NHTSA DATA SNAPSHOT · SEP 21 2026MODEL MATCH ≠ VIN MATCHCHECK A VIN AT NHTSA ↗
RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2012 Kia Sportage recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 5 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Sportage, spanning 4 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

URGENT CAMPAIGN FLAG

NHTSA records include a Park Outside advisory for at least one campaign associated with 2012 Kia Sportage. Open the campaign and verify the VIN before operating or parking the vehicle.

Distinct campaigns5not VIN-specific
Component groups4distinct top-level categories
Latest recordSeptember 25, 2023report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2012 Kia Sportage recall campaigns

The 2012 Kia Sportage report contains 5 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 23V652000 dated September 25, 2023.
PARK OUTSIDE
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Report received
September 25, 2023
Potential units
1,730,192campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: March 29, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Component
ENGINE
Report received
December 2, 2020
Potential units
294,756campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: January 25, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 19V101000

Component
ENGINE
Report received
February 15, 2019
Potential units
32,296campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: July 3, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Component
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Report received
December 19, 2018
Potential units
71,653campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: January 17, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
March 31, 2017
Potential units
618,160campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: June 20, 2017 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2012 Kia Sportage?

The most frequent component groups in 2012 Kia Sportage campaign records are Engine (3), Engine And Engine Cooling (1), Fuel System, Gasoline (1), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Engine3
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1