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2016 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

48 reports with mileage · 83 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports5 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine complaints

59 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2022
Engine

Motor just stopped working - went into limp mode. I got it towed to a mechanic that said it’s got an engine knock and the whole motor needs replaced. It was just about to catch fire, luckily I did not drive the car and had it towed. It’s at 82,000 miles, so it should NOT be blowing up on me this young.

NHTSA ODI #11481147

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2022
Engine

The Vehicle Stalled on Tuesday while turning on to incoming traffic no lights were on the dashboard no indication it just stalled then stopped I had to get towed to my house. Wednesday I took it to Kia dealership there are 2 other recalls that needed to be done the Canister and Software update for Ticking Noise. Which I started …

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The Vehicle Stalled on Tuesday while turning on to incoming traffic no lights were on the dashboard no indication it just stalled then stopped I had to get towed to my house. Wednesday I took it to Kia dealership there are 2 other recalls that needed to be done the Canister and Software update for Ticking Noise. Which I started to experience on my way to the shop on Wednesday. They were suppose to do both recalls they only performed one stated that the problem is the Engine Long Block. I contacted Kia after to inform them of what the Kia dealership diagnosed the problem to be. They stated that they couldn't do anything because the software update wasn't done in 2018 and I didn't get the vehicle until 2020. In which I explained they said well the person who had the car didn't take care of it so it's nothing we can do. Reach out to who you purchased the car from. Not to mention there is a Class Action Settlement against them now for the Engine Long Block recall because they are denying claims when this is a lifetime warranty coverage. I reached out to claims for the Settlement and they basically told me that because the previous owner didn't get the software recall done in 2018 that there is nothing they can do which was also a Kia representative. I fear and this point that this vehicle could catch fire or may stall or stop which could cause a serious accident or death.

NHTSA ODI #11480392

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

I received an interim recall notice in March 2022, it is now August 2022 and the remedy part is still unavailable for vehicle this shouldn't take this long. Kia stated I can still drive my car and watch for indicators but that seems really unsafe if there is a chance of possible engine fire. It shouldn't take this long for a rem…

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I received an interim recall notice in March 2022, it is now August 2022 and the remedy part is still unavailable for vehicle this shouldn't take this long. Kia stated I can still drive my car and watch for indicators but that seems really unsafe if there is a chance of possible engine fire. It shouldn't take this long for a remedy to be available.

NHTSA ODI #11480244

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

This Recall has been ongoing since February 2022. In my travels I see hundreds of new KIA Sportages on the road but they can't come up with a single fuse to keep me from burning alive in my car? I am 70 years, working part time and need my job. I won't take the risk of transporting clients in my Sportage because of the potent…

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This Recall has been ongoing since February 2022. In my travels I see hundreds of new KIA Sportages on the road but they can't come up with a single fuse to keep me from burning alive in my car? I am 70 years, working part time and need my job. I won't take the risk of transporting clients in my Sportage because of the potential danger and my employer is becoming impatient with this situation. My car sits out in the hot sun baking all summer because if it catches fire while in my garage I'm guessing my homeowner's insurance wouldn't pay because I KNEW there was a potential for fire. We are only weeks away from winter and do I scrape snow and ice off of my car at my age because KIA is busy cranking out new cars without a thought for the ones they have already put on the road? It's almost six months -- to engineer a simple fuse? They shouldn't be allowed to put a single new car on the road until they fix the dangerous ones they have already put on the road.

NHTSA ODI #11479949

55,000 miles · Aug 4, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a knocking and squeaking sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with asphalt in t…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a knocking and squeaking sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with asphalt in the exhaust system. The dealer replaced the brake lining. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11477608

105,000 miles · May 13, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that she was able to pull off the roadway to assess the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she then attempted to …

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that she was able to pull off the roadway to assess the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she then attempted to restart the vehicle and the engine would not turn over; however, the vehicle regained electrical power. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified; however, the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #11464577

123,000 miles · Apr 27, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #11462489

118,860 miles · Apr 15, 2022
EngineFire

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 35 MPH when smoke came from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over safely and removed himself from the vehicle. The vehicle became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed…

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The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 35 MPH when smoke came from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over safely and removed himself from the vehicle. The vehicle became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed. The state police arrived on the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but were not successful. The fire department arrived on the scene shortly afterward and extinguished the fire. The local police filed a report. There were no injuries sustained. The approximate failure mileage was 118,860.

NHTSA ODI #11460894

61,000 miles · Apr 12, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but vehicle was not diagnos…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about a possible vehicle fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11460571

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

Received a recall notice stated "An Engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit is located in your vehicle. The exact cause of fire remains unknown. However, it is believed that the HECU may experience an internal electrical short circuit that could result in overcurrent. An electr…

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Received a recall notice stated "An Engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit is located in your vehicle. The exact cause of fire remains unknown. However, it is believed that the HECU may experience an internal electrical short circuit that could result in overcurrent. An electrical short circuit in the HECU increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. A fire increases the risk of injury. Out of an abundance of caution, park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until you have the recall repair performed." Yet, with this kind of instruction, KIA offered NO temporary replacement vehicle like a rental car. I called KIA corporate directly, spoke with their consumer department and also a supervisor. No one could offer any date for the fix or assistance with a rental car or temporary replacement vehicle. The dealer I called, Greenway KIA of Franklin TN, had just gotten the notice I was told yesterday, 4/11/2022, yet my letter was dated 3/31/2022. They had no other communications or directions from KIA corporate except the same letter that I received. An engine fire risk is a huge recall and KIA should have either an immediate repair available, or provide owners of the affected vehicles a safe vehicle to use until a fix can be provided. This is not a window regulator recall. It's an engine fire risk recall. "Parked or driving."

NHTSA ODI #11460561

Official recalls

2

22V051000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 2, 2022

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 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 Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

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 Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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