2016 Kia Sportage engine problems
59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Kia Sportage — 45% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 11, 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.”
filed Jul 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- High pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged…Campaign 18V907000 · Dec 19, 2018
Related service bulletins
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, 2025TECHNICAL 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, 2025Voluntary emissions service campaign: sc340_poc: proof of correction card
SC340_POC · Emissions · issued Oct 23, 2025
Engine problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 9 | 13% |
| 2023 Sportage | 37 | 19% |
| 2022 Sportage | 21 | 46% |
| 2021 Sportage | 21 | 41% |
| 2020 Sportage | 73 | 46% |
| 2019 Sportage | 36 | 51% |
| 2018 Sportage | 90 | 55% |
| 2017 Sportage | 219 | 55% |
| 2015 Sportage | 84 | 58% |
| 2014 Sportage | 71 | 58% |
| 2013 Sportage | 301 | 79% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.