The 2016 model year marks the final running year for the third generation Kia Sportage SUVs. Even though this specific model year of this SUV had a clean sheet on its name initially when it comes to the recall status, a couple of them have been issued under its name in recent times, that too with a high risk of an engine compartment fire. The complaints though, do see a drastic fall to just 50 for this year from peaking at over 330 in the past, but that factor alone isn’t enough to justify the high-risk status it has of now. So knowing that these issues exist, should you even consider buying one for base prices of $22,150 in the first place over segment staples like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Nissan Rogue? This section will give you a break-up of all noticed complaints in detail which will help you decide whether or not to get one.
2016 Kia Sportage User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Engine complaints are pretty common on the 2016 Kia Sportage as reported by the NHTSA. Owners complain about the vehicle hesitating on throttle input and the engine stalling when driving, without warning. Some owners also complain about loud noises and jerking when this happens. A faulty or leaking high-pressure fuel pump was traced to be the issue and in light of the imminent fire risk in case of a leak, the automaker also initiated a recall ( (ID-18V907000) on this issue in 2018. At least 5 engine fires have been officially reported in this case by the NHTSA. Engine oil over-consumption is also one issue to look out for on this SUV.
- Service brakes- Faults with the Hydraulic Electronic control units have caused the loss of braking assistance for many users with at least two crashes reported in this case by the NHTSA due to longer than expected braking distance. This issue which is caused by an electrical short in the module is also suspected to cause an engine compartment fire has a recall (ID-22V051000) with no current remedy as per the notification released by the automaker recently.
Electric System complaints
- Air conditioning- Trims equipped with automatic climate control settings erratically toggle between cabin temperatures. Though the dealers are aware of this issue, they do not have a fix to it as there are no error codes on the HVAC module. The issue is suspected to be caused by a faulty thermocouple/ cabin temperature sensor unit, which when replaced is still said to cause the same issue, leaving the users unable to set the A/C in auto mode.
Safety Complaints
- Airbags- improper airbag deployment during crashes has left many owners with injuries. Some owners also complain about the unit entirely failing to inflate in some events. At least 5 crashes and 7 injuries have been recorded against this issue by the NHTSA.
- Seatbelts- Owners complain about the seat belts not restraining the occupant properly in multiple crash events involving the 2016 Kia Sportage. This comes in addition to the airbag issue the SUV was already known for. Even though the automaker was made aware of this issue, no further statements have been released.
2016 Kia Sportage Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
2nd February 2022 |
22V051000 |
Engine compartment fire |
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or while driving, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on March 31, 2022. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. |
|
2 |
19th December 2018 |
18V907000 |
High-pressure fuel pipe may leak. |
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, which in presence of a hot surface can increase the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2019 |
Should you buy a used 2016 Kia Sportage?
The NHTSA tags the 2016 Kia Sportage as a vehicle with a high fire risk. Also, the final recall, as updated recently by the Kia on the vehicle for suspected fuel leaks on engines that have been replaced by the manufacturer in the past, still hasn’t got a remedy to it. Given the expectancy of such catastrophic failures which can result in damage to property and increase the risk of personal injury, we advise you to stay away from buying once as of now. Alternates like the CR-V or even the Nissan Rogue would be a better and more economical choice as things stand.
