Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the 2012 Sportage.
Intake manifold runner control went out right after warranty. I originally had this issue in 2014 at approximately 38k miles- when it would have been covered under warranty. In 2014 the flap was stuck open, they closed the flap, cleared the code and it didn't become a problem again until 2017- right after the warranty expired. Both times I had this issue, I was driving down residential streets, so under 25 mph. Both times the engine sounded so horrible, I was afraid the engine was going to blow up. My question is how did the vehicles computer not detect this as an issue for 3 years following the initial code and how much engine damage did this cause? the engine tapping noise has continuously gotten worse, even after I had the part replaced. It's so noisy in park, not to mention how loud the sound is during acceleration. They are currently only recalling the engines on the 2012 Sportage turbo but I can tell you there is something wrong with my car. This recall is either not being thorough with this recall or its intentional to minimize the companies loss on this recall.
March 2017 (89500 miles) check engine indicator was on. Was experiencing engine vibration at high rpms, vibrations when shifting, and loss of engine power. Kia dealer replaced timing chain. July 2017 (94156 miles) engine idling loud and rough, engine whines out, would not shift till reached high rpms. No engine light indicator at this time. Kia dealer service advisor could not duplicate any concerns. After scan performed on vehicle, no codes thrown, suggested down stream catalyst be changed after after further inspection. We had catalyst replaced at muffler shop. The shop indicted that the catalyst was not faulty. December 2018 (113000 miles) engine vibration turned into engine knocking, decrease in power, continue to shift at high rpms. No engine light indicator. Return to kia dealer, informed by dealer that we need a new engine. I feel my engine troubles begin in March of 2017, while under warranty, and was not diagnosed appropriately by the dealership. Leading to an outofpocket expense for an engine.
Over the last six months or so, my kia Sportage SUV have been stalling periodically without warning. I never know when it is going to happen. I can be driving on the highway at 65 mph or 25 mph and it will stall. It has happened on sunny days as well as rainy days. I've contacted gateway kia in denville NJ many times complaining about this issue to no avail. The service manager joe told me to try using sunoco premium gas to no avail. I also had the manifold changed but the stalling still happens. I've contacted kia corporation and was told by bruce hartd since my car has over 187,000 miles (mostly highway miles) and since the dealership haven't been able to reproduce the stalling there is nothing kia can do. I was told by kia corporation that my car is not part of their engine stalling recall to be announced may 19th. I think it should be included because my car engine is also stalling making it very dangerous for me to use it but it is the only form of transportation I have to get back and forth to work. Please help!.