The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Sportage · 2016

2016 Kia Sportage. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index36100 = average car
Complaints29NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold81,066U.S. model year
Per 100K sold36complaints
Year rank#6 of 18#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD20 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD19 / 25 / 21Regular$2,950
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD21 / 28 / 23Regular$2,700
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)AWD19 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 29,000 and 106,000 miles. Median 60,000, from 47 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine82,10056,200–114,60024
Electrical60,00034,600–70,0005

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine28%
Speed control14%
Airbags14%
Electrical10%
Steering10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
134857014

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 22V051000 Feb 2022 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 18V907000 Dec 2018 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    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.

    Risk. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023

Manufacturer communications 127

Kia filed 127 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Vehicle product improvement: engine replacement instructions for dtc p1326 (pi1802w/x)- this…
  • ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information…
  • Service action: wiring signal interference check & engine noise inspection (sa379) - this…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Sportage SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Kia Sportage SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2013492132,965Engine
2014261242,945Visibility
2015402153,739Engine
2016362981,066Engine
201714811772,824Engine
2018675682,823Engine
2019252389,278Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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