repaired · 2024 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2016 Kia SportageProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 134 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Sportage, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-051 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 13, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Areaseven, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Kia Sportage has problems
134 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
62Engine4 crash/fire/injury
31Service brakes, hydraulic
17Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
9Fuel/propulsion system
8Power train
7Vehicle speed control
7Service brakes
5Air bags
4Steering
2010 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 62 | 4 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 31 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 5 | 5 |
| Steering | 4 | 3 |
| 10 other systems | 20 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 Kia Sportage recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Engine
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
82kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 24 engine complaints. 63% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 35% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
3under 30k miles15under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Sportage year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sportage median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Kia Sportage safety ratings
2016 Kia Sportage SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Kia Sportage, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sportage owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. After exiting at Sample Road and traveling west near Seabra Foods at approximately 40 mph, he first noticed unusual engine noises at an…
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and electrical system malfunctioned, causing a severe short circuit, total power collapse, and an engine compartment thermal event (heavy smoke). The vehicle has an open, incomplete federal safety recall (NHTSA 22V051 / Kia SC227) for this exact fire and…
I have a 2016 Kia Sportage Ex with under 71k miles. I’ve reach out the Kia headquarters about my engine in July because my engine has a blow. My vehicle has never been in an accident and I always keep my engine clean. I always change my oil on time and now I’m having engine failure with under 71k…
Own a 2016 Sportage?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.