Kia Sportage 2016 — Reported problems

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.

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!

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."

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 failure. The engine completely seized up

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.

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.

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

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

La guagua se apagó corriendo motor trancado quiero saber si tiene recall de la bomba de aceite es una kia sportage 2016 motor gdi [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Me and my family were on the way to the beach, as I accelerated on the interstate got to 65 mph, engine light started blinking, car instantly slowed down. Got off on next exit, to check and see what was going on, car started hesitating after acceleration. Was able to get it to an autoshop (O'Reilly's) diagnosis shows knock sensor failure and they told me it has to do with the safety recall, didn't even know the car had a recall on it.

Very often, when I put my car into park, it doesn't seem to fully engage, and I either can't remove the key (until I put it back into drive, and then park again), and in some instances I experience a "rollaway" as soon as I remove my foot from the brake pedal. I believe there is already a recall for the Kia Telluride model for this issue.

Have approx 101000 miles on car. It had 54202 when i bought it from A Kia dealer in Gastonia NC who was forced out of ownership because of fraud. The car has been serviced regularly and engine oil changed between 3-5ooo miles. I have put approximately 57000 miles since 2017. I have never had an issue with car until Christmas Eve 2024 when after leaving stop sigh and a turn around panel oil light came on and as i was looking for place to pull over all lights started Flashing and car completely went dead. Had to struggle to steer off road. Dead checked oil level good had it changed less than month temperature was normal Car dead and would not crank. Had to pay 200 on Christmas Eve to get towed to my son’s house which was approximately 15 miles. I had driven over 200+ miles averaging 60-70 mph. Diagnostic code P0014 - B camshaft position timing over - advanced or system performance bank 1. Troubling shooting told Me to replace sensor that might fix problem. I put the $89 sensor in and the car actually started but sounded like it was gonna blow up. Mechanic looked at it and said timing belt loose but he was afraid damage was done to engine and might need new one Am working on getting it towed over 200 miles away to a mechanic that i trust to look at timing system. I’m gonna have approximately $600 dollars spent and really nothing has been done but sensor replaced. After reading these complaints it seems around 100000 miles this has happened to quite a few 2016 Kia Sportages. It looks like people are having no luck with help from dealers. We need help on this. I was lucky it did not completely shut down when i was drivin 70 mph or i could have been killed. Please advise where to go from here

Vehicle went from operating fine to a flashing yellow engine light. Within minutes, the vehicle could not be safely driven. There was a knocking and vibration from the engine.

AS WE WERE DRIVING MY NIECE HOME FROM SCHOOL ABOUT A BLOCK FROM HER HOUSE, THE CAR STARTED LOOSING POWER AND WHEN WE PULLED OVER TO LET HER OUT, THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT START BACK ON. WE WAITED A WHILE AND TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON, BUT IT DID NOT DO ANYTHING. THERE WERE NO MESSAGES OR ANYTHING SAYING SOMETHING WAS WRONG

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The engine knocks took it to the auto mechanic and needs a new engine. Have to pay for this and reading on line it is a well known issue

I was driving down the road on 4/18/2024 and my engine locked up. I got it off the road as far as I could, but was very dangerous spot. All maintenance has been done on this SUV. I had it towed to a local independent shop where I was informed it was locked up. No warning light came on. I just lost all power and coasted to the side of the road. It is available for inspection at the shop it was towed to. No repairs have been done at this time.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven and while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

My car shut off in the middle of getting off a highway ramp. Completely shut down, had to push it to the side of the road in the middle of an off ramp/intersection.

Engine started to knock started having power loss and is no longer able to drive

I brought my 2016 Kia Sportage into Spitzer Kia because when stopped and in drive with my foot on the brake the vehicle shakes/vibrates a little. I HAVE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON. I had a tune up approximately a month earlier. Advisor James Martin at Kia said it needed a tune up because the previous tune up wasn't official Kia parts. I told James I need the old parts back so I can bring them back to the previous mechanic for reimbursement, James said okay. They did the tune up and the issue was still present. James said Kia will have a master technician service the vehicle. James called me back late on a Monday night and told me the cylinder dry and wet readings and will call me back first thing Tuesday morning with an estimate, he was on speaker phone so me and my wife heard what he said but weren't able to write anything down at that time. I called several times on Tuesday to eventually find out James was off and Kim was supposed to call me back but never did. I called Wednesday morning and spoke with James and he advised me of only the dry reading and stated that there was no record of the wet but they did go up. I advised him he told me the wet readings and he claimed he didn't. WHICH IS A LIE. He eventually said that the engine needs to be replaced. This is a recalled engine with less than 100k miles on it. I have EVERY maintenance record on this vehicle and there is no reason the engine should need to be replaced. Kia needs to step up and take care of their issues with their engines. No reason at all an engine should last less than 100k with a vehicle extremely well maintained. If you need all vehicle maintenance records please contact me and I can scan the hundreds of paperwork for you.

