2012 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 328 16 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WITH HELP FROM A BYSTANDER PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED THE NEXT DAY AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND KIA LOCATED AT (14101 NORTH FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 872-3859) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE KEYFOB NEED TO REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11316259, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“AT ONLY 97,000 MILES OUR 2012 KIA ENGINE SEIZED AND THREW A ROD ONTO THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS 97 DEGREES OUT AND OUT 1 YO WAS STRANDED WITH US ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS KIA AND HYUNDAI ENGINE. THERE WAS EVEN A RECALL. UNFORTUNATELY KIA SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS AND THAT OURS WANT PRODUCED AT THE SAME PLACE. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF THIS SAME ISSUE. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN ISSUE OR A LARGER PRODUCTION ISSUE. I CANNOT EXPRESS THE ECONOMIC BIND THIS PUT OUR FAMILY IN AND KIA MADE…”
NHTSA complaint #11123283, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that…”
NHTSA complaint #11746708, 2026 · fire

Electrical System 29 1 crash 4 fire

“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 flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that…”
NHTSA complaint #11746708, 2026 · fire

“My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the Fire Department arrived, the blaze had already reached the rear of the vehicle. Everything was completely lost.”
NHTSA complaint #11469891, 2022 · fire

“THIS INFORMATION IS FROM MECHANIC: ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE, VEHICLE DROVE INTO PARKING LOT, PUT IN PARK, OPENED HOOD, GREY/GREEN SMOKE NOTICED, ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED UP - WOULD NOT RESTART - HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC.”
NHTSA complaint #11318104, 2020 · fire

Unknown Or Other 23 3 fire

“My vehicle had just recently been parked and turned off after only having driven 10 miles. Upon returning to my car less than 5 minutes later, a plume of white smoke and a small flame could be seen below the hood of the car. Within minutes the entire engine was engulfed in flames. By the time the Fire Department arrived, the blaze had already reached the rear of the vehicle. Everything was completely lost.”
NHTSA complaint #11469891, 2022 · fire

“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, 2019 · fire

“I HAD BEEN HEARING A STRANGE NOISE WHEN PUSHING THE BRAKES SINCE AUGUST 2018, I HAD A LAY PERSON LOOK AT IT WHO STATED IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. I TOOK IT TO KIA AS I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR 20 MORE MILES AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T THE BEARINGS AND THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS AT ALL WITH THE CAR. ON FEB. 20, 2019, 6 MONTHS LATER, I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SON ON THE HIGHWAY AND STARTED TO HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD UNDER THE HOOD AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO FALTER. I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE KNOCKING INCREASED AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE D…”
NHTSA complaint #11183294, 2019 · fire

Power Train 21 2 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE GEAR PLACED IN PARK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY UTILIZING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HE ALSO OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN THE EVENT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO JUMP FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES, TRAPPING THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES THE ARMS, SHOULDERS AND RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10450350, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that…”
NHTSA complaint #11746708, 2026 · fire

“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, 2019 · fire

Service Brakes 11 1 crash 3 injury

“BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING FALLS OFF, LEAVING A SLIPPERY SURFACE AND A FALLEN GRIP PADDING BLOCKING BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING IN FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SWERVING INTO TWO TOLL LANES & CRASHING INTO SEVERAL RUBBER DIVIDERS. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING HAS CONTINUED TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. KIA DEALERSHIP & SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN TGHE VEHICLE WITHOUT EVEN INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10432967, 2011 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11633380, 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 repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was under recall and referred the contact to the dealer.…”
NHTSA complaint #11572043, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 1 crash

“WAS DRIVING AND THE AIRBAG INFLATED, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS AND SMOKE”
NHTSA complaint #11374214, 2018 · crash

“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 under the hood there was oil all over the engine and the cap was there, it was smoking.”
NHTSA complaint #11499012, 2022

“ON NOVEMBER 12 I PURCHASED THE KIA SPORTAGE EX 2012 AND IT WAS TRANSFERRED ON NOVEMBER 16 FROM PITTSBURGH TO THE DHILLON AUTO CENTER WORKSHOP LOCATED AT PENNDEL PENNSYLVANIA BEING ATTENDED BY THE MECHANIC (THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) WHO AFTER PERFORMING THE USUAL TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AND AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF IGNITION, IT SMOKED INTENSELY AND WENT OUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY; INSISTING A COUPLE OF TIMES MORE AND CONTINUED CHECKING OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM AFTER WHICH HE DID NOT INSIST MORE AND REACHING THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ENGINE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11378156, 2020

