2016 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

Your engine completely seized up and stopped working. This is a complete engine failure that will prevent your car from running at all. The engine will need to be rebuilt or replaced, which is a major repair.

While driving your 2016 Kia Sportage, multiple warning lights came on and the engine suddenly seized and stopped. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired yet. This happened at approximately 116,124 miles.

Your 2016 Kia Sportage experienced two separate engine problems within a month. First, the engine randomly stalled multiple times while driving, requiring you to pull over and restart — the dealer eventually performed ignition tuning which seemed to help. Second, while driving downhill with cruise control on, the engine unexpectedly decelerated, the check engine light came on, and the transmission became jerky. Both issues put you in potentially dangerous driving situations.

Your engine lost all power while driving after the oil warning light came on, causing all dashboard lights to flash and the car to shut down completely. A diagnostic code indicated a timing issue with the camshaft position sensor, and while replacing the sensor allowed the engine to start, a mechanic suspects the timing belt may be loose and the engine could be damaged. You may need a timing belt replacement or engine work, which could be costly.

Your engine started making a knocking sound and vibrating, and your check engine light began flashing. Within minutes, the car became unsafe to drive. This sudden loss of drivability suggests a serious engine problem that needs immediate diagnosis and repair.

While driving at 65 mph, your engine suddenly lost power and stalled, and the check engine light came on. The dealer diagnosed a complete engine failure that requires a full engine replacement. This is a serious issue that will require professional service to replace the engine.

Your engine is knocking, which indicates internal engine damage. You've been told by a mechanic that the engine needs to be replaced. This appears to be a known issue affecting other vehicles of this model.

While driving, your engine suddenly locked up with no warning light appearing beforehand. You lost all power and had to coast to the side of the road in a potentially dangerous location. Despite regular maintenance, the engine seized without any indication of a problem. The repair will likely require a full engine diagnosis to determine the cause of the seizure, and may involve engine rebuild or replacement depending on the damage found.

Your engine unexpectedly shut off completely while you were exiting a highway ramp, forcing you to push the car to the side of the road. The engine simply stopped running with no warning during normal driving. A mechanic will need to diagnose why the engine stalled, which could involve checking the fuel system, ignition system, or engine control computer.

Your engine lost power while driving on the highway, and warning lights came on along with a loud knocking sound. The mechanic replaced the knock sensor for $301.85, but two days later the same symptoms returned — engine warning light, oil indicator, and reduced power — this time caused by a faulty camshaft sensor. Your mechanic believes this indicates a defect in the vehicle that may happen again, requiring repeat repairs and labor costs even if parts are under warranty.

While driving, your car suddenly lost power and shut off completely without warning or error messages. After pulling over, the engine wouldn't restart despite multiple attempts. The issue may involve the fuel system, ignition system, or engine control electronics that need diagnostic testing to identify the root cause.

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.

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

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.

purchased the car 4 months ago & was given the car with a bad gas pressure relay . So the gas & oil was spilling on top of my motor cause inhalation gas fumes & car smoking . The car could have caught on fire at any given moment . The engine or motor was not checked properly before the car was ok’d for me to drive to & from work everyday . The entire motor was covered in gasoline .

Called local Kia dealer about part because my engine light is on and black liquid is dripping from underneath the front end. The dealer in Iowa said the Kia corporation in CA has no remedy or part so they can’t help me and they hope I don’t catch on fire. This is my only means of transportation and my teenager drives it occasionally. Hoping I don’t catch on fire is unacceptable. I am also paying $393 a month for a car payment for a car I can’t drive or if I do, I risk injury or death.

Motor just stopped working - went into limp mode. I got it towed to a mechanic that said it’s got an engine knock and the whole motor needs replaced. It was just about to catch fire, luckily I did not drive the car and had it towed. It’s at 82,000 miles, so it should NOT be blowing up on me this young.

