2016 Kia Sportage engine problems

58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Kia Sportage — 45% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine complaints

45%

share of all complaints

84,000 mi

median reported incident mileage

0 / 3

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“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.”
filed Jul 5, 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…”
filed Feb 9, 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…”
filed Feb 3, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New / revised sections of this…
SC340_TSB_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 7, 2025
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system…
SC340_TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 5, 2025
Voluntary emissions service campaign: sc340_poc: proof of correction card
SC340_POC · Emissions · issued Oct 23, 2025