YearToAvoid

2016 Kia Sportage Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 38 brake complaints for the 2016 Kia Sportage, 29% of its 131 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 55,000. A related recall (22V051000) covers a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that could short and cause a fire.

Brakes complaints
38
29% of 131 complaints
All complaints this year
131
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
55,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle failed to slow or stop as expected, in one case rolling over an embankment after the brakes did not respond.
  • A fire started underneath the hood while driving at highway speed, with no crash reported.
  • Rear brake pads wore out and needed replacement, with the owner noting the vehicle took an excessive amount of time to come to a complete stop.
  • Multiple owners received notice of recall 22V051000 for the hydraulic brake control unit but reported the replacement part was not available, leaving them waiting past a reasonable repair time.
  • Several owners who received the recall notice said they had not personally experienced a brake failure but were waiting on the part.

When 2016 Kia Sportage brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 22, 2019, latest Nov 19, 2025.

2016 Kia Sportage brakes complaints: complaints filed per month8Jan 2019Apr 2022Jun 2022Aug 2022Apr 2023Dec 2023Apr 2025Nov 2025
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2019 to Nov 2025; peak May 2022 (8).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 Kia Sportage

  1. NHTSA 22V051000Feb 2, 2022Brakes126,747 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.

Brakes complaints by Sportage model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20058 (12%)
  2. 200617 (15%)
  3. 200718 (23%)
  4. 200828 (29%)
  5. 200921 (26%)
  6. 20107 (35%)
  7. 201129 (16%)
  8. 201213 (3%)
  9. 201326 (7%)
  10. 201425 (20%)
  11. 201532 (22%)
  12. 201638 (29%)
  13. 201728 (7%)
  14. 201812 (7%)
  15. 20197 (10%)
  16. 202012 (8%)
  17. 20210 (0%)
  18. 20222 (4%)
  19. 202334 (18%)
  20. 20247 (10%)
  21. 20255 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2016 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 38 brake complaints for the 2016 Sportage, which is 29% of the 131 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Kia Sportage?
Yes. Recall 22V051000, reported February 2, 2022, covers the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which could malfunction and cause an electrical short; owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2016 Sportage?
The median mileage at failure among brake complaints is 55,000 miles.
Did the brake issues cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set shows 1 crash and 1 fire, with no injuries reported.
How does the 2016 Sportage compare to other Sportage years for brake complaints?
The 2016 model's 29% share of complaints tied to brakes is the highest among the listed years, ahead of 2010 (35% share but only 7 complaints) and 2015 (22%).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.