Kia Sportage 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2016 and 133 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 1% fewer complaints than the average Kia Sportage from 2016–2025 (135 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Sportage 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2016
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · 2022-02-02 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
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.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018-12-19
What happens
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.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
133 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
8 with a crash · 5 with a fire · 8 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Sportage 2016
- Engine: 61 (46% of complaints)
- Brakes (hydraulic): 31 (23% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 17 (13% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 9 (7% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 8 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Sportage 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check the brake fluid level and that the pedal feels firm.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2016 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Sportage recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 133 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 401 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 164 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 70 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 162 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 46 complaints
- 2023 : 6 recalls · 192 complaints
- 2024 : 3 recalls · 73 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recalls · 52 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Sportage 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sportage 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (61 of 133 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).