Problems › Kia › 2016 Sportage
2016 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~11.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 9 of 15 Kia Sportage years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Kia Sportage, cited in 58 of 130 filed complaints (45%).
Service Brakes is next (38 complaints, 29%), followed by Electrical System (17), Fuel/Propulsion System (9), Power Train (8).
Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 5 report a fire, 8 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 6 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sportage, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 130.
Engine 58 3 fire 1 injury
“I was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on Highway 95 ( the speed limit ) While driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I had problems with the steering as I attempted to pull over. I had a tractor trailer behind me on a major highway. When I came to a complete stop, my engine light kept flashing. I drove my car to the KIA dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) There were no prior warnings. My vehicle had been serviced just a few weeks prior. KIA is fully aware of these ongoing engine failures accordi…”
NHTSA complaint #11488291, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)
“While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call fire brigade to stop the fire. Later we had to tow the car to home. I called a mechanic to evaluate the situation and he informed us the engine of the vehicle has been ceased as a result. We have to bear a significant cost for the repairs. We are still suffering emotional stress as a result of this une…”
NHTSA complaint #11497121, 2022 · fire
“The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 35 MPH when smoke came from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over safely and removed himself from the vehicle. The vehicle became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed. The state police arrived on the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but were not successful. The fire department arrived on the scene shortly afterward and extinguished the fire. The local police filed a report. There were no injuries s…”
NHTSA complaint #11460894, 2022 · fire
Service Brakes 38 1 crash 1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood. The fire died down before the fire department arrived on the scene; however, there was no report filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact there was no fire damage; however the engine was completely destroyed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22v051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,…”
NHTSA complaint #11515418, 2023 · fire
“I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE ON POINTS OF ROCK ROAD IN BREWSTER, A QUIET STREET NEAR THE BEACH AND THE CAR PROCEEDED UP AN EMBANKMENT,DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR ABD DID NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES”
NHTSA complaint #11258484, 2019 · crash
“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 AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT ON THE ROAD”
NHTSA complaint #11700308, 2025
Unknown Or Other 18
“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 autoshop (O'Reilly's) diagnosis shows knock sensor failure and they told me it has to do with the safety recall, didn't even know the car had a recall on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11662987, 2025
“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 already a recall for the Kia Telluride model for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11657222, 2025
“Vehicle recall was addressed, yet problem persisted which was an engine oil leak/burn. Oil continued to leak/burn and caused engine problems. Cylinder 1 misfire was most recent, lost of acceleration, a/c failure, burning of engine coolant. All regular maintenance has been performed, 2nd set of new spark plugs within 12 months were installed a week ago. I have spent over $500 in the last few months alone trying to "maintain" my vehicle. Mechanic also stated these failures could lead to catalytic converter damage/failure. I have asked dealership & Kia separately to facilitate this repair before…”
NHTSA complaint #11546879, 2023
Electrical System 17 1 fire
“MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE THAT WE HAD BOUGHT ON 05/23/2018 (JUST MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT THE DAY BEFORE) TO MYRTLE BEACH SC, WE HEARD A POP, I LOST FUNCTION TO THE GAS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE GRABBED WHAT WE COULD OUT OF OUR CAR AND RAN AS FAR AWAY AS WE COULD. IT WASN'T EVEN 2 MINUTES LATER AND THE WHOLE CAR WAS IN FLAMES AND EVERYTHING WAS DESTROYED. ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS THE FRAME OF THE CAR. WE JUST GOT MARRIED IN OCTOBER OF 2017, THIS WAS OUR FIRST MARRIED PURCHASE AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE OUR…”
NHTSA complaint #11105067, 2018 · fire
“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 AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT ON THE ROAD”
NHTSA complaint #11700308, 2025
“When coming to a stop and brake applied car starts to vibrate. Local mechanic who looked at the vehicle believes it's the torque converter. The miles are high but it's under a the recall new engine, which technically has only approximately 60k.”
