HI, WITH THE WINDOWS CLOSED AND THE A/C ON, THE OUTSIDE ODORS, GET IN TO THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. I KEEP THE AIR INTAKE CONTROL BUTTON ON. THE DEALER CHANGED THE AIR FILTERS. THAT HAPPEN WHILE I DRIVING CLOSE TO OTHER VEHICLES. THIS HAPPEN ALL TIME.*DT
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
Compare all Sportage years →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.
Unknown Or Other complaints
18 reportsWIFE HERD A LOUD POP NOISE OUT SIDE 7 AM SUNDAY LOOK OUT SIDE DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM. WE WERE GETTING READY TO LEAVE FOR CHURCH WENT TO WARM UP CAR AND I NOTICED SOME GLASS AND FOUND THAT THE PANORAMIC GLASS WAS SHATTERED. CAR IS KEPT UNDER CAR PORT.. I AM AWARE THAT SOME OF THESE CARS HAVE WINDOWS EXPLODE
TAKATA RECALL THE SALES MAN AT A BETTER WAY WHOLESALE AUTOS INC423 RUBBER AVENAUGATUCKCT06770 REFUSED TO SHOW THE CAR FAX AND STATED THAT IT WAS CLEAN ONLY HAVING OIL CHANGES LISTED. YESTERDAY KIA MECHANIC STATED THE CAR IS NOT TO BE DRIVEN SINCE IT IS A DEATHTRAP AND THE BACK END CAN FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. CALLED THE DEALER 5 T…
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TAKATA RECALL THE SALES MAN AT A BETTER WAY WHOLESALE AUTOS INC423 RUBBER AVENAUGATUCKCT06770 REFUSED TO SHOW THE CAR FAX AND STATED THAT IT WAS CLEAN ONLY HAVING OIL CHANGES LISTED. YESTERDAY KIA MECHANIC STATED THE CAR IS NOT TO BE DRIVEN SINCE IT IS A DEATHTRAP AND THE BACK END CAN FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. CALLED THE DEALER 5 TIMES, SPOKE WITH 10 PEOPLE WITHOUT GETTING A HOLD OF TJ SALES MGR.
AS I'M GOING DOWN THE ROAD IT JUST FADES OUT, NO WARNING OR CHUGGING,I HAVE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, THEN IT'S OK(?) SO TO SPEAK..IT'S ONLY HAPPENED TWICE AND I WAS ON A BACK ROAD HOME BOTH TIMES. BUT WHAT IF I'M ON THE FREEWAY AND TRYING TO PASS A SEMI AND IT DOES THIS, I COULD BE KIL…
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AS I'M GOING DOWN THE ROAD IT JUST FADES OUT, NO WARNING OR CHUGGING,I HAVE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, THEN IT'S OK(?) SO TO SPEAK..IT'S ONLY HAPPENED TWICE AND I WAS ON A BACK ROAD HOME BOTH TIMES. BUT WHAT IF I'M ON THE FREEWAY AND TRYING TO PASS A SEMI AND IT DOES THIS, I COULD BE KILLED OR INJURED...WHAT COULD POSSIBLE BE GOING ON? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME ON THIS MATTER...(XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ON 9/28/2018 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY SUNROOF IN MY 2016 KIA SPORTAGE EXPLODED . THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO OCCUR.
