CarModelProblems.com

2016 Kia Sportage Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
130Complaints
2Recalls
8Crashes
5Fires
8Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (44.6% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine58 · 44.6%not available
Service Brakes, Hydraulic30 · 23.1%RecalledRecall 22V051000
Electrical System16 · 12.3%not available
Fuel/propulsion System9 · 6.9%RecalledRecall 18V907000
Power Train8 · 6.2%not available
Service Brakes7 · 5.4%RecalledRecall 22V051000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE58 · 44.6%
Unspecified / other18 · 13.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16 · 12.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9 · 6.9%
POWER TRAIN8 · 6.2%
SERVICE BRAKES7 · 5.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6 · 4.6%
AIR BAGS5 · 3.8%
STEERING4 · 3.1%

Percentages are the share of the 130 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · 2022 · reported 02/02/2022

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“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]…”NHTSA complaint 11681109 — filed 08/16/2025 · ENGINE
“2 problems occurred within 1 month from each other: - Kia Sportage engine started to randomly stall. I needed to do a full stop in…”NHTSA complaint 11671168 — filed 07/03/2025 · ENGINE
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11665787 — filed 06/09/2025 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

22016102017620182620199202011202167202220202310202416202562026

Frequently asked questions

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

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 58 of 130 NHTSA complaints (44.6%), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (30), unspecified/other issues (18), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?

130 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Kia Sportage's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.