2016 KIA SPORTAGE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Sportage. This model year has 129 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Kia Sportage Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
Considering a 2016 Kia Sportage?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Sportage. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 129 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2016 Kia Sportage
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Sportage. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Kia Sportage — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Kia Sportage has 129 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (60 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2016 Kia Sportage has 8 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 129 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Kia Sportage. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2016 Kia Sportage has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2016 Kia Sportage
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.