CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Kia Sportage has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 5 fires, 8 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (62 reports).
2016 Kia Sportage recalls
Brake Control Module Can Short and Cause Engine Fire
The module that controls the anti-lock and traction control brake system (the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) can malfunction and develop an electrical short.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Most common 2016 Kia Sportage problems
Problem areas named in the 134 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 62 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 31 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
| Electrical System | 17 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Steering | 4 |
What owners report
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 pulled over, immediately called me, and sent a video recording of the noise. I advised him to proceed to Bisbee Auto & Tires, an independent repair facility. The engine completely seized directly in front of its service entrance at 91,249 miles. Most concerning, my son reported NO dashboard warning lights, including the check engine light, before the engine seized, despite Ki
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 hazard. The vehicle is intact, unmodified, and available for inspection upon request at the dealership. My safety and the safety of other motorists were put at severe risk. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical shutdown while in motion on a public roadway. The sudden loss of engine power, power steering, and power brakes created an immediate collision risk. Smoke pouring fr
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. I always change my oil on time and now Iâm having engine failure with under 71k miles??!! Iâve only done local driving and now Kia told me thereâs nothing they could do for me because my warranty just expired. This is my Kia and last time buying a Kia!
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 update. A diagnostic check by an authorized Kia dealership officially documented the physical evidence of 'metal debris in the engine oil,' which is the unarguable signature of the defect described in NHTSA Recall campaigns for the Theta II engine block.Despite the physical evidence of connecting rod bearing failure and the active KSDS update, Kia Corporate and the local dealersh
The knock censor went out, once it was replaced and the oil changed itâs still knocking and unable to drive. Mechanic from out of state looked at it and now said he thinks thereâs a problem with in the engine. The car is sitting in a driveway, 4 hours from a Kia dealership.
2016 Kia Sportage questions
Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Kia Sportage: Brake Control Module Can Short and Cause Engine Fire; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?
Based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (62), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (31), Unknown Or Other (18).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Kia Sportage has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.