The Vehicle Stalled on Tuesday while turning on to incoming traffic no lights were on the dashboard no indication it just stalled then stopped I had to get towed to my house. Wednesday I took it to Kia dealership there are 2 other recalls that needed to be done the Canister and Software update for Ticking Noise. Which I started to experience on my way to the shop on Wednesday. They were suppose to do both recalls they only performed one stated that the problem is the Engine Long Block. I contacted Kia after to inform them of what the Kia dealership diagnosed the problem to be. They stated that they couldn't do anything because the software update wasn't done in 2018 and I didn't get the vehicle until 2020. In which I explained they said well the person who had the car didn't take care of it so it's nothing we can do. Reach out to who you purchased the car from. Not to mention there is a Class Action Settlement against them now for the Engine Long Block recall because they are denying claims when this is a lifetime warranty coverage. I reached out to claims for the Settlement and they basically told me that because the previous owner didn't get the software recall done in 2018 that there is nothing they can do which was also a Kia representative. I fear and this point that this vehicle could catch fire or may stall or stop which could cause a serious accident or death.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a knocking and squeaking sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with asphalt in the exhaust system. The dealer replaced the brake lining. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that she was able to pull off the roadway to assess the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she then attempted to restart the vehicle and the engine would not turn over; however, the vehicle regained electrical power. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified; however, the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.

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. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 35 MPH when smoke came from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over safely and removed himself from the vehicle. The vehicle became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed. The state police arrived on the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but were not successful. The fire department arrived on the scene shortly afterward and extinguished the fire. The local police filed a report. There were no injuries sustained. The approximate failure mileage was 118,860.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about a possible vehicle fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing motive power, without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact checked and became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and the contact was informed that an unnamed recall repair was not performed and no assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was 90,000.

I was driving on interstate and with no sound or warning light my car just shut off. Lucky I was able to get it off the side of the road. Tired to restart the car it would not start the engine was locked up. Had it towed home. Sent kia a email they said take it to my local Kia dealership to get it kia certified on what's wrong with it. Did so Kia said it was a turned or spun rod bearing. But denied to fix it because the knock sensor was not installed if I don't get a letter or a recall on it how was I suppose to know. As I done some research I see it's a very big problem with kia 2.4 l engines if it was a safety issue why was I not aware until this happened to my car. As its happened to many and lucky mine just smoked a little and did not catch fire.

I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STOPPED ,I GOT MY CAR TOWED TO MY HUSBANDS BUSINESS AND AFTER THAT I TOWED IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP ,WHERE I WAS TOLD MY CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL DESPITE THE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND UPON READING MORE INTO IT I SEE THAT IT DOES HAVE A RECALLS ON ENGINE FAILURE,mY CAR STOPPED ON A VERY BUSY ROAD AS WELL, WITH CARS FLYING BY ME ON A 6 LANE ROAD.tHERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AS WELL AS ANY OTHER LIGHTS UNTIL THIS HAPPENED

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a service campaign for the knock sensor mailed to the contact's daughter's residence; however, the contact's daughter had not received the service campaign notification. The manufacturer declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Engine stopped completely while on the highway with my family

I own a 2016 Kia Sportage which is still new. I've owned it for 2-3 years had about 32k miles on the vehicle when I purchased it in 2018. I currently have 50k miles now, I follow-up with dealership on my Oil Changes without having any issues. One day out of the blue it started making a knocking sound coming from engine, I contacted the Dealership they couldn't figure it out stating it was a known issue from the Back Rear seats locking latch not holding steady. I explained that it sounds like it's coming from front side of the vehicle in the engine. They advised me that I am okay so I took their word for it. Followed up on a routine Oil Service Change and again I advised the dealership to look into the knocking sound due to concerns that it doesn't seem right. My engine service lamps have never turned on but the sound has been a concern but once more the mechanic and service writer at the dealership assured me that their is nothing wrong explaining to me, it's just the A/C Ventilation Shutters underneath the front end of the vehicle it suddenly disabled itself and it's flapping when the vehicle is in motion making the knocking sound. I was in shock with what was said but they are the experts. Late 2020 just months later I arrive at the Dealership for my Oil Change was told by Service Writer that I have to perform their 30k Milestone Oil Service: Repl Engine Oil / Filter Inspection which cost $400 - $415. I was amazed that it cost so much but I went right ahead and told dealership let's do it. Halfway into 2021 the vehicles knocking sound that I've been questioning and complaining about started making a loud scary sound out of no where. I wouldn't operate or drive the vehicle. I contacted Dealership immediately but they are charging me for Engine Repair, probably have to buy a new engine cost in thousands. Impossible to be my fault I've questioned problems but was given no help. Found Engine Recalls 2016 Kia Sportage Vehicles received no assistance. Help me.