NHTSA complaint #11561565, 2023
Fuel/Propulsion System 9 1 fire
“While driving in highway we noticed a fuel smell. After a little came from front area (hood area) and heard a blast underneath. At the same time the car abruptly stopped in the highway (HOV lane). We also noticed fireballs shooting downward from underneath the car. We had no options but to call fire brigade to stop the fire. Later we had to tow the car to home. I called a mechanic to evaluate the situation and he informed us the engine of the vehicle has been ceased as a result. We have to bear a significant cost for the repairs. We are still suffering emotional stress as a result of this une…”
NHTSA complaint #11497121, 2022 · fire
“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)”
NHTSA complaint #11681109, 2025
“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 mechanic and the code read, "Knock sensor." The knock sensor was replaced at $301.85. I was able to drive the vehicle without any problems until Wednesday, June 3, 2025, when going to a doctor's appointment the vehicle's engine came on along with the oil indicator and the power was reduced and I had to pull over again wit…”
NHTSA complaint #11665787, 2025
Power Train 8
“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 towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11716724, 2026
“When coming to a stop and brake applied car starts to vibrate. Local mechanic who looked at the vehicle believes it's the torque converter. The miles are high but it's under a the recall new engine, which technically has only approximately 60k.”
NHTSA complaint #11561565, 2023
“This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2.5 non freeway miles to high school and home. It continued to consume oil resulting in adding and checking oil weekly despite low mileage driving. The car finally developed a lower engine knock at complete engine failure 8/2023…”
NHTSA complaint #11544642, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control 6 2 crash 1 injury
“I was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on Highway 95 ( the speed limit ) While driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I had problems with the steering as I attempted to pull over. I had a tractor trailer behind me on a major highway. When I came to a complete stop, my engine light kept flashing. I drove my car to the KIA dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) There were no prior warnings. My vehicle had been serviced just a few weeks prior. KIA is fully aware of these ongoing engine failures accordi…”
NHTSA complaint #11488291, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11616318, 2024 · crash
“I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE ON POINTS OF ROCK ROAD IN BREWSTER, A QUIET STREET NEAR THE BEACH AND THE CAR PROCEEDED UP AN EMBANKMENT,DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR ABD DID NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES”
NHTSA complaint #11258484, 2019 · crash
Air Bags 5 5 crash 6 injury
“MY DAUGHTER, WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 1/29/19 AT 7:45AM. SHE WAS STOPPED AND A TRUCK HIT HER FROM BEHIND AND SHE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON WHEEL, AND WINDSHIELD. HER SON WHO WAS IN BACK IN HIS CAR SEAT, ALSO HIT HIS HEAD. THEY BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSIONS, BLACK EYES, HEAD ACHES, WHIP LASH. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD EITHER OF THEM IN PLACE NOR DID THE AIR BAGS GO OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11173110, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“My wife was recently in a car accident and sandwiched between two cars and the airbags didn’t deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11713791, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“ON JANUARY 24TH 2019 AT 7:45 P.M. I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION THAT RESULTS IN MY CAR BEING PUSHED ACROSS THE STREETS AND HITTING THE CURB ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO BE COMPLETELY TOTALED NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT EVERYTHING ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I WAS INJURED I HAD A CERVICAL SPRAIN A CONCUSSION I ALSO HAD NERVE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BODY I ALSO HAD A BULGING DISC IN THE TOP OF MY NECK AND IN THE LOWER PART OF MY BACK THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD ME IN PLACE WE WERE GOING 35 MILES PER HOUR IN MOTION I CONTACTED THE MAN…”
NHTSA complaint #11196924, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Steering 4 2 crash 1 fire 3 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S SON SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. *TT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11180068, 2018 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“ON SEPT 3 2017 I WAS INVLOVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED LEAVING ME WITH SEVERE BRUISES ON ABDOMAN AND BURN MARKS ON MY LEFT FOREARM. I WENT TO HOPSPITAL AND HAD AN ULTRASOUND DONE. OUR CAR WAS TOTALLED AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM GOING TO NOT HAVE ANY FURTHER MEDICAL ISSUES I HAVE POLICE REPORTS AND MEDICAL REPORT TO BACK THIS UP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11043829, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on Highway 95 ( the speed limit ) While driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I had problems with the steering as I attempted to pull over. I had a tractor trailer behind me on a major highway. When I came to a complete stop, my engine light kept flashing. I drove my car to the KIA dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) There were no prior warnings. My vehicle had been serviced just a few weeks prior. KIA is fully aware of these ongoing engine failures accordi…”