SUNROOF EXPLODED ON I10 FREEWAY AT 65 MPH CAR BEHIND GOT GLASS FRAGMENTS
SIGNAL LIGHTS: WHILE MERGING ONTO FREEWAY/CHANGING LANES, NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS AND SIDE SWIPES HAVE OCCURRED NUMEROUS OF TIMES. I HAVE CONTRIBUTED THE INCIDENTS TO THE LOCATION OF THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. REAR SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE NOT POSITIONED IN TRADITIONAL LOCATION (I.E. CONJUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHTS). INS…
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SIGNAL LIGHTS: WHILE MERGING ONTO FREEWAY/CHANGING LANES, NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS AND SIDE SWIPES HAVE OCCURRED NUMEROUS OF TIMES. I HAVE CONTRIBUTED THE INCIDENTS TO THE LOCATION OF THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. REAR SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE NOT POSITIONED IN TRADITIONAL LOCATION (I.E. CONJUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHTS). INSTEAD, REAR SIGNALS ARE LOCATED ON THE BUMPER FAR BELOW BRAKE LIGHTS. THESE LIGHTS ARE STRIPS NOT STANDARD SIZE AND, THEREBY, POSSIBLY NOT SEEN BY DRIVERS WHO ARE USED TO SEEING THEM IN TRADITIONAL LOCALS ON OTHER VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE LOCATED IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE GRILL. AS THIS KIA MODEL HAS NO SIGNAL INDICATORS TO THE OUTERMOST PORTION OF THE VEHICLE I.E. SIDE MOUNTED MIRRORS WITH SIGNALS, OTHER MOTORISTS HAVE NO INDICATION THAT A LANE CHANGE/TURN IS COMMENCING. PHOTOS PROVIDED SHOW VIEW FROM A TOYOTA WHICH HAS A LOW PROFILE. ONE PHOTO IS FROM THE KIA SPORTAGE 2016 WHICH HAS A HIGHER PROFILE IN REGARDS TO THE NORMAL LINE OF SIGHT TO TRADITIONAL SIGNAL LIGHT LOCATIONS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED SEVERAL OTHERS AND WE WERE ALL AMAZED TO LEARN THAT ALL KIA SPORTAGE MODELS OF THIS YEAR SHARE THIS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTIC. OTHER MODELS HAVE SIGNAL LIGHTS IN TRADITIONAL LOCALS AND INCLUDE SIGNALS MOUNTED ON THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ALERTING MOTORISTS WITHOUT OBSCURITY THAT A LANE CHANGE/TURN IS IMMINENT. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND MY WIFE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED COUNTLESS OF NEAR MISSES. FINALLY, I DECIDED TO CHECK TO SEE IF MY SIGNALS WERE WORKING PROPERLY AND THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS KIA MODEL. I DID CONTACT KIA AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD PASS IT ON TO THEIR DESIGN TEAM. CASE NUMBER IS 12346548. NOW THAT MY WIFE AND I ARE AWARE WE TAKE EXTREME CAUTION, BUT LESS EXPERIENCED MOTORISTS ARE STILL AT RISK. THANK YOU.
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE DYING/STALLING RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND SLOWING DOWN WITH NO SIGNS OR INDICATIONS OF AN ISSUE ATLEAST 6 TIMES SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE WHICH I HAVEN'T HAD FOR A YEAR YET. TWO TIMES I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED, I HAD TAKEN THE CA…
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I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE DYING/STALLING RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND SLOWING DOWN WITH NO SIGNS OR INDICATIONS OF AN ISSUE ATLEAST 6 TIMES SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE WHICH I HAVEN'T HAD FOR A YEAR YET. TWO TIMES I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED, I HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD "COULD NOT VERIFY CUSTOMERS CONCERN SCANNED WITH KIDS NO CODES FOUND TEST DROVE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE DROVE AND SOUNDED FINE AT THIS TIME WITH NO ISSUES RECOMMEND HAVING TOWED NEXT TIME IT STALLS" AND THAT IT COULD BE ANYTHING AND THE CAR COULD BE THERE FOR HOURS, MY FEAR IS THEY WILL JUST REPLACE RANDOM PARTS THEY THINK COULD BE THE ISSUE AND IT WILL STILL OCCUR AND NEXT TIME I COULD BE INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE SO I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE THE SAME DAY AS THE SALESMAN MOVED THE CAR OVER TO MY NEW ONE I HAD STALLED ON HIM
Official recalls
222V051000 · 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
2AQ23002 · 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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