2016 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability
An average Sportage year.
131 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Sportage?The 2016 Kia Sportage has 131 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag diesel engine reliability concerns (2018-2022 models): cited as having poor reliability scores compared to petrol engines and earlier 2016-2018 diesels.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sportage years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Sportage?
Across the 29 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2003) to 399 (2017). With 131 complaints, the 2016 Sportage sits about the same as the model's median of 131.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Sportage
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V907000Kia 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 22V051000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience.
- IsolatedDiesel engine reliability concerns (2018-2022 models)
Cited as having poor reliability scores compared to petrol engines and earlier 2016-2018 diesels.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sportage listings typically run $17,749–$24,718.
Other Sportage model years
Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sportage against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy