The 2012 Kia Sportage is often listed as a year to avoid due to common engine issues, including catastrophic engine failures and excessive oil consumption. Many owners have reported costly repairs, sometimes requiring complete engine replacement.
2012 Kia Sportage Known Technical Issues
Engine failures
The 2012 Kia Sportage is prone to frequent engine failures due to a defective timing chain system and inadequate cooling components. Many owners report costly repairs related to engine overheating and premature wear, making it a high-risk choice.
Excessive oil consumption
The 2012 Kia Sportage is known for excessive oil consumption issues that can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. Owners frequently report the need for constant oil top-ups, indicating a serious mechanical flaw.
Costly repairs
The 2012 Kia Sportage is notorious for costly repairs, including frequent transmission failures and expensive engine issues. Owners often face high maintenance bills due to recurring problems with the suspension and electrical system.
Engine replacement
The 2012 Kia Sportage is frequently reported for premature engine failure requiring costly engine replacement. Owners often face high repair expenses due to chronic engine reliability issues in this model year.
Reliability issues
The 2012 Kia Sportage is prone to frequent transmission failures and engine problems, leading to costly repairs and reduced overall reliability. Many owners report electrical issues and premature wear on key components, making it a less dependable SUV choice.
What is The Kia Sportage Best Year?
The 2017 Kia Sportage is the best year version due to its improved reliability, updated design, and advanced safety features. It offers a more refined engine lineup, including a fuel-efficient turbocharged option, and received higher crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Owners praise the 2017 model for enhanced interior quality and better driving dynamics compared to the problematic 2012 version.
The Kia Sportage Alternative
The 2013 Kia Sportage offers improved reliability and updated features compared to the problematic 2012 model. The 2013 model includes a redesigned engine, enhanced fuel economy, and better safety ratings. Consider also the 2014 Hyundai Tucson as a comparable alternative with strong performance and reliability.
Alternative for Kia Sportage from Other Brand
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson serves as a top alternative to the 2012 Kia Sportage, offering improved reliability and comparable features. The Mazda CX-5 from the same era also provides enhanced driving dynamics and better fuel efficiency. Both models share similar compact SUV dimensions, making them suitable replacements.