Owners of the 2012 Kia Sportage describe three distinct brake problems. The first involves sudden loss of braking effectiveness accompanied by loud grinding noise. One owner reported the brakes failed to respond normally on three separate occasions within the first 80 miles of ownership, requiring excessive pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. The noise was described as so severe it sounded like chains around the calipers. During one event while traveling at 45 mph, instrument cluster lights flashed on and off. The dealership was unable to reproduce the issue or identify a fault.
The second problem is a hydraulic brake system defect tied to NHTSA recall 23V652000. Nine owners reported receiving recall notifications but found repair parts unavailable for extended periods, with manufacturers confirming parts were not yet distributed. One owner reported a check engine light and engine ticking sound during the recall wait period, though diagnostic work was deferred.
The third issue involves brake pedal grip padding separating from the pedal during driving. One owner reported the padding fell off while driving at 65 mph on the freeway, creating a slippery pedal surface and potentially blocking pedal movement, which led to loss of vehicle control and a collision with toll lane dividers. The same owner stated the padding has continued to fall off repeatedly. The dealership denied a manufacturing defect without inspecting the vehicle.
Failure modes owners describe
Brake loss of effectiveness with grinding noise
Brakes suddenly lose stopping power and produce loud grinding noise. Owner reports needing excessive pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. Occurs intermittently in the first 80 miles of ownership. Instrument cluster lights flashed during one event. Dealership could not reproduce or find fault.
When: First 80 miles of ownership; at traffic light stops
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise (described as chains wrapped around calipers); Loss of braking effectiveness requiring hard pedal pressure; Instrument cluster lights flashing on and off
Hydraulic brake system defect subject to recall 23V652000
2012 Kia Sportage received NHTSA recall notification 23V652000 for Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Repair parts not available at time of complaint submission. Multiple owners report manufacturer has exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall repair completion. One owner reports check engine light and abnormal ticking sound from engine (unrelated to hydraulic brakes but occurred during recall wait period).
When: At approximately 63,000 miles for owner who experienced check engine light; applicable to all 2012 model year vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Check engine warning light illuminated (one owner); Abnormal engine ticking sound (one owner)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V652000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); recall parts not yet available as of complaint dates; manufacturer confirmed parts unavailable
Brake pedal grip padding detachment
Brake pedal grip padding falls off during driving, creating slippery pedal surface and potentially blocking pedal movement. Owner reports grip padding has continued to fall off repeatedly. Incident occurred at highway speeds (65 mph) resulting in loss of vehicle control and collision with toll lane dividers. Dealership denied manufacturing defect without inspection.
When: At 65 mph on freeway; recurring during subsequent driving
Symptoms owners cite: Grip padding separates from brake pedal; Slippery brake pedal surface; Grip padding blocking pedal operation; Loss of vehicle control at highway speed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service department denied manufacturing defect without vehicle inspection
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.