Model year guide

2012 Kia Sportage

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Sportage is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 140 on record.

2012 Kia Sportage — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Kia Sportage at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints391
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$13,988

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Kia Sportage recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #18V907000 · 19/12/2018

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 repl…

Fix: 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.

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

Fix: 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,…

Engine NHTSA Campaign #19V101000 · 15/02/2019

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.

Fix: 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-…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #17V224000 · 31/03/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Kia Sportage common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 391 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2012 Kia Sportage MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,675

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Kia Sportage worth?

Low
$10,400
Typical price
$13,988
High
$17,600

From 140 comparable 2012 Kia Sportage listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia Sportage costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,375
Depreciation (5 yrs)$9,550
Total$22,925
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($13,988) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,452), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Kia Sportage trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · Base · SX · GL(Middle-low grade) · GLS(Middle grade)
Engines
2.4L · 2.0L

2012 Kia Sportage vehicles on record

Other Kia Sportage model years

2012 Kia Sportage — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Sportage have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sportage?

Based on 391 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Sportage get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Sportage at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2012 Kia Sportage worth?

Comparable 2012 Kia Sportage listings run roughly $10,400–$17,600, typically around $13,988 (from 140 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.