NHTSA complaint #11488291, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)
Structure 4 1 fire
“MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE THAT WE HAD BOUGHT ON 05/23/2018 (JUST MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT THE DAY BEFORE) TO MYRTLE BEACH SC, WE HEARD A POP, I LOST FUNCTION TO THE GAS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE GRABBED WHAT WE COULD OUT OF OUR CAR AND RAN AS FAR AWAY AS WE COULD. IT WASN'T EVEN 2 MINUTES LATER AND THE WHOLE CAR WAS IN FLAMES AND EVERYTHING WAS DESTROYED. ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS THE FRAME OF THE CAR. WE JUST GOT MARRIED IN OCTOBER OF 2017, THIS WAS OUR FIRST MARRIED PURCHASE AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE OUR…”
NHTSA complaint #11105067, 2018 · fire
“On July 30, 2022 I took my car to Greenway Kia East Orlando due to two traction warning lights that were on. After weeks and months of Kia not knowing what was wrong with the car I was finally told that it was an electrical harness and that my warranty company was non responsive. I decided to call my warranty company and after back and forth they said they would not approve what Kia wanted to do because they needed to fix the initial issue which I believe to be the same. The service manager from Kia, Gina Carpio then told me there was nothing else they could do, so I asked them on December 14t…”
NHTSA complaint #11498901, 2022
“Blind spot. Numerous times the driver mirror is large and close to the window /door frame causing a huge blind spot as to where I've almost hit people crossing in a crosswalk, mostly by making a left turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11559800, 2020
Engine And Engine Cooling 3
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was still losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and shift into drive; however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact drove the vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11536376, 2023
“The contact’s son owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, lost motive power, and stalled. The contact was unaware if a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that there was rod bearing failure and that the catalytic convertor had melted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the knock sensor update was not comp…”
NHTSA complaint #11537462, 2020
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was a rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the rattle as an electrical issue with the air condition unit. The failure was repaired; however, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a continuous oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure m…”
NHTSA complaint #11463029, 2019
Exterior Lighting 3
“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)”
NHTSA complaint #11681109, 2025
“THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE, GOING ON 4 YEARS, I STILL SWITCH THE LIGHTS OFF THEN ON BECAUSE I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE IN FRONT OF ME. IT'S ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARK WHILE RAINING. I'VE TRIED TO GET BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS BUT THEY ARE VERY COSTLY AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN THEM ANYWAY. POOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING.”
NHTSA complaint #11183330, 2019
“SIGNAL LIGHTS: WHILE MERGING ONTO FREEWAY/CHANGING LANES, NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS AND SIDE SWIPES HAVE OCCURRED NUMEROUS OF TIMES. I HAVE CONTRIBUTED THE INCIDENTS TO THE LOCATION OF THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. REAR SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE NOT POSITIONED IN TRADITIONAL LOCATION (I.E. CONJUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHTS). INSTEAD, REAR SIGNALS ARE LOCATED ON THE BUMPER FAR BELOW BRAKE LIGHTS. THESE LIGHTS ARE STRIPS NOT STANDARD SIZE AND, THEREBY, POSSIBLY NOT SEEN BY DRIVERS WHO ARE USED TO SEEING THEM IN TRADITIONAL LOCALS ON OTHER VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE LOC…”
NHTSA complaint #10993194, 2017
Seat Belts 2 2 crash 3 injury
“MY DAUGHTER, WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 1/29/19 AT 7:45AM. SHE WAS STOPPED AND A TRUCK HIT HER FROM BEHIND AND SHE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON WHEEL, AND WINDSHIELD. HER SON WHO WAS IN BACK IN HIS CAR SEAT, ALSO HIT HIS HEAD. THEY BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSIONS, BLACK EYES, HEAD ACHES, WHIP LASH. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD EITHER OF THEM IN PLACE NOR DID THE AIR BAGS GO OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11173110, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“AIR BAG CAME OUT BUT DID NOT INFLATE IN HEAD ON COLLISION SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN 40 MPH HEAD ON IN MOTION”
NHTSA complaint #11166418, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Visibility 2
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking onto the ground. The oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows failed to roll down as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for the diagnostic test. The dealer advised the contact to add oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,025.”
