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2012 Kia Sportage

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Kia Sportage
Pictured: 2025 Kia Sportage S front only. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4 Dr SUV LX/LX AWD/EX/ EX AWD/EX Lux, 4 Dr SUV Sx
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
174.8 in
Curb weight
3,157–3,466 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Kia Sportage is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,157 lb (4 Dr SUV LX/LX AWD/EX/ EX AWD/EX Lux).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 20% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sportage — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sportage →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.4L
Engine–2.0L turbo
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

GL(Middle-low grade)GLS(Middle grade)

Built in: Gwangju, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Sportage configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr SUV LX/LX AWD/EX/ EX AWD/EX Lux174.8 in73.2 in65 in103.9 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,157 lb58/42
4 Dr SUV Sx174.8 in73.2 in65 in103.9 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,466 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sportage 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 25+20%$2,700355
Sportage 2WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+15%$2,800370
Sportage 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900386
Sportage 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+21%$2,900386
Sportage 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+16%$3,050404
Sportage 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21+11%$3,200423
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Sportage.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Kia Sportage (this car)25 MPGNot rated5
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPGNot rated3
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine · Dec 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Engine · Feb 15, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V101000 · 32,296 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles

Problem
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 replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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 And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Kia Sportage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

376Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
16Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine324
Electrical System23
Unknown Or Other23
Power Train20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Steering4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 222/12: 323/01: 223/02: 123/03: 123/04: 123/06: 223/07: 223/11: 123/12: 324/01: 324/02: 324/03: 124/04: 424/05: 424/08: 224/12: 125/04: 225/06: 125/07: 125/08: 125/10: 125/11: 126/06: 222/1023/0223/0623/1224/0324/0825/0625/10max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Kia Sportage buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 324 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Power Train — 20 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Sportage. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sportage years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sportage41184.3 inNot rated01
2026 Sportage42184.3 inNot rated140
2025 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★175
2024 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★3110
2023 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★7309
2022 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★146
2021 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★254
2020 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★2164
2019 Sportage25176.4 in★★★★★271
2018 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★3165
2017 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★4404
2016 Sportage23174.8 in★★★★★2134

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →