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…
2016 kia Sportage engine problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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
I OWN A 2016 KIA SPORTAGE AND IN JANUARY 2019 ON A TRIP TO A NEARBY TOWN THE CAR ENGINE STARTED TO CATCH. AT THIS TIME THE CAR ONLY HAD ABOUT 29,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD THE OIL CHANGED ABOUT 4 WEEKS PRIOR. MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE ALL THE FLUIDS AND FOUND THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE OIL IN IT. WE WERE SURPRISED SINCE NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON AND WE HAD JUST CHANGE THE OIL. HE PUT OIL IN IT AND WAT…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 kia Sportage?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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