general problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 the 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.

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?.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road where she noticed a fuel odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was excessive wear on the bearings and seals caused by the engine consuming oil. The failure produced diagnostic trouble code: p0301 (cylinder #1 misfire). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case manager and informed that the failure was not related to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

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.

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 that when attempted to start the engine, he heard a tapping noise. The contact then stated that while driving, he heard a screeching noise then pulled the vehicle over. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he was unaware of NHTSA campaign number 20v750000 (engine). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to not having the software updated, the coverage was denied and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

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.

- engine issue, there is an problem with engine - kia bulletin TSB pi1803y/zrev6. - I was in dangerous situation. I was on highway and my car automatically slow down. I was driving alone. It was very stressful situation and it was Saturday night. I was not able to find any safe place to stop by. It was very risky as people was driving behind me and there was not the shoulder of the highway where I can stopped. - I went to kia dealership and they confirmed this issue. - it was inspected - engine light just turn on 2 minutes before the car slowed down by itself to 20 mph.

Loss of power while traveling uphill on i25 at high speed (75 mph). Speed slowed to less than 30 mph while other vehicles passed at high speeds. Once on side of road, car would not start. Engine and battery lights remained on, but were not on prior to this event. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop for evaluation, diagnosed with seized engine and due to high repair cost, is a total loss.

Engine failure while car was in motion. No warning lights prior to failure. Car had maintenance check the month prior. Dealership and kia refuse to address correction.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced jerking, and then the engine seized with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

I own a 2012 kia Sportage. The engine locked up due to a defect which kia corporate is aware of and has admitted to. I took my vehicle to a local kia dealership where they performed an inspection to see if my vehicle qualifies for the engine replacement. They denied my replacement due to the fact that I did not have a sensor update performed before the engine died (this sensor does not prevent the defective engine from locking up, this is a software update, not a mechanical issue). I bought my vehicle pre-owned, I have never received any notification, recall or information from kia about my vehicle. Kia is claiming they sent me a letter informing me of this software update, they did not. I was not aware of any of the issues until my car died on the side of the road and I had it towed to a mechanic who referred me to the local kia dealership because of the nationwide problems with my model vehicle as well as other kia’s. When my claim was denied I contacted corporate, they were very rude and disrespectful. The supervisor would not let me speak and talked over me. Kia has admitted that these engines are defective and are robbing people of their hard earned money based on a notification that was never received. When I asked for a copy of that notification I was told they would send generic letter, nothing with my VIN, name, address or information pertaining to my vehicle. Any other documentation is “corporate confidential” and I would have to file a lawsuit… to receive a copy of what they claim they have sent?!? how is this company getting away with creating a hardship for thousands of americans? this has effected my job, my finances, my income, and most importantly my family. And it’s all based on a letter I never received from a company that cannot provide said letter. A corporation that effects so many lives in such a negative manner should not be allowed to operate without doing what is right by the consumer.

I was driving down the road at 55 mph and my vehicle lost all power and died. So sitting on the side of the road I tried to start the vehicle again. It started but died again. So I waited a few minutes and tried again. It started so I put my flashers on and drove at a low speed until I got the vehicle home. I heard a loud knocking as I was driving it. So the next day I called the kia dealership to make an appointment for the recall on it and they told me they only do recall on certain days. So I had to wait for 3 wks before I could bring it to them. On the day of the service I was driving it to them and the knocking of the engine started to get loud and then the engine started to make this grinding sound and it died on me. So I sat in a turning lane for a bit and tried to start it up again but then the grinding got louder and I heard something explode and smoke came out from under the hood of the car. I had to call the dealership and let them know I was broken down and I had to call a tow truck this being the weekend after the 4th of July I sat for a tow truck from 7:40 am to 10:40 am and the temp outside at that time was around 100 degrees. I get the vehicle to the dealers and they call me the next day telling me they can't do the recall and it would cost me 12,000 for a new engine because they say the warranty has gone out on the vehicle and I waited too long to have the recall done. I bought this vehicle from carvana and before I actually purchased the vehicle I took it to the dealership for them to look at it and make sure it was ok. At that time I had brought up the recall that carvana told me about and I told them that at the dealers and they told me they didn't have the time to take care of that recall so life went on and I had forgotten it until that day when the vehicle had broken down. I only had the car for a year and only had put 1,500 miles on it when all of this happened. So I own 12,000 on this car and can't drive or do anything now.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 60-65 mph, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact’s daughter was able to restart the vehicle and veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v101000 (engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the dealer information. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out-of-pocket for the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

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.

Engine started knocking at 98,000 miles and dealer wont do a thing about it.

The vehicle stopped while I was driving. Took it to the dealership and after 13 days struggling with a little girl and public transportation, I was told that they will only fix it if I am ready to spend $18,000. The main problems are the engine, the transmission and the wiring harness. But yet I was told the recall doesn't cover any of it. I tried calling kia and was on hold for 1h25 minutes for the lady to just hang up on me. I don't know where else to head. Thanks.

The contact's daughter owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,600.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sportage. The contact stated there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the local dealer, the engine seized. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign: 20v750000 (engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 41,951.

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.