Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine seized. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and the starter was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the repair of the vehicle. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which he associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact depressed the brake pedal, stopped, and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The contact shifted into neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon attempting to jumpstart vehicle with the assistance of a friend. The vehicle was towed to the Mazda dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed that the engine, the starter, the battery, and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
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.
My vehicle ran out of fuel, before the fuel gauge came close to "empty". The light had just come on in the past five miles, which usually indicated I had about ~30+ miles before the gauge hit "empty". It is not an electronic speedometer. I have never had that issue before. Surprisingly, I had never had this issue before. I refueled it, and it was seemingly okay. That was Sunday. Friday of the following week, I had my vehicle state inspected (PA), where it did not pass. They had to fix several issues with the rear rotor (reoccurring issue). Once it was fixed, they passed the vehicle. I had asked them to investigate the fuel issue I had. Two days later, my vehicle was less than half on the fuel gauge. I was on the highway, and suddenly I couldn't accelerate anymore. The fuel, battery, and engine lights all appeared on my dashboard. I smelled burning briefly. …
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 were popping up on the passenger side of my engine compartment near the firewall. After using both half gallons, I ran to the rear of the vehicle, opened the hatchback, and grabbed a gallon spray bottle of water and brought that back around to the front of the vehicle. …
Was driving suv when sudden loss of power to engine, pulled off of highway and loss all power to electrical and to engine, I could smell something burning, upon further inspection after having suv towed to repair shop, I was informed that starter had melted and engine had seized up, I have contacted Kia dealership 3 times with no response from them, I also contacted Kia corp and no response, I also notified the BBB, I know there was a lifetime engine repair of this vehicle and some recall on bearings, I did have knock sensor done as required, I am looking for help in filing a complaint and copies of any recalls that were ever issued to this vehicle, I do not get recall notices sent to me, I own 4 cars, all Kia, other 3 not having issues yet, any help would be appreciated. Consumer stated the warranty has expired, but never received any notices of recalls.
I am writing about a recall notice that was issued last fall (2023) and has not yet been repaired by KIA, this vehicle's manufacturer. The HECU unit has a bad fuse that can cause a fire while driving or when parked. The relevant data is: Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284SL NHTSA Recall Number23V652 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This waiting period has been excessive. KIA needs to get this done!
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 issue I'm having now is about a month ago (November) I went to start my car and not only would the engine not turn over, but all the lights kept flickering as if the alternator was going out. …
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.
Auto window switches have had to be replaced.starting with original OEM switch as #! ,passenger side front is on third replacement, passenger side rear has been replaced once and is starting to go out again, switch will only operate from the drivers master control panel and drivers side rear has been replaced once. I believe it is a poorly manufactured part. Two were replaced under warranty, the other two will be out of my pocket. When the passenger side front went out for the second time, warranty was expired by one month with a history of problem auto window switches. I called Kia motors corporate office and explained that these parts are junk and I would like another replacement. Person in charge of service for Kia motors basically said tough your warranty is over. …
Electrical complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Kia Sportage, 7% of the model year's 392 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Kia Sportage electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Kia Sportage, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Sportage electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.