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: engine
718 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Oct 22, 2022
The vehicle was running great then without any warning it stalled. I started it back up and the engine began knocking horribly. I got a diagnostic test done at Auto Zone and was told that I had a bad sensor in my engine. I took it in to the dealership and I was told that it had no oil, metal in the engine, and I had to replace it. I checked the oil the previous week and it had oil then.
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
Engine failed on the highway. Regular maintenance performed on vehicle. No warning lights came on before engine failure.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
The engine in burning oil at a fast rate, also no check engine lights appear to inform you of an engine issue.
Engine, Oct 15, 2022
While driving car, a burning oil smell came thru car and I heard a bubbling noise under the hood. No indicator light came on. I immediately looked at the temp gauge to see it was sitting on hot. I pulled over and looked under the hood to find out that coolant was spitting out. After 45 mins of letting it cool down I checked the engine oil to find none, and the radiator had oil in it. My car is currently at the shop being taken apart.
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
Car started to overheat and no warning light came on. Found out there was no oil - oil light had not come on either. My car didn’t notify me that it was overheating and could have blown my engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 13, 2022
Desconocido
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
Low oil light NEVER came on. Went in for a check and they said it was bone dry but the indicator light never came on.
Engine, Oct 11, 2022
I'VE HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED A MONTH AFTER HAVING MY CAR WHEN I FIRST GOT IT ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. I RECIEVED THE LETTER FOR THE CURRENT ENGINE RECALL ABOUT FEBURARY OF THIS YEAR. MY HUSBAND AND I WAS O THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE END OF MARCH 2022 WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO A KIA DEALSHIP THE NEXT DAY (WHICH WAS A SATURDAY) AND THE GOT BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY STATING IT WAS MY ENGINE BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. I HAVE TO PAY FOR BECAUSE IT WAS AT THIS TIME I LEARNED I NO LONGER HAD A WARRANTY ON MY CAR. PRIOR TO MY HUSBAND AND I TAKING THIS TRIP I JUST HAD MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE. AFTER THEY CHANGED MY OIL THE TECH STATED TO ME THAT MY CAR WAS LEAKING OIL AND THAT I HAD TO SETUP AN APPT TO HAVE IT FIXED. HE DIDNT OFFER ME THE CHANCE TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT THEN. ABOUT FIVE MINS AFTER I LEFT I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM IF I MY WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE COST AND THAT TECH STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THEM FIRST AND GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME. A WEEK LATER IS WHEN I LEFT TO GO OUT OF TOWN DUE TO A DEATH IN THE FAMILY. I'VE ALSO ASKED THEM FOR A LOANER CAR BUT THEY DIDNT HAVE ANY TO LEND ME AND SAID THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD REMIBURSE ME FOR A RENTAL. IM UPSET BECAUSE IM STILL PAYING ON A CAR THAT I CANT DRIVE AND IVE GOTTEN THIS CAR FROM A WELL KNOWN DEALERSHIP WHOM I THOUGHT WAS GENUINE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
2016 Kia Sorento with 123K miles with all recall completed and maintained. We were driving on backroad where all traffic were diverted because of highway 101 closure when the car suddenly have the MIL blinks then stalls and would not start back up again.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2022
I was driving the car at approximately 40 mph. The engine light flashed on briefly. I immediately lost power and had no acceleration. The light went off but the car stopped. The incident put myself and others at risk as I lost power and was in an area where I shouldn't have stopped and it became a traffic hazard. The car is currently at the KIA dealership. There were not prior lights, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. I am the first and only owner with approx 55 k miles. Never had an issue before. Dealership conducted all oil changes and maintenance.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road when the check engine warning light, the oil pressure warning light, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 24, 2022
I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that was purchased Certified Pre-Owned on 5/18/2022. On 9/16/2022, I was driving the car at approximately 50 MPH when the care began to lose significant power. The car completely lost power making it hard to drive and adjust steering. I was able to safely pull over; however, being stranded in the dark as a woman is not safe, and I feel had another car been in front of or near me, I could have easily crashed. At that time, the car would not restart, and I noticed when I tried to start the car, smoke coming from under the hood. I sat for about 30 minutes, tried to start the car again, the car would not start. Prior to the car shutting down, there was no warning. The engine light has never been on in the car. What I did notice is the engine light flashed just before it went into this coasting mode. So, whatever was happening, happened without any warning at all. I had the car towed to my home. The tow driver parked the vehicle in a spot where I do not park; I noticed upon inspection oil had puddled on the ground. The car has never had or shown any previous leaks. I park in the same spot daily and have never seen a leak. Since having the car towed into the dealer, I have learned from Kia, the engine locked up; however, they have not been able to determine the cause as of yet. What they have shared with me is that they ran the diagnostic on the vehicle and confirmed that oil was everywhere (as I reported). They stated although the oil was dirty, the oil was full in the engine. They have confirmed the engine is locked but stated any claim with Kia against the Theta II Settlement Claim was denied because the KSDS had not been upgraded. When I asked how would I have known the car needed this recall because my car's VIN does not produce any recall notices on neither the KIA site nor NHTSA, I was told Honda (the Seller) should have performed the update before selling the car to me. So currently I am looking at $8K-$12K in repairs.
