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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.

About this comparison →

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2025
EngineExterior LightingFuel/propulsion System

La guagua se apagó corriendo motor trancado quiero saber si tiene recall de la bomba de aceite es una kia sportage 2016 motor gdi [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11681109

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695 and my vehicle lost power, the engine light along with the oil indictor came on, and making a loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed and taken to the mechanic and the code read, "Knock sensor." The knock …

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On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695 and my vehicle lost power, the engine light along with the oil indictor came on, and making a loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed and taken to the mechanic and the code read, "Knock sensor." The knock sensor was replaced at $301.85. I was able to drive the vehicle without any problems until Wednesday, June 3, 2025, when going to a doctor's appointment the vehicle's engine came on along with the oil indicator and the power was reduced and I had to pull over again with the same experience. The vehicle was again tested for codes and it then read Camshaft Sensor. This vehicle did not have any ill-performance, bells, dings, whistles or indicator lights until it was actually happening. According to the certified mechanic, this is a defect in the vehicle and although the part may be warranted, it will happen again and buyers will still have to pay for the part and labor, again, to have it fixed. I do not have my invoice on hand, however, I can get another copy.

NHTSA ODI #11665787

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call fire brigade to stop the fire. La…

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While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call fire brigade to stop the fire. Later we had to tow the car to home. I called a mechanic to evaluate the situation and he informed us the engine of the vehicle has been ceased as a result. We have to bear a significant cost for the repairs. We are still suffering emotional stress as a result of this unexpected incident.

NHTSA ODI #11497121

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

purchased the car 4 months ago & was given the car with a bad gas pressure relay . So the gas & oil was spilling on top of my motor cause inhalation gas fumes & car smoking . The car could have caught on fire at any given moment . The engine or motor was not checked properly before the car was ok’d for me to drive to & from work…

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purchased the car 4 months ago & was given the car with a bad gas pressure relay . So the gas & oil was spilling on top of my motor cause inhalation gas fumes & car smoking . The car could have caught on fire at any given moment . The engine or motor was not checked properly before the car was ok’d for me to drive to & from work everyday . The entire motor was covered in gasoline .

NHTSA ODI #11486813

68,100 miles · Mar 12, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

ON MARCH 12 2021 I WAS ON I-4 EAST TOWARD DAYTONA BEACH ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STAHL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER JUMPED THE BATTERY 3 TIMES AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T START,TOOK IT TO THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT DID ALL NECESSARY CHECKS EVERYTHING LOOKS…

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ON MARCH 12 2021 I WAS ON I-4 EAST TOWARD DAYTONA BEACH ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STAHL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER JUMPED THE BATTERY 3 TIMES AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T START,TOOK IT TO THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT DID ALL NECESSARY CHECKS EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE NO PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY OR ANY OTHER THING.. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR START AS NORMAL, THEY DID A TEST DRIVE AND EVERYTHING WAS OK AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. I WENT AND TOOK THE CAR HOME AND AS OF THIS MOMENT IT SEEMS TO BE OK. MY BIG CONCERN NOW IS WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RISKING MINE AND MY FAMILY LIVES. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO???

NHTSA ODI #11402588

60,000 miles · Aug 2, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN JUST QUIT GOING SO I TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER THAT IT NEEDED A MOTOR MIND YOU THIS CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT SO I SAID OKAY THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE MOTOR BUT THEN THEY SAID THAT I NEVER DID AN OIL CHANGE W…

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ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN JUST QUIT GOING SO I TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER THAT IT NEEDED A MOTOR MIND YOU THIS CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT SO I SAID OKAY THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE MOTOR BUT THEN THEY SAID THAT I NEVER DID AN OIL CHANGE WITH THEM WHICH WAS A LIE BUT I DIDN'T HAVE MY RECEIPTS SO THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE MY MOTOR PLUS THERE'S TWO OTHER RECALLS ON THIS BESIDES THE MOTOR THE FUEL LINE AND THE AIRBAGS

NHTSA ODI #11342820

145,000 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, EVERYTIME WE WOULD GO GET A OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE FACILITY WOULD TELL US THAT OUR OIL WAS LOW AND WE DIDN'T SEE HOW WHEN WE WOULD HA E IT CHANGED REGULARLY SO WE WAS LOOSING OIL AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE BACK IT WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND IT WASN'T VISIBLE WHEN YOU …

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THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, EVERYTIME WE WOULD GO GET A OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE FACILITY WOULD TELL US THAT OUR OIL WAS LOW AND WE DIDN'T SEE HOW WHEN WE WOULD HA E IT CHANGED REGULARLY SO WE WAS LOOSING OIL AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE BACK IT WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND IT WASN'T VISIBLE WHEN YOU WOULD LOOK UNDER THE HOOD SHE WE TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUE TO BRING IT BACK AND THEY WOULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE PROBLEM SO I CALLED KIA CORPORATE OFFICE THEY TOLD BE THAT THEY WOULD WRITE OUT A INCIDENT REPORT AND TAKE IT TO KIA I INFORMED THEM THAT I DID THAT AND CORPORATE BASICALLY SAID TO FOLLOW THE SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS CAUSE MY VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A ACTIVE RECALL ON IT SO I REACHED OUT TO NHTSA TO REPORT THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD AND TO ALSO LET SOMEONE ELSE NO I HAVE HAD ISSUES THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING AND NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO KIA AND THEN AGAIN SAID THAT IT WASN'T NOTHING THEY CAN DO IT WASN'T A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE SO LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK THE CAR STALLED AND COMPLETELY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY STOPPING TRAFFIC I HAD HELP SAFELY GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WOULDN'T CRANK SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME THEN CALLED KIA AND SPOKE TO A SERVICE AND THEY STATED THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT FOR MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT, TIMING AND SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE OIL CANISTER, I DON'T SEE WHY THE VEHICLE HAVEN'T BEEN RECALLED IF THEY KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THEM THIS IS A 2016 VEHICLE IT IS FAIRLY NEW AND IT HAS SO MAY ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11331986

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

THE ENGINE OF THE CAR JUST DIED ON ME WHEN I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. UNKNOWN CAUSE WHY THE ENGINE JUST DIED ON ME. I TRIED STARTING IT, AND IT WOULD START AND DIE AGAIN. IF I START THE CAR AND STEP ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE DOES NOT DIE BUT ONCE I RELEASE FROM THE GAS, THE ENGINE DIES AND I SMELL A STRONG GAS ODOR.

NHTSA ODI #11289135

21,000 miles · Oct 23, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

I HAVE A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE WHEN I PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC IT HESITATES WHEN I PUSH THE GAS ITS LIKE WE HAVE NO GAS.IT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES IT THAT WILL SCARE THE KRAP OUT OF YOU ESPECIALY WHEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS COMING AT YOU.YOU ASK WHEN IT HAPPENED WELL IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IF NOT FIXED THIS COULD …

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I HAVE A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE WHEN I PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC IT HESITATES WHEN I PUSH THE GAS ITS LIKE WE HAVE NO GAS.IT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES IT THAT WILL SCARE THE KRAP OUT OF YOU ESPECIALY WHEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS COMING AT YOU.YOU ASK WHEN IT HAPPENED WELL IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IF NOT FIXED THIS COULD RESULT IN A LAW SUIT

NHTSA ODI #11035826

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems