2016 Kia Sportage: Common Problems, Recalls and Vehicle Data

What the public data shows

An open investigation, "AQ23002," is examining service brakes on the 2016 Kia Sportage, according to public NHTSA records. An open investigation means regulators are looking into a pattern in the data — it is a question being asked, not a conclusion that a defect exists. A second, separate investigation into the engine, "DP22003," has since been closed. Two recall campaigns appear on record for this model year, one covering the fuel system, gasoline (campaign 18V907000, tied to a fuel leak that could increase fire risk in the presence of an ignition source) and one covering service brakes, hydraulic (campaign 22V051000, tied to an engine-compartment fire risk while parked or driving). These sit in different systems rather than forming a cluster. Among the 130 complaints on file, engine-related reports make up the largest share, 46 complaints or 35 percent, followed by brakes at 35 complaints (27 percent) and electrical issues at 16 complaints (12 percent). The remainder is spread across other, drivetrain, visibility and lighting, airbag, and steering categories in smaller numbers. Separately, of 115 service bulletins issued for this model year, 40 concern the engine and engine cooling and another 20 concern the electrical system — bulletins are manufacturer guidance to dealers on repair steps for reported symptoms, not recalls, but they indicate where dealer attention was concentrated. These complaint counts reflect how often owners reported issues to NHTSA, not a measured defect rate across all vehicles.

130 complaints on file with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, grouped into CarTold's broad component categories.

Most frequently reported, by the specific component NHTSA logged each complaint under (not CarTold's category groupings above):

• ENGINE — 34 complaints (26%)
• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — 31 complaints (24%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 7 complaints (5%)
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 7 complaints (5%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — 5 complaints (4%)
• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — 3 complaints (2%)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Opened 2023-11-17

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,…

ENGINE

Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complai…

NHTSA crash-tests each body-style/drivetrain configuration separately, so ratings can differ by variant — shown as tested, not averaged. See how the 5-star ratings work, including why an overall score isn't the average of the three category scores.