2016 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,251 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 29 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftAug 10, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
Campaign 22V612000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesNov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Campaign 16V862000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsOct 24, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and replace the driver seatback frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 9, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC140.
Campaign 16V770000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 29, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC137.
Campaign 16V480000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyJul 14, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.
Campaign 15V446000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 13, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
Campaign 15V089000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
107 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 5, 2017
YESTERDAY I WAS APPROACHING A YELLOW LIGHT. THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED AS I WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE SO I COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN. SUDDENLY THE TRUCK SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. I THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK SO I COULD TRY TO RESTART IT. THE TRUCK RESTARTED WITH NO PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENCE OF THE TRUCK SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. I HAD ENTERED A LEFT TURNING LANE AND WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WAITING TO TURN LEFT WHEN THE TRUCK SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. I AGAIN PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK. I WAS THEN ABLE TO RESTART THE TRUCK. I REPORTED THE FIRST INCIDENT TO NALLEY KIA STONECREST IN LITHONIA GA WHEN I WAS AT MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK.I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS MOST RECENT INCIDENT TO THEM SO THEY LOOK INTO IT AT MY UPCOMING SERVICE APPOINTMENT ON OCTOBER 14TH 2017.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE AWARE OF AN ONGOING FAILURE PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE FAILING TO PICK UP SPEED UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO A LIMP MODE OR A FORCED IDLE MODE EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (MONTGOMERY CHEVROLET, 5325 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40213, (502) 968-6111) AND A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO HAD SEVERAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, BUT REFUSED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION FOR THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. *LN UPDATED 7/23/18*JB
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE HER HOME. AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600. UPDATED 03/02/17*LJ *AS
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Aug 5, 2016, crash
MY WIFE HAD THE VEHICLE PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE IN HER MOMS DRIVE WAY MAYBE A 10 DEGREE HILL. SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND LEFT IT RUNNING WHILE MY DAUGHTER FINISHED A BIRTHDAY CARD SHE WAS MAKING IN THE BACK SEAT. MY WIFE STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO GET SOME TISSUE PAPER OUT OF THE BACK WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN SHE PRESSED THE REAR DOOR /HATCH RELEASE OR OPEN BUTTON LOCATED ON THE DASH. SHE PRESSED THE BUTTON AT THAT MOMENT THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF PARK AND WENT INTO REVERSE NEARLY RUNNING HER OVER SHE TRIED TO GET IN BUT THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF TO FAST SHE WAS KNOCKED OVER MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR ROLLING OUT OF CONTROL DOWN THE DRIVE WAY. THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED THE DRIVEWAY DOWN CROSSING THE MAIN ROAD ONLY DOING SOME LIGHT DAMAGE WHERE IT RAN OVER THE MAIL BOX AND STOPPED BY HITTING A TREE. WE CONTACTED KIA AND OUR INSURANCE. KIA OPENED A CASE #K3237787 AND THEN THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED SINCE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND LEFT IT THERE. WE HAVE STILL NO ANSWERS WHAT THEY ARE PLANNING TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED ON 7-25-2016. WE ARE REQUESTING SOME HELP DUE TO NOT HAVING A VEHICLE WE FEEL IS SAFE TO PARK AND NOT WORRYING ABOUT IT COMING OUT OF GEAR AND POTENTIALLY KILLING SOMEONE IN ITS PATH. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR VEHICLE REPAIRED AND BACK TO DRIVE SINCE WE ARE PAYING FOR IT.
Electrical system, May 28, 2016
2016 KIA SORENTO LX (7800 MILES) - BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR DOORS WON'T LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH EITHER THE FOB OR THE BUTTON ON THE DRIVERS' DOOR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 17, 2015
2016 KIA SORRENTO PURCHASED ON JUNE 30, 2015. TIME LINE 6/30/2015- PURCHASED VEHICLE AT FREDY KIA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. 7/3/15- STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH INDICATOR LIGHTS/BROUGHT IN CAR TO DEALERSHIP 7/11/15- VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND WAS UNMOVABLE. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. NUMEROUS INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ON. 7/11/15-7/14/15- VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP AT FREDY KIA IN HOUSTON TEXAS. I HAD TO RENT A CAR. 7/14/15- PICKED VEHICLE UP AND ONE INDICATOR LIGHT STILL CAME ON (SHOWED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER) 7/16/15- ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS, INCLUDING CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON, THE AIR CONDITIONER BEGAN BLOWING HOT AIR AND CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. CAR WAS TOWED TO WESTSIDE KIA FOR SERVICE.