2012 Kia Sportage Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 6%of 392 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,972miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Kia Sportage, 6% of the 392 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,972 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle stopped in the middle if a street light . I took it to Kia shop they said the engine died which before that I never got warnings . I know Kia does have problems with the engine . They are covering the engine but I have to pay for labor which is a little over 3,000 dollars . I'm not satisfied but I need my car .”
NHTSA complaint #11290015, filed 2019-12, 98,000 miles“Yesterday when I was driving my check engine light came on. So I took it to pepboys that said the code was 791. Then, called the dealership and mechanics to find out about it. Most people that part should not had went bad. This code is for the butterfly flips in the intake manofold.”
NHTSA complaint #10992507, filed 2017-05, 92,943 miles“On two separate occasions while driving the car has shut off completely. The first time it happen the car was towed to a mechanic that said the engine was bad and the parts were recalled. We were able to tow the car to another shop and they had said it was possibly the starter. We replaced the starter as well as another part and the car started. Once taken for a drive the car again shut down. We again had to tow the car. Now it won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #11114074, filed 2018-07, 130,000 miles“I was driving with my daughter at 7:30 pm on santiago canyon road orange, ca. When I noticed a clicking sound and caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye of a light reflecting off the road. I instantly pulled over and told my daughter to get out. The car took about 3 to 4 minutes to totally go up in flames. I was never contacted about any potential problems with this car or anything about the Kia sorrento we also own. Now I won't be driving that car either.”
NHTSA complaint #11265649, filed 2019-10, 85,000 miles“Recently purchased 2012 Kia Sportage about 8 months ago, only 68,000 off the lot. Has been driving perfectly fine with routine maintenance on vehicle. Until last night headed back home, the engine started making a knocking and clammering noise that got louder as I countined to drive. I figured at about 100,000 miles shouldn't nothing possibly be going wrong. The car first stalled out and cut off, then restarted. Drove to nearest exit thinking it maybe low on oil but no. …”
NHTSA complaint #11155566, filed 2018-12, 104,387 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 29% |
| 2025 | 22 | 40% |
| 2024 | 21 | 28% |
| 2023 | 50 | 26% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 16 | 30% |
| 2020 | 34 | 20% |
| 2019 | 18 | 25% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 75 | 19% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2015 | 27 | 18% |
| 2014 | 14 | 11% |
| 2013 | 27 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 8 | 10% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 14 | 5% |
| 1998 | 25 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Sportage
328 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology