2016 Kia Sportage
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 134
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 134 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
46% · 62 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2016 Kia Sportage LX experienced a catastrophic engine seizure on September 9, 2026, at 91,249 miles. My son was returning home on I-95 South in Florida.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
I have a 2016 Kia Sportage Ex with under 71k miles. Iâve reach out the Kia headquarters about my engine in July because my engine has a blow by. My vehicle has never been in an accident and I always keep my engine clean.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-11
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Service brakes
28% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
13% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 9 reportsPower train
6% · 8 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...
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.
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R
2022-04-26Service brakes, hydraulic22V051000 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.
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.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 62 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V051000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Sportage is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.