2016 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

The 2016 Kia Sportage has 2 safety recalls and 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 22V-051 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
134
Crashes / fires
8 / 5
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Kia Sportage recalls

Recall 22V-051: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Feb 2, 2022 · 126,747 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 19, 2018 · 71,653 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

2016 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine62
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31
Unknown or Other18
Electrical System17
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Power Train8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Service Brakes7
Air Bags5
Steering4
Structure4
Exterior Lighting3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pressure/Temperature Sensor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Kia Sportage complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 13, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Oct 8, 2026
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 · reported Oct 2, 2026
I have a 2016 Kia Sportage Ex with under 71k miles. I’ve 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 I’m having engine failure with under 71k miles??!! I’ve only done local driving and now Kia told me there’s nothing they could do for me because my warranty just expired. This is my Kia and last time buying a Kia!
Engine · reported Sep 11, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Jul 5, 2026
The knock censor went out, once it was replaced and the oil changed it’s still knocking and unable to drive. Mechanic from out of state looked at it and now said he thinks there’s a problem with in the engine. The car is sitting in a driveway, 4 hours from a Kia dealership.

Other Kia Sportage years

Compare all Kia Sportage years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Sportage: 22V-051 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Kia Sportage?

Owners report engine problems most often (62 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.