CAR BEGAN MAKING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE THEN IMMEDIATELY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS ON A COUNTY ROAD AND COASTED IN TO A DRIVEWAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT STILL RESIDES AND FEARING IT IS A ROD BEARING FAILURE IN THE MOTOR.

WHILE DRIVING THE OIL LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. A LOUD NOISE UNDER MY HOOD AND CAR WAS PULLING. CAR WAS UP TO DATE AND SERVICED 1/21.

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 WATCHED IT AND AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER THERE WAS VERY LITTLE OIL IN THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAIN ALL OF THIS. THEY TOOK A PICTURE OF THE INSIDE OF MY MOTOR AND SAID IT WAS LIKE SLUDGE THEN PUT IT ALL BACK TOGETHER AND BLAMED EVERYTHING ON US VOIDED THE WARRANTY . THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN OVER ABOUT 45MPH. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN OIL DELIVERY SYSTEM PROBLEM THAT CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THIS MOTOR THAT KIA IS REFUSING TO DEAL WITH IT. AFTER REVIEWING THIS RESEARCH I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE BECAUSE THERE WERE REPORTS THAT THE ENGINE SEIZES AND CATCHES ON FIRE.

P1326 GLOW RELAY STUCK ON

OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE BEGAN EMITTING LIGHT SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. WE BECAME CONCERNED AND ASKED OUT DEALER TO LOOK INTO THINGS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY NEEDED TO DO TESTS (THIS CONSISTED OF FILLING THE OIL UP AND ASKING US TO DRIVE 1500MILES) WE DID AS THEY ASKED AND PITHING 700MILE THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE CLACKING NOISES AND ON 2 OCCASIONS LOST POWER. WE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP STATING OUR CONCERNS, THEY WANTED TO REPEAT THE TEST BUT WE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIPS COMMUNICATION WAS VERY POOR, NEVER REPLYING TO OUR CALLS OR EMAILS SO WE DECIDED TO CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THE FIRST CALL WAS GREAT, VERY SUPPORTIVE AND INFORMATIVE. SAID THEY WOULD HELP AND WE WOULD BE TOTALLY COVERED. THIS IS AS GOOD AS THINGS GOT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS PROCEEDED TO REPEAT THE SAME POOR COMMUNICATION AS THE DEALERSHIP SHOWED AND NOT REPLY TO CALL AND IF THEY DID TAKE A CALL SAID WE NEEDED TO SPEAK TO OUR CASE WORKED WHO WAS NEVER IN WORK THAT DAY. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE ENGINE HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT (THIS IS A 3 YEARLY CAR WITH 60,000 MILES) KIA REFUSED TO HONER THE WARRANTY AS WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SERVICE RECORDS (NEVER STATING WHAT WAS ENOUGH) AND NOW WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF APPEALING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THE DEALERSHIP ARE REPEATING THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH US.

I WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY 225 WHEN THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED ON THEN OFF AND THEN I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO AN EXIT AND INTO A BUSINESS (DONUT TIME) IN PASADENA, TX. THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE BUSINESS. I STOPPED SHORT OF BEING IN AN ACTUAL PARKING SPOT. I WAS FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND THIS TIME. A LADY WHO WORKED THERE CAME OUT AND ASKED WHAT WAS GOING BECAUSE SHE COULD SEE I DID NOT STOP OR HAVE CONTROL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA AND TURNED IN MY SERVICE RECORDS. THEY CLAIM IT WAS NOT MAINTENANCED AND HAD SLUDGE AND TO TALK TO MY MECHANIC. I COULD HAVE DIED AND THEY ARE BLAMING ME FOR THEIR DEFECT. I AM STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH 50441 MILES. AFTER LOOKING IT UP, I SAW OTHERS BEING DENIED AS WELL WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MY CAR HAS THE THETA II ENGINE AND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION IN PROGRESS. I FELT THAT I SHOULD SHARE MY SITUATION AND HELP IN ANYWAY BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE.