INITIATING CRACKS IN TH... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION

THE INVESTIGATION OF ENGINE COOLING FANS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 AS PE06-042.THE BASIS FOR OPENING WAS 10 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FAN BLADE CRACKING AND BLADE SEPARATION.SIX OF THE REPORTS INDICATED THE SEPARATED FAN BLADES CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1996

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

ON JANUARY 4, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANK IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2000 KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JANUARY 25, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION AB... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2000

VEHICLE ROLLOVER

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

WINDSHIELD WIPER

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON

A monthly Technical Times published by Kia and distributed to dealer technicians identifying a wiring harness problem that could cause connectors C123 and C124 to pull apart slightly during engine load changes.This could lead to erratic or tempory loss

KIA SPORTAGE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SPORTAGE across all model years (1995, 2026).

87 Total Recalls

6,758 Total Complaints

8 Investigations

438 Reported Crashes

255 Reported Fires

3 Reported Deaths

KIA SPORTAGE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	33	View
2025	1	86	View
2024	3	95	View
2023	6	305	View
2022	1	60	View
2021	2	55	View
2020	2	201	View
2019	2	101	View
2018	3	221	View
2017	4	556	View
2016	2	183	View
2015	2	195	View
2014	3	154	View
2013	3	449	View
2012 (current)	5	454
2011	6	264	View
2010	2	28	View
2009	3	120	View
2008	3	138	View
2007	2	113	View
2006	1	169	View
2005	3	93	View
2003	0	4	View
2002	3	321	View
2001	2	354	View
2000	4	462	View
1999	5	493	View
1998	5	558	View
1997	3	299	View
1996	3	98	View
1995	2	88	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 KIA SPORTAGE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA SPORTAGE

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA SPORTAGE

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SPORTAGE

KIA SPORTAGE - All Years Overview

KIA SPORTAGE - Year by Year

Other KIA Models