2012 Kia Sportage engine problems
328 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Kia Sportage — 84% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jun 26, 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…”
filed Jun 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An engine compartment fire can occur while drivingCampaign 20V750000 · Dec 2, 2020
- Engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damageCampaign 19V101000 · Feb 15, 2019
- Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear…Campaign 17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
Engine problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 9 | 14% |
| 2023 Sportage | 37 | 20% |
| 2022 Sportage | 20 | 44% |
| 2021 Sportage | 20 | 42% |
| 2020 Sportage | 71 | 45% |
| 2019 Sportage | 35 | 51% |
| 2018 Sportage | 86 | 54% |
| 2017 Sportage | 219 | 55% |
| 2016 Sportage | 58 | 45% |
| 2015 Sportage | 84 | 58% |
| 2014 Sportage | 71 | 58% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.