IllustrationTHE CAR HESITATED OR CHOKED WHEN ACCELERATING TO CHANGE LANES AND A CLOUDY FUME EMITTED FROM THE REAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE SPAN OF 2 WEEKS, BOTH ON FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS. SEVERAL TIMES CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED.
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
100–25K
825–50K
1050–75K
675–100K
11100–150K
3150K+
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
What owners actually said
131 reportsON JANUARY 24TH 2019 AT 7:45 P.M. I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION THAT RESULTS IN MY CAR BEING PUSHED ACROSS THE STREETS AND HITTING THE CURB ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO BE COMPLETELY TOTALED NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT EVERYTHING ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I WAS INJURED I …
Read full complaint
ON JANUARY 24TH 2019 AT 7:45 P.M. I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION THAT RESULTS IN MY CAR BEING PUSHED ACROSS THE STREETS AND HITTING THE CURB ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO BE COMPLETELY TOTALED NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT EVERYTHING ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I WAS INJURED I HAD A CERVICAL SPRAIN A CONCUSSION I ALSO HAD NERVE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BODY I ALSO HAD A BULGING DISC IN THE TOP OF MY NECK AND IN THE LOWER PART OF MY BACK THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD ME IN PLACE WE WERE GOING 35 MILES PER HOUR IN MOTION I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER OF KIA THEY CAME TO READ THE DATA FROM MY VEHICLE'S BLACK BOX AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY HOWEVER THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS A 2002 MUSTANG IN ALL OF THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED
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…
Read full complaint
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).
THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE, GOING ON 4 YEARS, I STILL SWITCH THE LIGHTS OFF THEN ON BECAUSE I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE IN FRONT OF ME. IT'S ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARK WHILE RAINING. I'VE TRIED TO GET BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS BUT THEY ARE VERY COSTLY AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN THEM …
Read full complaint
THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE, GOING ON 4 YEARS, I STILL SWITCH THE LIGHTS OFF THEN ON BECAUSE I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE IN FRONT OF ME. IT'S ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARK WHILE RAINING. I'VE TRIED TO GET BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS BUT THEY ARE VERY COSTLY AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN THEM ANYWAY. POOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S SON SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S SON SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. *TT*JB
MY DAUGHTER, WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 1/29/19 AT 7:45AM. SHE WAS STOPPED AND A TRUCK HIT HER FROM BEHIND AND SHE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON WHEEL, AND WINDSHIELD. HER SON WHO WAS IN BACK IN HIS CAR SEAT, ALSO HIT HIS HEAD. THEY BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSIONS, BL…
Read full complaint
MY DAUGHTER, WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 1/29/19 AT 7:45AM. SHE WAS STOPPED AND A TRUCK HIT HER FROM BEHIND AND SHE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON WHEEL, AND WINDSHIELD. HER SON WHO WAS IN BACK IN HIS CAR SEAT, ALSO HIT HIS HEAD. THEY BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSIONS, BLACK EYES, HEAD ACHES, WHIP LASH. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD EITHER OF THEM IN PLACE NOR DID THE AIR BAGS GO OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS, THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (335 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25303, (855) 739-5369) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS, THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (335 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25303, (855) 739-5369) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED.*JB
AIR BAG CAME OUT BUT DID NOT INFLATE IN HEAD ON COLLISION SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN 40 MPH HEAD ON IN MOTION
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.
I WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY 225 WHEN THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED ON THEN OFF AND THEN I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO AN EXIT AND INTO A BUSINESS (DONUT TIME) IN PASADENA, TX. THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE BUSINESS. I STOPPED SHORT OF BEING IN AN…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY 225 WHEN THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED ON THEN OFF AND THEN I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO AN EXIT AND INTO A BUSINESS (DONUT TIME) IN PASADENA, TX. THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE BUSINESS. I STOPPED SHORT OF BEING IN AN ACTUAL PARKING SPOT. I WAS FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND THIS TIME. A LADY WHO WORKED THERE CAME OUT AND ASKED WHAT WAS GOING BECAUSE SHE COULD SEE I DID NOT STOP OR HAVE CONTROL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA AND TURNED IN MY SERVICE RECORDS. THEY CLAIM IT WAS NOT MAINTENANCED AND HAD SLUDGE AND TO TALK TO MY MECHANIC. I COULD HAVE DIED AND THEY ARE BLAMING ME FOR THEIR DEFECT. I AM STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 50441 MILES. AFTER LOOKING IT UP, I SAW OTHERS BEING DENIED AS WELL WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MY CAR HAS THE THETA II ENGINE AND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION IN PROGRESS. I FELT THAT I SHOULD SHARE MY SITUATION AND HELP IN ANYWAY BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE.
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.