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2012 Kia Sportage LX AWD

The 2012 Kia Sportage LX AWD is a 176-hp inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $22,300 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Sportage measures 174.8 inches long on a 103.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,355 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,300 ($31,566 *)
MSRP with Destination$23,100 ($32,698 *)
Destination Charge$800
Engine
Engine TypeTheta II G4KE 2.4L DOHC inline-4, MPI, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower176 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (163 lb-ft SULEV) rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke88.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive
Differential TypeDynamax all-wheel drive with locking center differential
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic with Sportmatic
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson strut with coil spring and gas shock absorber
Rear SuspensionMulti-link with gas shock absorber
Turning Diameter34.7 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.8 in ventilated disc
Rear Brake Disc11.2 in solid disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 in
Wheels Rear17 in
Tires Front225/60R17
Tires Rear225/60R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length174.8 in
Width73 in
Height64.4 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Front Track63.5 in
Rear Track63.6 in
Ground Clearance6.77 in
Approach Angle28.1°
Departure Angle28.2°
Cargo Volume26.1 ft³
Curb Weight3,355 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.1 in
Headroom Rear38.5 in
Legroom Front41.4 in
Legroom Rear37.9 in
Shoulder Room Front56.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.1 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
Hip Room Rear49.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (15.5 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2012 Kia Sportage SUV FWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia SPORTAGE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Dec 2, 2020 · ENGINE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 20V750000

Feb 15, 2019 · ENGINE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 19V101000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Mar 31, 2017 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V224000

392 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia SPORTAGE

Owner Complaints

392 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia SPORTAGE (7 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine328
Electrical System29
Unknown Or Other23
Power Train21
Hydraulic11
Service Brakes11
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 26, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System, Engine Fire
“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…”
Jun 15, 2026 · Engine
“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…”
Nov 26, 2025 · Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure
“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…”
Oct 27, 2025 · Engine
“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…”
Aug 12, 2025 · Engine
“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?…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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