2016 KIA Sportage Engine Problems
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2016 KIA Sportage, 46% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 84,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “knock sensor” (11% of reports).
- 62engine complaints
- 84,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 58%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Knock sensor: mentioned in 7 of 62 complaints (11%)
- Knocking sound: mentioned in 5 of 62 complaints (8%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 5 of 62 complaints (8%)
- Engine started: mentioned in 5 of 62 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 25 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 62 complaints, 3 a fire, 1 an injury.
KIA Sportage engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 11% | 3,500 |
| 2024 Sportage | 10 | 14% | 17,850 |
| 2023 Sportage | 38 | 20% | 47,000 |
| 2022 Sportage | 21 | 46% | 42,000 |
| 2021 Sportage | 23 | 43% | 59,960 |
| 2020 Sportage | 75 | 46% | 21,014 |
| 2019 Sportage | 36 | 51% | 40,000 |
| 2018 Sportage | 91 | 55% | 18,400 |
| 2017 Sportage | 220 | 55% | 68,500 |
| 2016 Sportage | 62 | 46% | 84,000 |
| 2015 Sportage | 84 | 58% | 91,000 |
| 2014 Sportage | 72 | 58% | 92,750 |
| 2013 Sportage | 301 | 79% | 100,000 |
| 2012 Sportage | 328 | 84% | 100,000 |
| 2011 Sportage | 77 | 43% | 99,500 |
| 2010 Sportage | 2 | 10% | 100,000 |
| 2009 Sportage | 10 | 13% | 80,500 |
| 2008 Sportage | 17 | 17% | 90,000 |
| 2007 Sportage | 8 | 10% | 97,500 |
| 2006 Sportage | 15 | 14% | 126,000 |
| 2005 Sportage | 1 | 1% | 111,195 |
| 2002 Sportage | 2 | 1% | 150,075 |
| 2001 Sportage | 1 | 0% | 92,000 |
| 2000 Sportage | 2 | 1% | 96,989 |
| 1999 Sportage | 2 | 1% | 250,695 |
| 1998 Sportage | 2 | 1% | 60,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine; fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
I have a 2016 Kia Sportage Ex with under 71k miles. Iâve 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 Iâm having engine failure with…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 KIA Sportages have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints about engine for the 2016 KIA Sportage (46% of the 134 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 KIA Sportage engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 84,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2016 KIA Sportage?
The most frequent phrase is “knock sensor”, in 7 of 62 complaints, followed by “knocking sound” (5).
See all 2016 KIA Sportage problems or engine problems across all Sportage years.