NHTSA complaint #11510888, 2023
“Blind spot. Numerous times the driver mirror is large and close to the window /door frame causing a huge blind spot as to where I've almost hit people crossing in a crosswalk, mostly by making a left turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11559800, 2020
Visibility/Wiper 2
“On July 30, 2022 I took my car to Greenway Kia East Orlando due to two traction warning lights that were on. After weeks and months of Kia not knowing what was wrong with the car I was finally told that it was an electrical harness and that my warranty company was non responsive. I decided to call my warranty company and after back and forth they said they would not approve what Kia wanted to do because they needed to fix the initial issue which I believe to be the same. The service manager from Kia, Gina Carpio then told me there was nothing else they could do, so I asked them on December 14t…”
NHTSA complaint #11498901, 2022
“THIS MORNING I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I GOT OUT TO LOOK, ASSUMING IT WAS A TIRE. UPON LOOKING OVER THE VEHICLE I COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUES BUT DID NOTICE A CRACKLING SOUND. WHEN I LOOKED ON THE TOP OF THE CAR THE REAR SECTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED IN EACH CORNER AND WHEN I LOOKED CLOSER I NOTICED IN THE CENTER IT WAS CRACKED AS WELL BUT WAS STILL BEING HELD TOGETHER. I DECIDED THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE THE CAR STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP (70 MILES AWAY). BY TIME I GOT THERE THE BACK PORTION OF THE SUNROOF LOOKED EVEN WORSE AND WAS ST…”
NHTSA complaint #10872433, 2016
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“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 Kia Dealer held it for over a week and drove it but could not find any issues. They mentioned low oil, which was strange considering I recently replaced it. I also forced the dealer to do ignition tuning which seemed to have resolved the issue. - In a month after the first problem with stalling I experienced issues wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11671168, 2025
Seats 1
“THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK EXHIBITS MOVEMENT WHEN IT IS IN A LOCKED POSITION. WHILE DRIVING AND WITH THE SEAT BELT FASTEN, CAN FEEL THE SEAT BACK MOVE SLIGHTLY FORWARD DURING BRAKING OR WHILE BRAKING GOING DOWNHILL. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT ROAD SURFACE, CANNOT FEEL SEAT BACK MOVEMENT. UPON NOTICING MOVEMENT, TRIED PHYSICALLY TO MOVE SEAT BACK (WHILE NOT SITTING IN THE SEAT) AND THE SEAT BACK DOES EXHIBIT MOVEMENT WHILE MOVING THE SEAT IN A ROCKING SIDE TO SIDE (LEFT TO RIGHT) MOTION, BUT CANNOT FEEL MOVEMENT WHEN MOVING THE SEAT IN A ROCKING (FRONT TO BACK) MOTION. WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT EXH…”
NHTSA complaint #11031540, 2017
Suspension 1
“the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong .took to Kia new location 2 times was told to come back and 3rd I refused to leave till it was looked at. Mechanic said it was not in good shape and rep told me to not drive unless a emergency & would email me that night…”
NHTSA complaint #11445377, 2020
Wheels 1 1 crash 1 injury
“ON SEPT 3 2017 I WAS INVLOVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED LEAVING ME WITH SEVERE BRUISES ON ABDOMAN AND BURN MARKS ON MY LEFT FOREARM. I WENT TO HOPSPITAL AND HAD AN ULTRASOUND DONE. OUR CAR WAS TOTALLED AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM GOING TO NOT HAVE ANY FURTHER MEDICAL ISSUES I HAVE POLICE REPORTS AND MEDICAL REPORT TO BACK THIS UP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11043829, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Kia Sportage draws about 11.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 9 of 15 among the Kia Sportage model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.