Engine, Sep 24, 2022
The engine and yes it is available for inspection The Car stalled at a red light at a busy intersection on my way to work I was afraid I was going to be hit The car is at a mechanic shop There was no warnings lights it all the sudden started tapping and then stalled and would not crank back up
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 21, 2022
El mes de 01\22\2022 compre un beiculo y el primer problema que tube fue como alas dos semanas de tenerlo con migo y fue con los frenos y lo lo llebe a que lo areglaran pero el gran problema bino con el motor que se quemo cuando iba de camino a mi trabago y apenas tenia dos meses con el beiculo y en el lote cue la compre ni mis aseguransas que le puse al beiculo quieren alludarme
Engine, Sep 21, 2022
Last year driving on a highway, my car suddenly lost power. I was able to coast another mile onto a 2 lane roadway, then it just died*every light on panel came on & went off. I was very lucky & very scared that no one rear ended me. My car was towed to a Kia dealer where the RECALLED ENGINE was Replaced. Now here it is a year later & the Knocking noise has been reported & videoed by me to the Kia mechanics(nothing done). This past saturday(9-17-2022) we were in the car & the exact same thing happened(backed up & car was on but would not do anything*No Warning Lights). After sitting for a few minutes we were able to start the car (this time) & went home, called Kia mechanic and left a message. I was on my way out of town but definitely changed my mind about driving my Kia. Monday we took it to the Kia mechanic & he said it just needed something RESET .... This morning knocking noise( I recorded it again) was present . It really makes you mad. Should Kia be held responsible for another ENGINE. I hate having a car that i'm scared to drive to far from home.
Engine, Sep 18, 2022
In our 2016 Kia the engine seized according to the mechanic at AAA. There was no warning. The car ceased operating going 45 miles per hour. It powered down with no dash light indicators to give warning and no other signs of engine failure in the middle of a merge lane leaving me stranded at the end of the merge lane at ask risk of causing a major accident. No lights came on (check engine and battery) until the car stopped working. I easily could have been rear-ended or caused a major backup on several roads in the area, putting myself or others at risk of injury or death. Per NHTSA, there is no active unrepaired recall on this vehicle. However, research indicates many Kia Sorentos of the same year were recalled. Kia has been contacted several times. Once they indicated there was no active recall on this car but could not explain why the engine seized. On a separate occasion, Kia was contacted and indicated there was a recall on the vehicle for this reason and advised that 2 separate recall notices were mailed--one in 2018 and one in 2019. Kia was again contacted and informed the vehicle was under recall, but a previous owner was listed as having the car.
Engine, Sep 17, 2022
My wife's 2016 kia sorento only had 86,000 miles on it and is knocking bad! So it's been sitting and I've seen others recanted for the same thing. It's a rod knocking no mistaking it! Very disappointed in the service, it had the 2.4 l so I tight it would be a good motor because we had a2010 optima with the same engine and put over 100,000 miles on it. It was running perfect and then it started knocking!
Engine, Sep 16, 2022
The engine has been burning oil - I have to put oil in every week. No leaks are evident. Three days ago, I began hearing a loud knocking when I start the car. Took to local mechanic, he said it's the bottom end. Needs a new motor. No warning lights have come on.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. While inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, there was smoke, steam, and fluids coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,248.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic informed her that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine was consuming one quart of oil every 700 miles. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired and they were unable to assist until the engine seized. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
Engine failed and Kia not doing anything about it
Engine, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinder #4 had failed and needed a new spark plug. Additionally, the oil pan needed to be replaced and the engine sealer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second diagnostic test. A compressing test was performed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2022
Twice now the oil has completely burned out of the car. With the first incident, I went to a location and they were going to top off the oil as a courtesy while they were changing my tail light. When they went to do that, they noticed that there was no oil in the car at all. A week and a half later I checked the oil myself and it was bone dry once again. The oil light does not come on at all. When I check it is saying there is no safety recall for my car, but there absolutely needs to be. I'm afraid that my engine is going to blow and I'm going to be left without a car. I took the car to the dealership and they said that there was no recall with it. They put oil dye in the car to check it. This is unacceptable. I'm told that the oil light does not come on because The light is only designed to detect pressure and not level. That is a horrible design. There is no evidence of leak in my garage or my driveway where my car is parked all the time.
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The check oil light keeps turning on then turning off. For the last 2 oil changes which are done every 3000 miles with high mileage oil the oil has been non existent. When you pull out the oil it is dry! No leaking of oil is found anywhere even though the exhaust smells of burning oil. When I took it to the dealership I was told "this was a known problem" and all I need to do is start changing my oil every 3000 miles using synthetic high mileage oil. That's not working. The light keeps coming on and off and I've only driven 1000 miles since my last oil change in July! I took it to the dealership when I threw a code that I was told was just because I ran out of oil and my car stalled. My car should not be running out of oil!
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
Engine seized with no warning. Kia is stating there was a recall but I never received a notice in the mail. They stated it was sent in July of 2022. Even if I did receive the recall letter, that wouldn't be enough time.