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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

18 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 25, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

Me and my family were on the way to the beach, as I accelerated on the interstate got to 65 mph, engine light started blinking, car instantly slowed down. Got off on next exit, to check and see what was going on, car started hesitating after acceleration. Was able to get it to an autoshop (O'Reilly's) diagnosis shows knock senso…

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Me and my family were on the way to the beach, as I accelerated on the interstate got to 65 mph, engine light started blinking, car instantly slowed down. Got off on next exit, to check and see what was going on, car started hesitating after acceleration. Was able to get it to an autoshop (O'Reilly's) diagnosis shows knock sensor failure and they told me it has to do with the safety recall, didn't even know the car had a recall on it.

NHTSA ODI #11662987

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2025
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

Very often, when I put my car into park, it doesn't seem to fully engage, and I either can't remove the key (until I put it back into drive, and then park again), and in some instances I experience a "rollaway" as soon as I remove my foot from the brake pedal. I believe there is already a recall for the Kia Telluride model for …

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Very often, when I put my car into park, it doesn't seem to fully engage, and I either can't remove the key (until I put it back into drive, and then park again), and in some instances I experience a "rollaway" as soon as I remove my foot from the brake pedal. I believe there is already a recall for the Kia Telluride model for this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11657222

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

Vehicle recall was addressed, yet problem persisted which was an engine oil leak/burn. Oil continued to leak/burn and caused engine problems. Cylinder 1 misfire was most recent, lost of acceleration, a/c failure, burning of engine coolant. All regular maintenance has been performed, 2nd set of new spark plugs within 12 months we…

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Vehicle recall was addressed, yet problem persisted which was an engine oil leak/burn. Oil continued to leak/burn and caused engine problems. Cylinder 1 misfire was most recent, lost of acceleration, a/c failure, burning of engine coolant. All regular maintenance has been performed, 2nd set of new spark plugs within 12 months were installed a week ago. I have spent over $500 in the last few months alone trying to "maintain" my vehicle. Mechanic also stated these failures could lead to catalytic converter damage/failure. I have asked dealership & Kia separately to facilitate this repair before total failure to ensure my safety. They refused. Vehicle finally had the engine failure while driving in the center lane at highway speed on I95, this put my life in danger and Kia did not seem to think that was important. My vehicle had to be towed to a dealership at my expense, a rental car is at my expense and I have no ETA on when it would even go through diagnostic testing. I feel that Kia owes me a full system repair and ensures that the vehicle is up to date and safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11546879

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 7, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Paint peeling and bubbling

NHTSA ODI #11478014

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2021
Power TrainSuspensionUnknown Or Other

the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and conc…

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the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong .took to Kia new location 2 times was told to come back and 3rd I refused to leave till it was looked at. Mechanic said it was not in good shape and rep told me to not drive unless a emergency & would email me that night which was Saturday what labor it needed and prices and I’ve yet to hear back I followed up twice since and still no response ..the fact I was told not to drive & it mechanic stated to rep in Spanish, basically something with wheels and tires being eaten away while driving also a ball bearing cracked and they asked if I had receipts as it could be a lemon.. I try to keep all my conversations via chat or email for this very reason i also have emails I’ve communicated with corporate about the situation to which I had no response and most of the repairs that I got were at certified kia service stations. It needed alignment 4-6 within 6 months. Car pulling badly and needed tires changed or alignment each time. Car feels like it’s gonna fall apart and at times the wheel kinda tightens up and I feel i don’t have control. I’ve been dealing with this over a year and no one has even bothered to check after my constant emails, calls voicing my concern & fear of driving. It sits in garage since while trying to get Kia to do something, pandemic hit and coincidentally the warranty conveniently expired. Please help

NHTSA ODI #11445377

91,000 miles · Nov 9, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that while he was taking the vehicle to the de…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that while he was taking the vehicle to the dealer the following day, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) because he had not taken the vehicle to their location before the engine failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #11439858

86,000 miles · Dec 8, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other

CAR JUST SHUTDOWN ON ME DOING 75 IN A 70. MILEAGE WAS NOT HIGH AND MAINTENANCE WASN'T NEED ACCORDING TO THE DASHBOARD. CAR WAS GREAT THEN JUST OUT OF NOWHERE SHUTDOWN DUE TO FAULTY ENGINE THEY KEEP SAYING.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11378542

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

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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