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Engine coolingPart report

2016 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 134 total for the year
Median mileage
120,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Kia Sportage, 2% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11537462, filed 2023-08, 106,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11536376, filed 2023-08, 122,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was a rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the rattle as an electrical issue with the air condition unit. The failure was repaired; however, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a continuous oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11463029, filed 2022-05, 120,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202311%
202212%
2021713%
202095%
201923%
201853%
201782%
201632%
201511%
201422%
2013144%
201221%
201174%
200855%
200723%
200687%
200546%
20026929%
20014520%
20004515%
19997928%
19987926%
19975631%
19961018%
19951425%

Other parts of the 2016 Kia Sportage

Engine
62 complaints
Brakes
38 complaints
Other or unknown
18 complaints
Electrical system
17 complaints
Fuel system
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Air bags
5 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology