Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sportage 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 2 NHTSA recalls on record and about 130 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?

The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?

The 2016 Kia Sportage has 2 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sportage?

A used 2016 Kia Sportage typically sells for $9,000–$13,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2016 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?

Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sportage?

A well-kept Kia Sportage can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Kia Sportage

Fourth-gen debut — clean styling and improving Kia reliability track record.

Typical price: $9,000–$13,000
Recalls: 2
Owner complaints: 130

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NHTSA Recalls

2 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#18V907000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module#22V051000
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(130 total)

Engine34
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31
Electrical System7
Unknown Or Other7
Unknown Or Other,Engine5
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System3
Speed Control3
Electrical System,Engine3

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II engine failure — same as Sorento/Optima. ~800 NHTSA complaints. Recall and extended warranty program applies. Verify recall completion by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sportage 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 2 NHTSA recalls on record and about 130 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?: The 2016 Kia Sportage has 2 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sportage?: A used 2016 Kia Sportage typically sells for $9,000–$13,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sportage?: A well-kept Kia Sportage can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2016 Kia Sportage for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Kia Sportage

Fourth-gen debut — clean styling and improving Kia reliability track record.

Typical price: $9,000–$13,000
Recalls: 2
Owner complaints: 130

ShareX f

Have a specific 2016 Kia Sportage to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

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NHTSA Recalls

2 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#18V907000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module#22V051000
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(130 total)

Engine34
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31
Electrical System7
Unknown Or Other7
Unknown Or Other,Engine5
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System3
Speed Control3
Electrical System,Engine3

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II engine failure — same as Sorento/Optima. ~800 NHTSA complaints. Recall and extended warranty program applies. Verify recall completion by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sportage reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sportage 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 2 NHTSA recalls on record and about 130 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sportage?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?: The 2016 Kia Sportage has 2 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sportage?: A used 2016 Kia Sportage typically sells for $9,000–$13,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sportage?: A well-kept Kia Sportage can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2016 Kia Sportage for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2016 Kia Sportage

Featured in

Also consider

2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free