Kia Sportage 2012 — Reported problems

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. By this point the prop rod holding the hood was bending and the flames were popping back up, I pumped the sprayer and directed a stream of water with my left hand and used my right to hold up the hood as the prop rod was not working. After the fire was completely out, I returned to the rear of the vehicle, donned my reflective vest, put a portable flasher on my vehicle, and at this point a Benton County fireman in a pickup arrived - he was called by a motorist that saw me pulling over with smoke trailing my vehicle. The fireman was followed by a large firetruck and crew. They propped up the hood with a bar and inspected the motor to verify the fire was completely extinguished. They took my information and left. A Washington State Patrol arrived, assessed the scene and offered assistance, but I already had called my wife so he left me to wait for her. He told me I had 24 hours to get the car off the interstate. I had the car towed to my driveway by A&E towing at about 2:30PM. I just realized this morning that I ought to report it to you. I haven't tried to start it, but I'm sure it won't.

On XXX, my 2012 Kia Sportage experienced a catastrophic engine failure while traveling on the interstate. The connecting rod failed, breaking through the engine block, causing sudden and sever oil leak and heavy smoke. The safety of the occupants was put at risk due to the sudden powefr loss in high-speed traffic. This vehicle has two active federal safety recalls, SC200 snd SC 284, which are unrepaired. After the vehicle was towed to Auffenberg Kia in Cape Girardeau, MO I experienced an unreasonable delay of atr a mininum of 2 weeks or more before they could assess the damage, and they refused to provide a loaner vehicle while I was left without transport. Futhermore, they have stated they will not assist with anything until the inspection is complete and the exact cause of failure is determined.

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 103,841.

The car experienced sudden engine failure, flashing check engine light. The car was towed to the nearest mechanic and knock sensor code P1326, consistent with recall 20V750, was present. Kia Corporate refuses to authorize inspection and repair under the recall because the code was cleared after the event in order to get it towed to the dealer. The defect clearly matches the recall condition, but Kia is declining inspection in violation of recall obligations. Car has been maintained with regular oil changes at the scheduled intervals for the duration of it's life.

VIN# [XXX] My recall has not been repaired because Kia claims the repair parts have not been made available to them yet. This recall is from Sept. 2023. Why hasn't this been taken care of yet? Ridiculous & DANGEROUS!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was sold this car in April 2025. June 29 2025 my engine stopped working. Confirmed it is entirely blown. I was unaware of open unaddressed recalls when I purchased the car. Because of the recalls not being addressed by previous owners, kia and the warranty company refused to fix the engine.

there were no warning lamps/lights/messages prior to the failure. I have been begging Kia Car pros Glendale to repair my engine since May 27 2025 as it qualifies under the settlement. I have requested in writing a response but they continue to use stalling tactics only calling me to convey they need the first 13,000mile oil change now. I have pictures and video timestamped I have documents to prove no negligence on my part for repairs and oil changes. I am a disabled veteran who lives on a mountain in a fire prone area. I have a service dog. I am not trying to endange my life, my service dogs or my neighbors. Email dated 21 June 2025: , I want to reiterate the full scope of documentation and context we have already provided in support of this case. To date, we have submitted: Over a decade of detailed maintenance and service records, covering 2012 through April 2023, demonstrating consistent oil changes and routine and meticulous upkeep; Confirmation that the KSDS upgrade was installed by Kia Glendale on June 6, 2022, and was fully operational at the time of failure; Proof of an oil change on March 7, 2025, at 98,798 miles; Photographic and video documentation dated March 27, 2025, showing the vehicle at exactly 100,000 miles with no check engine lights, warning indicators, or abnormal engine noise; A clear timeline showing that, just five weeks later on May 6, 2025, the vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at approximately 101,000 miles—despite having had an oil change only weeks earlier. For your convenience, we have re-sent all supporting documentation in case any records were misplaced during what has now become a significantly drawn-out process. Importantly, the vehicle owner did not continue driving after any warning light appeared. They immediately pulled over and had the vehicle professionally towed, demonstrating responsible action at every turn.

The car has been giving off a burning smell each time that I begin to drive especially if the heat is being utilized. The smell worsens as I drive a further distance.

While accelerating engine just shut off and seized. No warning. No check engine light before or after during the incident. Temp was normal. Next day a check engine light did come on while car was in "on" position (engine still not turning over) but no code was generating. No evidence of leaking oil. Dipstick showed normal oil level.

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.

