Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty and modern styling, practical interior, available AWD, fuel efficiency.
Target Audience:
Young families, individuals seeking a stylish and versatile vehicle for urban and light off-road use.
Vehicle Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body and Chassis, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Safety Systems, Diagnostics
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 2500+
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Internal Combustion Engines (2.0L Theta II GDI, 2.4L Theta II GDI), Automatic Transmissions (6-speed), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system.
Chassis:
Front/Rear Suspension (MacPherson strut, Multi-link), Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Hydraulic Disc Brakes (front/rear), ABS, ESC, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC).
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Fuse and Relay Information, Lighting Systems, Audio Systems, Navigation Systems, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Immobilizer System, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbags.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush and Fill, Brake Fluid Flush and Fill, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change (AWD models).
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), Steering Column Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Alignment.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Flowcharts for electrical and mechanical issues, Component testing procedures, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) information.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive factory-level diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Text Search:
Searchable text allows for quick finding of specific topics and procedures.
Engine Code:
G4KE (2.4L Theta II GDI)
Horsepower:
176 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Engine Code:
G4KD (2.0L Theta II GDI)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6200 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
157 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (approximate)
Injection Type:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic or similar ECU
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6GF1)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M6GF2)
AWD System:
Electronically Controlled Active On-Demand AWD System with Torque Vectoring
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.9 Liters (8.4 US Quarts)
NHTSA Overall:
4 Stars (Overall)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific features)
IIHS Head Restraints Seat:
Good
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Brake Assist System:
Standard (BAS)
Hill Start Assist Control:
Available
Downhill Brake Control:
Available
Airbags:
Dual Front, Front Side-Impact, Full-Length Side Curtain
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Standard (TPMS)
Available Systems:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/Auxiliary input jacks, optional navigation system with touchscreen display.
Audio Controls:
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Rearview Camera:
Available rearview camera integrated with navigation or audio display.
Bluetooth:
Hands-free phone capability and music streaming.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry with remote unlock; available push-button start with smart key.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning; available automatic climate control.
Headlights:
Projector beam headlights; available LED accent lighting.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for GDI engines.
Coolant Flush And Fill:
First at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal conditions, more frequently for severe use.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 (Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) for 2.4L GDI; 4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) for 2.0L GDI (with filter).
Coolant Type:
Engine Coolant (Antifreeze), Ethylene Glycol type, Long Life (Pink/Red)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) - check specific Kia fluid if available.
Engine Knocking Pinging:
Some early GDI engines experienced carbon buildup issues requiring periodic cleaning.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, often addressed by software updates or fluid changes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical issues, often related to sensors or battery terminals.
Suspension Noise:
Some owners report front suspension noises, particularly over bumps, which may be related to strut mounts or bushings.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Sportage History:
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV first introduced in 1993. The 2012 model represents the third generation (SL), which debuted in 2010 and brought significant improvements in design, refinement, and technology.
Third Generation Updates:
The SL generation introduced Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille, a more aerodynamic and stylish exterior, a refined interior, and upgraded powertrains. It was designed by Peter Schreyer and received critical acclaim for its European-inspired styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Gwangmyeong), Slovakia (Žilina)
Model Years Covered:
2012 (specific focus of this manual)
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick status for certain model years/configurations.
케이아 디자인 어워드:
Kia's design language, pioneered by Peter Schreyer, often garnered design awards for the brand during this era.
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally positive consumer reviews for value, styling, and practicality.