When coming to a stop and brake applied car starts to vibrate. Local mechanic who looked at the vehicle believes it's the torque converter. The miles are high but it's under a the recall new engine, which technically has only approximately 60k.

Blind spot. Numerous times the driver mirror is large and close to the window /door frame causing a huge blind spot as to where I've almost hit people crossing in a crosswalk, mostly by making a left turn.

Vehicle recall was addressed, yet problem persisted which was an engine oil leak/burn. Oil continued to leak/burn and caused engine problems. Cylinder 1 misfire was most recent, lost of acceleration, a/c failure, burning of engine coolant. All regular maintenance has been performed, 2nd set of new spark plugs within 12 months were installed a week ago. I have spent over $500 in the last few months alone trying to "maintain" my vehicle. Mechanic also stated these failures could lead to catalytic converter damage/failure. I have asked dealership & Kia separately to facilitate this repair before total failure to ensure my safety. They refused. Vehicle finally had the engine failure while driving in the center lane at highway speed on I95, this put my life in danger and Kia did not seem to think that was important. My vehicle had to be towed to a dealership at my expense, a rental car is at my expense and I have no ETA on when it would even go through diagnostic testing. I feel that Kia owes me a full system repair and ensures that the vehicle is up to date and safe to drive.

This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2.5 non freeway miles to high school and home. It continued to consume oil resulting in adding and checking oil weekly despite low mileage driving. The car finally developed a lower engine knock at complete engine failure 8/2023. We sold it to [XXX] for $700.00. The manufacturer (Kia) of the car is fully aware of the defective engine design, the high oil consumption, and potential eventual engine failure. The car has poor resale and trade in value. Kia should be investigated for safety and ethical concerns. We were lucky there was not a fire, an accident, or a fatality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stopped at a stop sign and the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact’s son owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, lost motive power, and stalled. The contact was unaware if a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that there was rod bearing failure and that the catalytic convertor had melted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the knock sensor update was not completed. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was still losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and shift into drive; however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and found metal shavings in the oil pan. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the engine and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

I bought the car last year from Hardy Chevrolet in Dallas carfax report stated no open recalls in fact there was 3 the previous owner didn’t get repaired from 2018 and because of that one of the recalls the knock sensor is what seized up my motor and Kia has denied to fix it I’ve been without a car for 2 months neither Kia or hardy Chevrolet will help fix my vehicle if I had known about the recalls I would have had them fixed but Kia didn’t notify me of the recalls I was told by Kia the recalls got mailed to the previous Owner and it’s not there place to fix the problem and also hardy Chevrolet said it’s not there problem the carfax said no recalls but they sold me a car with 3 open recalls and now I’m out of a car also my car has been at Matthew Kia in cartersville since the end of may and now I owe them $170 for diagnostic that I can’t pay due to the fact I have to find me a way to work and back every day

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking onto the ground. The oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows failed to roll down as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for the diagnostic test. The dealer advised the contact to add oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,025.

On July 30, 2022 I took my car to Greenway Kia East Orlando due to two traction warning lights that were on. After weeks and months of Kia not knowing what was wrong with the car I was finally told that it was an electrical harness and that my warranty company was non responsive. I decided to call my warranty company and after back and forth they said they would not approve what Kia wanted to do because they needed to fix the initial issue which I believe to be the same. The service manager from Kia, Gina Carpio then told me there was nothing else they could do, so I asked them on December 14th to put my car back together the way that on dropped it off on July 30th so that I can pick it up and take somewhere else. A couple of months prior to this I asked them to do the same, since they couldn’t figure out what was wrong and their response at the time was that they couldn’t release the car to me because it was not safe to drive. Fast forward to December 16, 2022 when I picked up the car after almost five months I noticed that nothing on the console was working, so no ac, heat, defrost, radio, backup camera etc. I also noticed that the drivers side door would not open with the key fob or my hand and it looks like someone try to pry it open. When I told all of this to the service manager, Gina Carpio she didn’t know why anything wasn’t working so she called a tech and also told me she would order the part of my door that was prayed in, even though that isn’t the only issue with the door. So almost five months later I have a car that is in worse condition. I can’t see when it rains or is cold outside and I have to go in through the passenger side to unlock the drivers side door so I can get in.

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.

can not get recall 22v051 resolved, received a letter from Kia corp. headquarters,Irvine,ca stating parts were available for the recall. I made an appointment with Roseville Kia, ca. for oct. 17. We drove for an hour to the dealership, only to be told they did not have the parts on hand, we were told to make another appointment. we said we would that when they had the psrts on hand. We have not heard anything so I called the service dept. this morning. the first thing I was told was they are an independent dealership? I explained the situation and was told I should call the service dept. and order the parts. I am not responsible for obtaining parts for a recall. Whisky Tango Foxtrot!