2012 Kia Sportage: check engine light

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WA · 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 power. I pulled over off the road next to a concrete barrier that was beside a rock roadcut. My flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that were popping up on the passenger side of my engine compartment near the firewall. After using both half gallons, I ran to the rear of the vehicle, opened the hatchback, and grabbed a gallon spray bottle of water and brought that back around to the front of the vehicle. By this point the prop rod holding the hood was bending and the flames were popping back up, I pumped the sprayer and directed a stream of water with my left hand and used my right to hold up the hood as the prop rod was not working. After the fire was completely out, I returned to the rear of the vehicle, donned my reflective vest, put a portable flasher on my vehicle, and at this point a Benton County fireman in a pickup arrived - he was called by a motorist that saw me pulling over with smoke trailing my vehicle. The fireman was followed by a large firetruck and crew. They propped up the hood with a bar and inspected the motor to verify the fire was completely extinguished. They took my information and left. A Washington State Patrol arrived, assessed the scene and offered assistance, but I already had called my wife so he left me to wait for her. He told me I had 24 hours to get the car off the interstate. I had the car towed to my driveway by A&E towing at about 2:30PM. I just realized this morning that I ought to report it to you. I haven't tried to start it, but I'm sure it won't.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · MD

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 refuses to authorize inspection and repair under the recall because the code was cleared after the event in order to get it towed to the dealer. The defect clearly matches the recall condition, but Kia is declining inspection in violation of recall obligations. Car has been maintained with regular oil changes at the scheduled intervals for the duration of it's life.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Engine · CA

there were no warning lamps/lights/messages prior to the failure. I have been begging Kia Car pros Glendale to repair my engine since May 27 2025 as it qualifies under the settlement. I have requested in writing a response but they continue to use stalling tactics only calling me to convey they need the first 13,000mile oil change now. I have pictures and video timestamped I have documents to prove no negligence on my part for repairs and oil changes. I am a disabled veteran who lives on a mountain in a fire prone area. I have a service dog. I am not trying to endange my life, my service dogs or my neighbors. Email dated 21 June 2025: , I want to reiterate the full scope of documentation and context we have already provided in support of this case. To date, we have submitted: Over a decade of detailed maintenance and service records, covering 2012 through April 2023, demonstrating consistent oil changes and routine and meticulous upkeep; Confirmation that the KSDS upgrade was installed by Kia Glendale on June 6, 2022, and was fully operational at the time of failure; Proof of an oil change on March 7, 2025, at 98,798 miles; Photographic and video documentation dated March 27, 2025, showing the vehicle at exactly 100,000 miles with no check engine lights, warning indicators, or abnormal engine noise; A clear timeline showing that, just five weeks later on May 6, 2025, the vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at approximately 101,000 miles—despite having had an oil change only weeks earlier. For your convenience, we have re-sent all supporting documentation in case any records were misplaced during what has now become a significantly drawn-out process. Importantly, the vehicle owner did not continue driving after any warning light appeared. They immediately pulled over and had the vehicle professionally towed, demonstrating responsible action at every turn.

Filed Apr 12, 2025 · Engine · IN

While accelerating engine just shut off and seized. No warning. No check engine light before or after during the incident. Temp was normal. Next day a check engine light did come on while car was in "on" position (engine still not turning over) but no code was generating. No evidence of leaking oil. Dipstick showed normal oil level.

Filed Aug 28, 2024 · Engine · OH

Purchased a used 2012 Kia Sportage in Nov 2023 took in for an anti theft update in that same month. My update was done at a Kia dealership . They informed me about the anti theft update.Now ffw to Aug 2024 I get a check engine light for knock sensor. I have no idea what this is. Took it back to dealership I was told that the KSDS update was done the same time the anti theft was done and the warranty had expired. How was I supposed to know what the knock sensor update was or the details of a warranty when the dealership did tell me they even done the update. Now I am sitting with a car that needs a new engine because they failed too inform me of the sensor I will be getting an attorney

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Brakes · 63,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was under recall and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and stated that a diagnostic test could not be performed until March 2024. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 7, 2023 · Engine · 140,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor had failed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the contact qualified for a free engine replacement; however, the part was not available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 6 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2023 · Engine · PA

On June 26th 2023 my Malfunction Indicator Lamp engine light came on. I went to Goodyear and they had to entirely replace a main component of my engine which cost me over $1400. Earlier in June I received a letter in the mail about a Kia settlement stating that I could report a claim of engine failure and be fully compensated; however, they denied me compensation. Meanwhile, I just received another letter in the mail from Kia regarding a safety recall stating that once the remedy part is available I can get it replaced at no charge, yet I paid for this part back in July.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Engine · FL

As I approached a red light, releasing the gas and engaging the brakes, the car shut off. It never cranked again. I had to flag down a passing police officer and workers from a nearby auto shop pushed my car from the redlight and through the intersection. The car was taken to Playground Auto Services, a local repair shop, and I was told that the "motor was bad" and the repairs are estimated at $8200. There were no indications of a problem prior to the engine turning off. There were no warning lights, no performance issues, or anything else that would have warned me that my vehicle was not functioning properly. This happened on July 3rd, 2023. I purchased the vehicle used in December 2022 and took it to Auto Zone early in 2023 to run a diagnostic check after the check engine light came on while getting gas. The diagnostic indicated that the O2 sensor was alerting to a fuel issue. They recommended adding a fuel treatment additive. I did and the check engine light went away and NEVER came back on. There were 0 performance issues even with that light coming on that would indicate that my vehicle would stop working while I was approaching a red light at a busy intersection. Thank goodness the light was actually red. Had it been green and my vehicle just stopped, I could have caused a serious accident harming myself or anyone else, if not worse.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 127,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact depressed the brake pedal, stopped, and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The contact shifted into neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon attempting to jumpstart vehicle with the assistance of a friend. The vehicle was towed to the Mazda dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed that the engine, the starter, the battery, and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

It died when we turned it on but we didn’t think it started so we started it again and it was fine. Then 1 hour later we were driving and check engine light came on and it turned off then the car was dying. When I pulled over to let it cool down the car wouldn’t turn back on and when I checked under the hood there was oil all over the engine and the cap was there, it was smoking.

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road where she noticed a fuel odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was excessive wear on the bearings and seals caused by the engine consuming oil. The failure produced diagnostic trouble code: P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case manager and informed that the failure was not related to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.