Steering 6

“SO SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AROUND THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE FEELING WHILE DRIVING MY KIA WAS SMOOTH NO VIBRATION OR NOTICE COMING FROM THE CAR, I HAVENT HAD ANY KIND OF ACCIDENTS OR HIT ANY POT HOLES, SO NOW A YEAR INTO HAVING THE KIA AND KEEPING ALL THE FLUIDS, BRAKES, AND TIRES CHANGED I NOTICED BEFORE GETTING IT SERVICES AND HAVING THOSE LISTED CHANGED THERE IS A FEELING IN THE STEERING FRONT END OF WHAT I SAY FEELS LIKE THE TIRES ARE GOING TO FOLD UP UNDER THE CAR. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING SEEMS TO FEEL REALLY LOOSE AND I HAVE TO CORRECT IT OUT OF THE DIRECTION I JUST TURN TO MAKE THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11397789, 2020

“MY 17YR OLD SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A NOISE AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE.HE SLOWED DOWN TO PULL OVER AND THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WANT TO TURN. HE SAID IT WAS HEAVY. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS ROD BEARINGS. I REMEMBERED A COUPLE YEARS AGO GETTING A LETTER FROM NHTSA AND KIA MENTIONING THEY WERE INVESTIGATING A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. I LOOKED UP AND IT SAID NO RECALLS ON MY CAR. THE CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL SAME YEAR AND EVERYTHING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 106 THOUSAND ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS RECEIVED ALL SCHEDULED MA…”
NHTSA complaint #11111135, 2018

“RATTLING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING WORSE. VIBRATION FROM WHEEL WHILE BRAKING INTERMITTENTLY. THIS MORE OFTEN OCCURS WHILE MAKING TURNS. EVERY TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT, THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE BUT NOT WHEN IT'S TURNED TO THE RIGHT. I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD IT WAS THE VISCOUS COUPLING, THEN I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WHY DOES A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR AND HAS JUST CONTINUOUSLY GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC SINCE KIA HAS MISDIAGNOSED THE ISSUE SEVERAL T…”
NHTSA complaint #11022867, 2017

Air Bags 4 4 crash 3 injury

“I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY ONTO A MEDIAN DIVIDED STREET THAT RUNS EAST/WEST. I WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT, IN A DOUBLE TURN LANE, ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO TURN WEST GOING ABOUT 5 MPH, IMMEDIATELY I WAS HIT BY A WOMAN TO THE LEFT OF ME IN THE PARALLEL TURN LANE IN MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL. HER CAR HIT AT NEARLY A 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH ENOUGH IMPACT TO ROCK THE SPORTAGE, IT BUCKLED THE HOOD AND KNOCKED OFF SEVERAL OF THE GRILL PANELS. NOT UNTIL I MOVED THE CAR AND EXITED DID I REALIZE THAT THERE WAS A THIRD CAR INVOLVED THAT IMPACTED THE CAR THAT HIT ME DRIVING HER INTO…”
NHTSA complaint #10572950, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I SWERVED TO HIT A DEER, HIT THE DEER THEN WENT IN TO THE DITCH AND DROVE HEAD ON INTO A TREE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I AM WONDERING WHY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10552315, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING AND THE AIRBAG INFLATED, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS AND SMOKE”
NHTSA complaint #11374214, 2018 · crash

Structure 4 1 injury

“MY CAR WAS PARKED AT MY RESIDENCE. ALL DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. I PROCEEDED TO PULL THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE AND IT CAME OFF OF THE DOOR. THIS SMALL PULLING ACTION AND THE DETACHMENT OF THE DOOR HANDLE CAUSED ME TO FALL ON MY REAR END. THE FALL CAUSED BRUISING TO MY BUTTOCKS AND BACK.”
NHTSA complaint #11157058, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to open to the front driver's side door from the inside of the vehicle, the contact heard an unknown part inside the door fall, and the door required to be opened manually by pulling on the exterior door handle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle would not be repaired unless the manufacturer contacted the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…”
NHTSA complaint #11701684, 2025

