2016 Kia Sportage: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Kia Sportage? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 129 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2016 Kia Sportage trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2016 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Kia Sportage SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Kia Sportage has 129 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sportage
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 129
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Kia Sportage Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Kia Sportage?
The 2016 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Kia Sportage
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and hydraulic system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and brakes.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and hydraulic system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and brakes.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Kia Sportage, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Kia Sportage are concentrated in engine and brake system issues, with a notable number of hydraulic-related complaints. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Brake system complaints are the second most reported issue.
- Hydraulic issues are frequently mentioned, often in conjunction with brake system complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Hydraulic
All 2016 Kia Sportage Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sportage. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 60 | — | 3 | — | |
| Brake System | 38 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine failure. The engine completely seized up
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was …
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of t…
My wife was recently in a car accident and sandwiched between two cars and the airbags didn’t deploy.
WAS DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR STARTED KNOCKING MAKING NOISE, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM MY TAIL PIPE. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO THE TRICK, THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON, MY CAR DRIVES VERY SLOW NOW. I'M A…
La guagua se apagó corriendo motor trancado quiero saber si tiene recall de la bomba de aceite es una kia sportage 2016 motor gdi [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2 problems occurred within 1 month from each other: - Kia Sportage engine started to randomly stall. I needed to do a full stop in the middle of the road and restart the car to continue driving. I had 3 stalls happen within 2 weeks before I had time to take it to the dealer. The …
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695 and my vehicle lost power, the engine light along with the oil indictor came on, and making a loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed and taken to the mecha…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the rec…
Me and my family were on the way to the beach, as I accelerated on the interstate got to 65 mph, engine light started blinking, car instantly slowed down. Got off on next exit, to check and see what was going on, car started hesitating after acceleration. Was able to get it to an…
Very often, when I put my car into park, it doesn't seem to fully engage, and I either can't remove the key (until I put it back into drive, and then park again), and in some instances I experience a "rollaway" as soon as I remove my foot from the brake pedal. I believe there is …
Have approx 101000 miles on car. It had 54202 when i bought it from A Kia dealer in Gastonia NC who was forced out of ownership because of fraud. The car has been serviced regularly and engine oil changed between 3-5ooo miles. I have put approximately 57000 miles since 2017. I ha…
Vehicle went from operating fine to a flashing yellow engine light. Within minutes, the vehicle could not be safely driven. There was a knocking and vibration from the engine.
AS WE WERE DRIVING MY NIECE HOME FROM SCHOOL ABOUT A BLOCK FROM HER HOUSE, THE CAR STARTED LOOSING POWER AND WHEN WE PULLED OVER TO LET HER OUT, THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT START BACK ON. WE WAITED A WHILE AND TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON, BUT IT DID NOT DO ANYTHING. TH…
The car accelerated of its own accord, I had been driving 30-35 miles an hour when it accelerated suddenly and caused me to wreck.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and deter…
The engine knocks took it to the auto mechanic and needs a new engine. Have to pay for this and reading on line it is a well known issue
I was driving down the road on 4/18/2024 and my engine locked up. I got it off the road as far as I could, but was very dangerous spot. All maintenance has been done on this SUV. I had it towed to a local independent shop where I was informed it was locked up. No warning light ca…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven and while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the…
My car shut off in the middle of getting off a highway ramp. Completely shut down, had to push it to the side of the road in the middle of an off ramp/intersection.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Kia Sportage.
2016 Kia Sportage Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Sportage. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Kia Sportage Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 129 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (60 complaints). #2: Brake System (38 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Kia Sportage?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Kia Sportage, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 129 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Kia Sportage. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2016 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Kia Sportage based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.