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What 130 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sportage Phev Phev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (130)Crash / fire / injury (13)Engine (58)Brakes (38)Electrical system (17)Fuel system (9)Transmission & drivetrain (8)Speed control (6)Airbags (5)Body & structure (4)Steering (4)Visibility & wipers (4)

1 of 130 complaints match · Fuel system · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters

Dec 12, 2022EngineFuel systemFire

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.

NHTSA ODI 11497121

Working with the data? Download all 130 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Kia Sportage Phev Phev verdict →