2016 Kia Sportage
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 59 of 130 complaints (45%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 146 in 2015 to 130 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,400–2,950 | 2,400–2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–26 | 21–26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–21 / 24–28 | 19–21 / 24–28 | 19–21 / 25–28 | 20–23 / 23–30 | 20–23 / 23–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 376–422 | 376–422 | 376–420 | 351–424 | 351–424 | |
| Complaints filed | 122 | 146 | 130 | 399 | 163 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 7 | 8 | 14 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 11 | 5 | 27 | 12 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 5 | 8 | 19 | 5 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Kia Sportage?
Engine: 59 of 130 NHTSA complaints (45%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Sportage get?
EPA rates it 21–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Kia Sportage?
EPA estimates $2,700–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 376 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 407 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 401 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 420 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 59 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 38 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 22V051000 · Feb 3, 2022
Defect: 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; ENGINE · Campaign 18V907000 · Jan 30, 2019
Defect: 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.