“ITS APPROX 57 DEGREES OUT. 6:30 AM THIS MORNING WENT OUTSIDE TO START CAR CAME, BACK 10 MINUTES LATER TO GO TO WORK AND FOUND A CRACK (WHICH WASN'T THERE WHEN I STARTED THE CAR) FROM BOTTOM LEFT CORNER UP TO THE TOP. ON MY WAY TO WORK ANOTHER CRACK STARTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. MY CAR IS 9 WEEKS OLD, NO ACCIDENT, NO CHIPS. WHEN I CALLED THE CAR DEALER THEY SAID CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I TOLD THEM THAT I FELT THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. THEY TOLD ME NO. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10474447, 2012

Visibility 4

“DRIVING TO WORK IN JULY 2013 I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND AND LOOKED AROUND AND NOTICED NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED. I THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING WAS KICKED UP FROM A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND HIT THE ROOF SO I FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY. LUCKILY IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF. NOW ITS MARCH 2014 AND I HAD THE SAME THINK HAPPEN, I HEARD A LOUD POP LOOKED AROUND AND SAW NOTHING UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. MY WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND THE PANEL OF GLASS BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED. I TOO CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME…”
NHTSA complaint #10568550, 2013

“I WAS WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A HUGE POP SOUND ALMOST LIKE A FIRECRACKER AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND TO SEE WHAT IT WAS MY ENTIRE BACK WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO ROCK OR ANY OBJECT LIKE THAT TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE SO I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED IT, MAYBE PRESSURE OR AN AIR BUBBLE? IT SEEMED LIKE A DEFAULT IN THE WINDOW TO ME BUT OF COURSE IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10495354, 2013

“ITS APPROX 57 DEGREES OUT. 6:30 AM THIS MORNING WENT OUTSIDE TO START CAR CAME, BACK 10 MINUTES LATER TO GO TO WORK AND FOUND A CRACK (WHICH WASN'T THERE WHEN I STARTED THE CAR) FROM BOTTOM LEFT CORNER UP TO THE TOP. ON MY WAY TO WORK ANOTHER CRACK STARTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. MY CAR IS 9 WEEKS OLD, NO ACCIDENT, NO CHIPS. WHEN I CALLED THE CAR DEALER THEY SAID CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I TOLD THEM THAT I FELT THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. THEY TOLD ME NO. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10474447, 2012

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A AWFUL KNOCKING NOISE. THEN THE DASH LIT UP WITH OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO SIDE OF INTERSTATE WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. I HAD TO CALL SOMEONE TO COME GET US.”
NHTSA complaint #11185919, 2019

“MY 17YR OLD SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A NOISE AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE.HE SLOWED DOWN TO PULL OVER AND THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WANT TO TURN. HE SAID IT WAS HEAVY. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS ROD BEARINGS. I REMEMBERED A COUPLE YEARS AGO GETTING A LETTER FROM NHTSA AND KIA MENTIONING THEY WERE INVESTIGATING A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. I LOOKED UP AND IT SAID NO RECALLS ON MY CAR. THE CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL SAME YEAR AND EVERYTHING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 106 THOUSAND ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS RECEIVED ALL SCHEDULED MA…”
NHTSA complaint #11111135, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AT A RAPID SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOX KIA (4141 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 (616) 524-4008), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11048085, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 59 IN HOUSTON IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND MY OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. AFTER IT FLASHED IT STOPPED AND THEN IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER I NOTICED IT WAS NOT ACCELERATING I BEGAN TO GET OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY ONTO A SERVICE ROAD. BY THE TIME I GOT ONTO THE SERVICE ROAD THE TRUCK WENT COMPLETELY DEAD. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE OIL AND I HAD OIL ON MY DIP STICK. I HAD GOTTEN AN OIL CHANGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11129855, 2018

“RATTLING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING WORSE. VIBRATION FROM WHEEL WHILE BRAKING INTERMITTENTLY. THIS MORE OFTEN OCCURS WHILE MAKING TURNS. EVERY TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT, THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE BUT NOT WHEN IT'S TURNED TO THE RIGHT. I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD IT WAS THE VISCOUS COUPLING, THEN I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WHY DOES A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR AND HAS JUST CONTINUOUSLY GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC SINCE KIA HAS MISDIAGNOSED THE ISSUE SEVERAL T…”
NHTSA complaint #11022867, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11565163, 2024

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of a rod bearing and knock sensor failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximately failure mileage was 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11464420, 2022

