The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Sportage · 2012

2012 Kia Sportage. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index40100 = average car
Complaints18NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold36,357U.S. model year
Per 100K sold50complaints
Year rank#7 of 18#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 6

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto 6-spdFWD21 / 28 / 24Regular$2,600
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto 6-spd4WD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
2.4L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD21 / 30 / 25Regular$2,500
2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
2.4L 4-cylAuto 6-spd4WD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spd4WD19 / 25 / 21Regular$2,950

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 73,000 and 116,600 miles. Median 97,800, from 314 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine100,00079,600–118,000275
Electrical84,00041,400–121,00019
Transmission & drivetrain83,00059,600–106,50017
Steering52,5005,500–108,2006

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine28%
Visibility22%
Airbags17%
Body structure11%
Brakes11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
3927167048

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 5

  • 23V652000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number

  • 20V750000 Dec 2020 Engine

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-80

  • 19V101000 Feb 2019 Engine

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.

  • 18V907000 Dec 2018 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 17V224000 Mar 2017 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023
ClosedEngine fires20212024
ClosedScope and timeliness20172021

Manufacturer communications 177

Kia filed 177 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • When engine is at 2000 rpm and operating temperature, it may experience, from the balance…
  • Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
  • "dealer parts and service manager memo: wty007 - 2011-2014 my sportage 2.0l turbo gdi & 2.4l…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Sportage SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Kia Sportage SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2009–1142,509Steering
20109323,873Seats
2011724047,463Electrical
2012401836,357Engine
2013492132,965Engine
2014261242,945Visibility
2015402153,739Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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