VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Kia Sportage carries two red flags at once: 182 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sportage years to avoid. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 60 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

182

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

13

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6033%
Brakes3821%
Other1810%
Electrical System179%
Fuel System95%
Transmission84%
Speed Control63%
Airbags53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Steering42%
Body & Structure42%
Lighting32%
Seat Belts21%
Driver Assistance11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V051000BrakesFebruary 2, 2022 · 126,747 units

Defect

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

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 6, 2022 · fire

“I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE ON POINTS OF ROCK ROAD IN BREWSTER, A QUIET STREET NEAR THE BEACH AND THE CAR PROCEEDED UP AN EMBANKMENT,DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR ABD DID NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 5, 2019 · crash

“I received an interim recall notice in March 2022, it is now August 2022 and the remedy part is still unavailable for vehicle this shouldn't take this long. Kia stated I can still drive my car and watch for indicators but that seems really unsafe if there is a chance of possible engine fire. It…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 31, 2022

“MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE THAT WE HAD BOUGHT ON 05/23/2018 (JUST MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT THE DAY BEFORE) TO MYRTLE BEACH SC, WE HEARD A POP, I LOST FUNCTION TO THE GAS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE GRABBED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 23, 2018 · fire

“While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 6, 2022 · fire

2016 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 182 complaints put the 2016 model at #15 of 31 Sportage years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (60 complaints), brakes (38 complaints), other (18 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Kia Sportage earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.