Exterior Lighting 2

“When the headlights are on they randomly flicker/shut off and flash back on. When using turn signal the headlights flash off and back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11436315, 2021

“AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30AM, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. MY KIA SPORTAGE SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD BANG, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. IT ALSO SHUT OFF THE HEADLIGHTS, AND DISABLED THE POWER STEERING, WHILE ON A CURVE, GOING 70MPH. THE POWER ASSISTED BRAKES WERE ALSO NOT WORKING, BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. I MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT WAS ALMOST HIT BY SEVERAL VEHICLES THAT COULD NO LONGER SEE ME, BECAUSE MY LIGHTS WERE OFF. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START UP AGAIN, AND I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS, AND KIA REFUSES T…”
NHTSA complaint #10574623, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“2 MONTHS AGO MY DAUGHTERS KIA DIED AT A STOP SIGN, IT WOULD START BUT NOT IDLE OR DRIVE. HAD IT TOWED TO MIDTOWN KIA HERE IN TULSA WHERE ALL, AND LOTS OF PROBLEMS, HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. GAVE THEM THE ISSUES AND PAID THEM TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM A DEALER IN COLORADO BUT ALL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT LOCAL DEALER. TOOK A WEEK AND MY CALLING THEM TO BE TOLD THE STARTER WAS BAD AND IT WOULD TAKE $424 TO REPLACE IT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM THE STARTER WORKED FINE WHEN WE BROUGHT IT IN AND THE STARTER DOESN`T NEED TO BE WORKING TO PLUG IN THE OBD READER TO CHECK FOR FAULT CODES!…”
NHTSA complaint #11206342, 2019

“I OWN A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE THAT I PURCHASED FROM RIVERHEAD AUTO MALL, THAT EXPERIENCE WAS WONDERFUL. I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A KIA FOR A FEW REASONS, THE AFFORDABILITY BUT MAINLY THE 5 YEAR/10 YEAR WARRANTY. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD A FEW ISSUES THAT I HAVE VISITED VARIOUS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO RECTIFY WHICH HAVE STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THESE ARE SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, WHICH I SPOKE TO CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT KIA WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. I CAN GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING, AFTER MY RECENT EXPERIENCES WITH KIA I WILL NEVER PU…”
NHTSA complaint #11010641, 2016

Wheels 2 1 crash 3 injury

“BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING FALLS OFF, LEAVING A SLIPPERY SURFACE AND A FALLEN GRIP PADDING BLOCKING BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING IN FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SWERVING INTO TWO TOLL LANES & CRASHING INTO SEVERAL RUBBER DIVIDERS. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL GRIP PADDING HAS CONTINUED TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. KIA DEALERSHIP & SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN TGHE VEHICLE WITHOUT EVEN INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10432967, 2011 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 the tire pressure. It continues to not accurately read if the tire pressure is low or not. A couple of months ago (summertime) my sunroof would not close. I finally got it to close completely after having to turn the car on and off multiple times and I have not risked trying it again since. The biggest…”
NHTSA complaint #11498733, 2022

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“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 the tire pressure. It continues to not accurately read if the tire pressure is low or not. A couple of months ago (summertime) my sunroof would not close. I finally got it to close completely after having to turn the car on and off multiple times and I have not risked trying it again since. The biggest…”
NHTSA complaint #11498733, 2022

Fuel System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW MOMENTS AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,005.”
NHTSA complaint #11156783, 2018

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to open to the front driver's side door from the inside of the vehicle, the contact heard an unknown part inside the door fall, and the door required to be opened manually by pulling on the exterior door handle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle would not be repaired unless the manufacturer contacted the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…”
NHTSA complaint #11701684, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 1

“ITS APPROX 57 DEGREES OUT. 6:30 AM THIS MORNING WENT OUTSIDE TO START CAR CAME, BACK 10 MINUTES LATER TO GO TO WORK AND FOUND A CRACK (WHICH WASN'T THERE WHEN I STARTED THE CAR) FROM BOTTOM LEFT CORNER UP TO THE TOP. ON MY WAY TO WORK ANOTHER CRACK STARTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. MY CAR IS 9 WEEKS OLD, NO ACCIDENT, NO CHIPS. WHEN I CALLED THE CAR DEALER THEY SAID CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I TOLD THEM THAT I FELT THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. THEY TOLD ME NO. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10474447, 2012