Kia Sportage

2012–2016 only

1,387 classified complaints 7 recalls

250,482 sold in the US for 2012–2016.

55 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2012–2016 Kia Sportage models have 1,387 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 7 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically surfacing around 100,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2012–2016 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Kia Sportage report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2006

2007–2011

2012–2016

2017–2021

2022–2026

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2012–2016 only

Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings) · Engine 748 complaints · 30/10k sold

Median onset: 100,000 miles. 0.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 139 complaints · 5.5/10k sold

Median onset: 87,000 miles. 2.2% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 66 complaints · 2.6/10k sold

Median onset: 60,000 miles. 1.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Oil consumption and leaks · Engine 64 complaints · 2.6/10k sold

Median onset: 70,000 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 54 complaints · 2.2/10k sold

Median onset: 42,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 46 complaints · 1.8/10k sold

Median onset: 62,500 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 34 complaints · 1.4/10k sold

Median onset: 19,500 miles. 61.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 26 complaints · 1.0/10k sold

Median onset: 15,500 miles. 11.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2012–2016 model years. See the full Kia Sportage report for every year and full specs/safety data.