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2012 Kia Sportage

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Sportage.

Body SUV

The 2012 Kia Sportage is an SUV with a 4.9-quart engine oil capacity specified for 5W-30 or 5W-40 API oil, a practical anchor for any maintenance review of this model year. In the broader 1995–2026 Sportage complaint history, the 2012 edition ranks near the top with 392 owner complaints—just two below the 2017 high of 394 and far above the 2003 low of 4—while engine issues lead the complaint categories and five recalls are on record. That position makes it one of the most reported model years in the dataset, so engine complaints and the five recalls are the logical first stops for researchers assessing this Sportage.

Model year2026 2025 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnOFFOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	174.8 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	65 in
Wheelbase	103.9 in
Curb weight	3157 lb
Track (front / rear)	63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	58/42

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sportage of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2012 SX T-GDI

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.50 sec	15.80 sec	260 hp	AWD
2012	EX 2.4L I-4	9.10 sec	17.00 sec	176 hp	FWD
2012	EX 2.4L I-4	9.30 sec	17.30 sec	176 hp	AWD
2011	SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.10 sec	14.70 sec	260 hp	AWD
2011	SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	260 hp	AWD
2011	SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.30 sec	15.70 sec	260 hp	FWD
2011	SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-4	8.30 sec	16.40 sec	260 hp	FWD
2011	EX 2.4L I-4	8.60 sec	16.80 sec	176 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	8.2
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.5 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	75W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	123-130 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	123-130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87-94 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	36-40 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	36-40 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	65-80 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	145-202 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	145-202 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.56-..68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.59-.68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Timing	8, Not adjutstable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPM	Idle rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.06-1.17 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.71-4.38 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	124R

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	47.0-53.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	72.0-74.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	1.25 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	135-156 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI
Engine Compression	164-185 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI
Engine Oil Pressure	22.8 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	Idle rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	58-72 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	58-72 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	0.078 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.001 in / 0.0012 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.023 in / 0.393 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

13-16 ft. lbs., 90

13–16 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

1	24.0-27.0 ft. lbs.	24–27 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees-95 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees-95 degrees	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
3	120-125

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-125

11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi.

At 3,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 7,500 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect)
At 30,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel System (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In the dataset, the 2012 Kia Sportage recorded 392 complaints and 5 recalls, which is higher than the preceding year’s 181 complaints and 6 recalls (2011) and slightly above the following year’s 380 complaints and 3 recalls (2013). Compared to earlier years in the same generation — such as 2010 with 20 complaints and 2 recalls or 2009 with 80 complaints and 3 recalls — the 2012 figure shows a marked increase in reported issues. After 2012, both complaints and recalls generally declined, with 2013 at 380 complaints and 3 recalls, 2014 dropping to 122 complaints and 3 recalls, and further reductions continuing through 2022. Thus, the 2012 model year sits near the peak of the complaint trend within the available data, indicating a period of relatively higher reported problems. Given the elevated complaint count relative to surrounding years, a prospective buyer should view the 2012 Sportage as a higher‑risk option unless other factors such as price or vehicle condition mitigate the concern.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

177

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

392

Owner complaints

7 involved a crash · 16 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 392 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine291

Unknown Or Other13

Electrical System,Engine12

Service Brakes, Hydraulic10

Power Train10

Electrical System8

Power Train,Engine5

Unknown Or Other,Engine4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V907000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 19/12/2018

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… 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…

20V750000EngineReported 02/12/2020

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. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 177 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
CS2311_TSB_R4	2026-06-08	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER…
CS2312_TSB_R2	2026-06-08	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
PI2103_OWNR_501	2026-03-10	Electrical System	PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2103 FLIGHT #501) - This document…
TSB_CS2312_R1	2026-02-18	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2311_OWNR_PC201	2025-12-19	Structure	CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sportage. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 124R battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Sportage take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 OR 5W-40 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Sportage have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.