My 2016 Kia Sportage LX experienced a catastrophic engine seizure on September 9, 2026, at 91,249 miles. My son was returning home on I-95 South in Florida. After exiting at Sample Road and traveling west near Seabra Foods at approximately 40 mph, he first noticed unusual engine noises at an estimated 91,245 miles. He pulled over, immediately called me, and sent a video recording of the noise. I advised him to proceed to Bisbee Auto & Tires, an independent repair facility. The engine completely seized directly in front of its service entrance at 91,249 miles. Most concerning, my son reported NO dashboard warning lights, including the check engine light, before the engine seized, despite Kia's service records confirming that the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update had been completed before the failure. KSDS is intended to detect certain vibrations associated with connecting rod bearing damage. I request investigation into why no warning appeared, whether KSDS operated correctly, whether diagnostic code P1326 was recorded, and the actual engine failure mechanism. My son regularly drives on I-95 at 65 mph. Had the engine seized in highway traffic, sudden loss of propulsion could have caused a serious collision, injuries, or death. Bisbee Auto & Tires informed us about potential lifetime engine warranty coverage and directed us to Kia rather than charging approximately $6,000 for an engine replacement. Kia replaced the engine under warranty in September 2026. On October 13, 2026, Kia Corporate confirmed that the replacement was the same engine type but could not identify engineering improvements, revised bearings, or whether it was new or remanufactured. I request the federal safety agency investigate this engine seizure, the absence of KSDS warnings despite the completed update, similar incidents, and whether additional safety measures are warranted. Service records and video evidence are available upon request.
2016 Kia Sportage: check engine light
15 of the 134 complaints about the 2016 Kia Sportage describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- typical mileage
- 118,860
- recalls
- 1
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Was driving all of a sudden, the car started knocking making noise, the oil light came on, the engine light came on and white smoke was coming from my tail pipe. I had an oil change, but that didn't do the trick, the engine light still comes on, my car drives very slow now. I'm afraid to take it out on the road
2 problems occurred within 1 month from each other: - Kia Sportage engine started to randomly stall. I needed to do a full stop in the middle of the road and restart the car to continue driving. I had 3 stalls happen within 2 weeks before I had time to take it to the dealer. The Kia Dealer held it for over a week and drove it but could not find any issues. They mentioned low oil, which was strange considering I recently replaced it. I also forced the dealer to do ignition tuning which seemed to have resolved the issue. - In a month after the first problem with stalling I experienced issues with the engine of unknown origin (so far). This happened this week. While going downhill cruise control shut off. After that the engine started to decelerate and the amber blinking engine light came off. Transmission started to be jerky. Dropped it off at the dealer again. I was very luck to not get into any major car accidents so far, but I was very close! Smells, sounds, and looks like a potential recall that Kia does not want to recognize.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695 and my vehicle lost power, the engine light along with the oil indictor came on, and making a loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed and taken to the mechanic and the code read, "Knock sensor." The knock sensor was replaced at $301.85. I was able to drive the vehicle without any problems until Wednesday, June 3, 2025, when going to a doctor's appointment the vehicle's engine came on along with the oil indicator and the power was reduced and I had to pull over again with the same experience. The vehicle was again tested for codes and it then read Camshaft Sensor. This vehicle did not have any ill-performance, bells, dings, whistles or indicator lights until it was actually happening. According to the certified mechanic, this is a defect in the vehicle and although the part may be warranted, it will happen again and buyers will still have to pay for the part and labor, again, to have it fixed. I do not have my invoice on hand, however, I can get another copy.
Me and my family were on the way to the beach, as I accelerated on the interstate got to 65 mph, engine light started blinking, car instantly slowed down. Got off on next exit, to check and see what was going on, car started hesitating after acceleration. Was able to get it to an autoshop (O'Reilly's) diagnosis shows knock sensor failure and they told me it has to do with the safety recall, didn't even know the car had a recall on it.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
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 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 was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on Highway 95 ( the speed limit ) While driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I had problems with the steering as I attempted to pull over. I had a tractor trailer behind me on a major highway. When I came to a complete stop, my engine light kept flashing. I drove my car to the KIA dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) There were no prior warnings. My vehicle had been serviced just a few weeks prior. KIA is fully aware of these ongoing engine failures according to my local KIA dealer rep.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Voluntary service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions ECM logic improvement (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions ECM logic improvement (SC340)
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
- Bearing clearance tester (BCT) procedures
- Pitstop: injector harness routing for PI1802Y/z and PI1803Y/z engine replacements
- Engine replacement instructions for DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/z)
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta engines
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU, worm gear and/or steering column housing
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V‑224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Recall number 18V907000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2016 Kia Sportage check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2016 Kia Sportage?
15 of 134 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Sportage (11%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Kia Sportage?
There is 1 recall and 50 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Kia Sportage
Knocking 23Engine failure 20Fire or smoke 10Stalling 9Loss of power 7Won't start 6Hesitation 5
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