Purchased a used 2012 Kia Sportage in Nov 2023 took in for an anti theft update in that same month. My update was done at a Kia dealership . They informed me about the anti theft update.Now ffw to Aug 2024 I get a check engine light for knock sensor. I have no idea what this is. Took it back to dealership I was told that the KSDS update was done the same time the anti theft was done and the warranty had expired. How was I supposed to know what the knock sensor update was or the details of a warranty when the dealership did tell me they even done the update. Now I am sitting with a car that needs a new engine because they failed too inform me of the sensor I will be getting an attorney

See attached document for complaint

It's been eight months without a remedy? I live in an apartment under Section 8. I'm disabled (profound deafness in both ears). I'd like to ask for help to remedy this situation because my paranoia isn't helping. Will my Kia vehicle burst in fire? Why isn't there a replacement for the HECU? Can I get another Kia vehicle to replace the one I have without breaking the bank? I'm on disability benefits and I don't have the funds to get another vehicle right now. For reference (see below) Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 2011-2013 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. Safety Risk AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY. OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES OR STRUCTURES UNTIL THEY CAN HAVE THIS RECALL PERFORMED. Remedy WHEN THE REMEDY PART IS AVAILABLE, KIA DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HECU FUSE. THIS RECALL WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. THE ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS RECALL WILL BE APPROXIMATELY ONE (1) TO TWO (2) HOURS. (REFER TO SC284) " Manufacturer's Notes "SC284SL

Since Sep. 25, 2023 we received a recall notice advising to park our KIA vehicle outside and away from our home, other vehicles and buildings due to a serious fire hazard from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit short circuiting. We have ALWAYS parked our vehicle in our garage to deter theft and break-ins, stealing catalytic converters, hail damage, any other damage. This is our primary vehicle and the recall states that the fire can occur when the vehicle is in use, as well as when just parked. If it gets damaged due to continually having to park it outside who is responsible for the repairs? It has been 8 months since we received this recall and no remedy has been offered. I spoke with KIA dealership and they had no suggestions, yet the recall states that the HECU fuse needs to be replaced. How can we get a resolve to this dangerous issue?

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!

Recall was issued 09/23 for a possible engine fire and the replacement parts for repair have yet to be provided as of 5/24.

I have a recall for a Hydraulic electronic control module. However, Kia dealership told me there’s no remedy for this recall

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

See attached letter

I was not aware of the HECU problem and did not receive a letter in Nov-23 or Mar-24 about the serious hydraulic electronic control unit that is starting fires with some Kia Sportage 2012 cars and others. The problem is listed as recognized in 09/2023 and it is now 7 months after this point. I called Kia Quirk in Braintree, MA and they were unable to provide me with the HECU fuse replacement unit for the ABS system. The NHTSA.gov website recommends that owners of vehicles included within the recall to not drive their vehicles and do not park near structures and/or other cars. But Kia Dealerships do not have the product to fix the problem that is cited as urgent. Please notify me as to what is the best remedy and more so, the dealership since you are unable to find 'the perfect solution,' is there a safe and tested solution that may be used instead to protect owners of vehicles. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] , 04162024 [XXX] USA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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. The dealer was contacted and stated that a diagnostic test could not be performed until March 2024. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 60–65 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that there was no oil entering the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

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 Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 221,000.

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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was driving on the freeway when the vehicle wanted to stall and shut off. I was able to get it to the side of the highway and had it towed back home where my son checked the vehicle and said that there was no compression in the motor and to not drive it anymore until it is fixed.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor had failed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the contact qualified for a free engine replacement; however, the part was not available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 6 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

On June 26th 2023 my Malfunction Indicator Lamp engine light came on. I went to Goodyear and they had to entirely replace a main component of my engine which cost me over $1400. Earlier in June I received a letter in the mail about a Kia settlement stating that I could report a claim of engine failure and be fully compensated; however, they denied me compensation. Meanwhile, I just received another letter in the mail from Kia regarding a safety recall stating that once the remedy part is available I can get it replaced at no charge, yet I paid for this part back in July.

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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

As I approached a red light, releasing the gas and engaging the brakes, the car shut off. It never cranked again. I had to flag down a passing police officer and workers from a nearby auto shop pushed my car from the redlight and through the intersection. The car was taken to Playground Auto Services, a local repair shop, and I was told that the "motor was bad" and the repairs are estimated at $8200. There were no indications of a problem prior to the engine turning off. There were no warning lights, no performance issues, or anything else that would have warned me that my vehicle was not functioning properly. This happened on July 3rd, 2023. I purchased the vehicle used in December 2022 and took it to Auto Zone early in 2023 to run a diagnostic check after the check engine light came on while getting gas. The diagnostic indicated that the O2 sensor was alerting to a fuel issue. They recommended adding a fuel treatment additive. I did and the check engine light went away and NEVER came back on. There were 0 performance issues even with that light coming on that would indicate that my vehicle would stop working while I was approaching a red light at a busy intersection. Thank goodness the light was actually red. Had it been green and my vehicle just stopped, I could have caused a serious accident harming myself or anyone else, if not worse.

Just purchased KIA Sportage used and was informed they run for hundreds of thousands of miles. Less than three months later the engine blows up due an engine defect according to the dealer. The dealer wrote, "This letter is in reference to a repair that was done on a 2012 KIA Sportage Vin Number [XXX]. The Customer referenced is [XXX]. We sold the vehicle to him in ApriI of2019. On June 24, 2019 the vehicle was brought in for a noise in the engine. Not having proper diagnostic tooIs to identify and repair the problem we subject the repair to Overturf KIA at lO16 W. CoIumbia Dr. Kennewick, WA 99336 for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle needed a short-bIock to complete the repair. The total of the repair was $5040.48. As a dealer we agreed to assist the customer financially with the repair. The customer paid $3200.00 and Corwin Ford paid $1840.48. Attached are copies of the invoice from Overturf KIA for the total amount Of the repair and a copy of the Visa receipt." I have received numerous letters from KIA stating there was an issue, but when I make a claim it says my vehicle was unaffected. Obviously this is incorrect. Looking for guidance on how to hold KIA accountable. I have the same engine, model and year of the other complaints. My make, model and year are even listed on the latest paperwork sent out. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Driving 25-30 MPH engine died, no warning lights illuminated prior to the engine stopping. The vehicle drifted to a stop on the side of the road. There was no loss of power steering. Safety was at risk due to sudden engine loss while driving on a road. Vehicle was towed to nearby service center for evaluation. Motor is seized per service center.

I have a 2012 kia sportage. Well I found out 2012 kia sportages have a recall on the knock sensor. I found this out because while going 75 mphs on the George bush turnpike in tx, my car all of a sudden shut off and came to a complete stop! If there had been others around me I would have been in a serious car accident. When I finally got my car started again it wouldn't go over 30mph without having major problems and trying to shut down again. I had to nurse my car home that day. I had a panic attack thanks to that incident and am still shaking. After that I took it to have codes checked on it to find the problem. Come to find out the knock sensor is not working properly. We were informed by the mechanic those had been recalled on our model car back in jan 2021. Well we called kia and they said there is no recall for that part. Yet we had just received mail about that part having been recalled on our car and the lawsuit. My child and I could have DIED because the part is faulty and kia says they won't fix it.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an intendent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the engine had no compression and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the timing belt and the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband arrived on the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair. The contact later replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to the previous owner's failure to keep up with routine maintenance and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance due to the previous Owner's failure to keep up with routine the maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

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 2012 Kia Sportage 2.0 gdi $70k miles seized & began smoking as if it was going to catch fire while driving down the interstate on 11/24/2022 and 132 miles away from home. After finally getting towed back home and $400 later, I contacted Kia Corporate who then advised I have it towed to Kia dealership. Moving on, the dealership advised my turbo blew up I contacted Kia Corporate who put in a claim under manufacturer defect…ughh to find out they denied the claim. When Coughlin Kia should have 1st informed me of why my turbo blew up and didn’t. The dealership was very adamant on insisting I pay over $5k to have turbo fixed. My car had seemed to be using/burning oil which then was causing a misfire on cylinder 1 and oil blowing all throughout the engine. Which results from …. Worn or damaged main bearings throw off an excessive amount of oil which flows along the crankshaft and is thrown up into the cylinders. My car does have the lifetime engine replacement warranty and I feel Kia is doing everything possible to avoid replacing the engine. I had picked my vehicle up from Kia Couglin had it towed to a local garage (another tow bill $150) who advised of above issues after replacing turbo another $2k I’ve put into the car and still don’t have a vehicle. I strongly feel this all falls under that lifetime warranty & I’m getting no where with Kia Corporate

Vehicle has never had any issue. No noises, no misfiring, no warning lights. Drove vehicle home one say and parked it. Next day would not start. Had towed to Kia dealership.. They are stating that they put a starter in and now my timing chain is snapped and my valves are bent. Stating it is not their fault and now I need a new engine. I did have the Knock Sensor Detection System update installed 2 years ago. Now I don't have a vehicle because they are stating that this has nothing to do with NSDS recall and I cant afford to fix. What do I do now?