2016 Kia Sportage Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 09/09/2026

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 estimated 91,245 miles. He pulled over, immediately called me, and sent a video recording of the noise. I advised him to proceed to Bisbee Auto & Tires, an independent repair facility. The engine completely seized directly in front of its service entrance at 91,249 miles. Most concerning, my son reported NO dashboard warning lights, including the check engine light, before the engine seized, despite Kia's service records confirming that the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update had been completed before the failure. KSDS is intended to detect certain vibrations associated with connecting rod bearing damage. I request investigation into why no warning appeared, whether KSDS operated correctly, whether diagnostic code P1326 was recorded, and the actual engine failure mechanism. My son regularly drives on I-95 at 65 mph. Had the engine seized in highway traffic, sudden loss of propulsion could have caused a serious collision, injuries, or death. Bisbee Auto & Tires informed us about potential lifetime engine warranty coverage and directed us to Kia rather than charging approximately $6,000 for an engine replacement. Kia replaced the engine under warranty in September 2026. On October 13, 2026, Kia Corporate confirmed that the replacement was the same engine type but could not identify engineering improvements, revised bearings, or whether it was new or remanufactured. I request NHTSA investigate this engine seizure, the absence of KSDS warnings despite the completed update, similar incidents, and whether additional safety measures are warranted. Service records and video evidence are available upon request.

ENGINE — Filed 09/27/2026

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 short-circuit hazard. The vehicle is intact, unmodified, and available for inspection upon request at the dealership. My safety and the safety of other motorists were put at severe risk. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical shutdown while in motion on a public roadway. The sudden loss of engine power, power steering, and power brakes created an immediate collision risk. Smoke pouring from under the hood exposed occupants to toxic fumes and an imminent risk of a vehicle fire, forcing an emergency roadside evacuation. The authorized Kia dealership confirmed a total failure. The technician noted the engine is locked up and cannot be rotated manually. The diagnostic report reveals a cascading electrical/system collapse: the starter is completely dead (only clicking), and codes P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Timing) and P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost) were thrown. This combination of an inoperable starter alongside timing and boost system corruption directly aligns with a sudden, catastrophic voltage drop and short circuit under the hood. The car was inspected by the dealer's technician. They recommend a $12,000 out-of-pocket engine, starter, manifold, and turbo replacement by citing an unrelated, missing class-action software update (KSDS), actively ignoring the open safety recall and the thermal symptoms. There were no long-term warning signs or prior symptoms. The symptoms appeared suddenly and concurrently at the moment of failure. Immediately before the vehicle died, smoke began pouring from the engine compartment, and the dashboard lights flashed before the car died.

ENGINE — Filed 07/01/2026

I have a 2016 Kia Sportage Ex with under 71k miles. I’ve 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 I’m having engine failure with under 71k miles??!! I’ve only done local driving and now Kia told me there’s nothing they could do for me because my warranty just expired. This is my Kia and last time buying a Kia!

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 09/06/2026

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure while driving. The vehicle completely lost acceleration, entered a low-pitched humming 'limp-home mode,' and the dashboard red oil pressure warning light illuminated solidly.The vehicle had previously received the mandatory corporate KSDS software update. A diagnostic check by an authorized Kia dealership officially documented the physical evidence of 'metal debris in the engine oil,' which is the unarguable signature of the defect described in NHTSA Recall campaigns for the Theta II engine block.Despite the physical evidence of connecting rod bearing failure and the active KSDS update, Kia Corporate and the local dealership have issued a flat denial of the Lifetime Warranty engine replacement mandate. This constitutes a direct violation of the safety recall settlement framework."

ENGINE — Filed 06/02/2026

The knock censor went out, once it was replaced and the oil changed it’s still knocking and unable to drive. Mechanic from out of state looked at it and now said he thinks there’s a problem with in the engine. The car is sitting in a driveway, 4 hours from a Kia dealership.

ENGINE — Filed 02/27/2026

Engine failure. The engine completely seized up

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/05/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 02/03/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,124.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/02/2025

My wife was recently in a car accident and sandwiched between two cars and the airbags didn’t deploy.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 11/18/2025

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/24/2025

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ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/01/2025

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 with the engine of unknown origin (so far). This happened this week. While going downhill cruise control shut off. After that the engine started to decelerate and the amber blinking engine light came off. Transmission started to be jerky. Dropped it off at the dealer again. I was very luck to not get into any major car accidents so far, but I was very close! Smells, sounds, and looks like a potential recall that Kia does not want to recognize.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/01/2025

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 with the same experience. The vehicle was again tested for codes and it then read Camshaft Sensor. This vehicle did not have any ill-performance, bells, dings, whistles or indicator lights until it was actually happening. According to the certified mechanic, this is a defect in the vehicle and although the part may be warranted, it will happen again and buyers will still have to pay for the part and labor, again, to have it fixed. I do not have my invoice on hand, however, I can get another copy.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 09/20/2024

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.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/28/2023

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 154,000.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/06/2022

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 unexpected incident.

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 10/04/2022

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 according to my local KIA dealer rep.

ENGINE — Filed 04/12/2022

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 sustained. The approximate failure mileage was 118,860.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/05/2019

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

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/24/2019

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 MANUFACTURER OF KIA THEY CAME TO READ THE DATA FROM MY VEHICLE'S BLACK BOX AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY HOWEVER THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS A 2002 MUSTANG IN ALL OF THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED

STEERING — Filed 12/28/2018

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

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 01/29/2019

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.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/03/2018

AIR BAG CAME OUT BUT DID NOT INFLATE IN HEAD ON COLLISION SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN 40 MPH HEAD ON IN MOTION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 06/23/2018

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 FAMILY CAR AND WE WATCHED IT BURN TO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF US. WE ALSO LOST A LOT OF VALUABLES IN THE FIRE.

STEERING,AIR BAGS,WHEELS — Filed 09/03/2017

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