What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (62 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).

How many 2016 Kia Sportage complaints mention a crash or fire?

8 of 134 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

2 recalls and 134 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sportage.

recalls

134

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Kia Sportage recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · reported February 2, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 126,747 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Engine · Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · reported December 19, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 71,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine62
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Unknown or other18
Electrical system17
Fuel/propulsion system9
Power train8
Service brakes7
Vehicle speed control7
Air bags5
Steering4

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 13, 2026 · Engine
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 estimated 91,245 miles. He…

Oct 8, 2026 · Engine
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 short-circuit…

Oct 2, 2026 · Engine
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 by. 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 miles??!! I’ve…

Sep 11, 2026 · Engine
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure while driving. The vehicle completely lost acceleration, entered a low-pitched humming 'limp-home mode,' and the dashboard red oil pressure warning light illuminated solidly.The vehicle had previously received the mandatory corporate KSDS software…

Jul 5, 2026 · Engine
The knock censor went out, once it was replaced and the oil changed it’s still knocking and unable to drive. Mechanic from out of state looked at it and now said he thinks there’s a problem with in the engine. The car is sitting in a driveway, 4 hours from a Kia dealership.

Sportage model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	3	381	5	22
2014	3	125	3	1
2015	2	146	7	11
2016	2	134	8	5
2017	4	403	14	28
2018	3	165	7	12
2019	2	71	3	3

Across all years, the 2017 Sportage has the most complaints (403). All Kia Sportage years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Sportage, the most recent reported on February 2, 2022 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?: Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (62 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).
How many 2016 Kia Sportage complaints mention a crash or fire?: 8 of 134 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 13, 2026.