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, Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Car stalled in middle of road. Would not start. When did get it started told me there was engine problem. Took it to Smith Kia, told me my engine burning oil shutting down important sensors. No low oil light. Nothing no warning or anything. There used to be a recall for 2015 for same issue but my car isn’t covered because of year but you can’t tell me my engine is any different than the 2015.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
I was driving my Car when it stalled the police helped me to get my car towed to my home I then had it towed to Gilbert Az Kia Dealership where it is now and waiting for Kia to approve Engine Replacement
Engine, Jan 16, 2025
Failed engine - piston rings broke randomly while driving down the road. Fourth cylinder not holding any compression. Not even 100k miles on the vehicle. Mechanic stated there was no contributing factors to the engine failing. No warnings and/or engine lights that something was wrong with the vehicle. One minute it was running fine, then the next minute it wasn't. Car is unrepairable without putting an entirely new engine in it.
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, oil pressure, and the low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer; but received no response. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,500.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
Vehicle check engine light came on, vehicle lost power, sputtered and died. Will not run. Towed to dealer.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove the vehicle for a mile to the workplace. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket and upper radiator hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on 8 occasions. The contact stated that the engine overheating had persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
I was driving on the Thruway and suddenly my check engine light came on and a large plume of black smoke came from the exhaust. The car was misfiring badly. I nursed it home and the next day took it to my mechanic, hoping it was a coil or plug. I had almost zero compression in cylinder #2. I then took vehicle to his engine repair shop. The owner told me the next day that I needed a new engine. I picked it up the next day and took it to my dealer, and they also told me I needed a new engine as well as a new intake manifold. Cost was $10,550.00. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident. There was a 1" X 1" hole in my intake manifold.
Engine, Dec 17, 2024, fire
The engine was smoking. I had smoke coming through the vents in my car. The turbo is leaking and now it’s dangerous to drive. The dealership isn’t even recommended fixing it. The car is not safe to drive and has not been since I purchased it.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
Kia is refusing to fix the engine. The car is supposed to have a lifetime replacement on engine. Kia is saying that I did not get a recall done, but none is listed on your website for what they said I needed done. I have been trying to reach a supervisor at Kia Corporate for 1 week without success.
Engine, Dec 13, 2024
Blown head gasquet and stripped head bolts repaired 2023 Blown engine December 2024
Engine, Dec 11, 2024
Car only has 89K miles on it and is garaged and maintained. Went to run an errand yesterday and all of a sudden engine started knocking and sputtering. I then experienced loss of power and the engine light came on. That was the first and only time the engine light has ever come on. Pulled over, checked oil and it seemed very, very low and a burnt smell. It had only been 4K miles since the car was serviced. Husband came and added oil, allowed to idle for about 5 miinutes to see if it improved. It did not. The knocking continued. Shut it off and called AAA and had it towed to the dealership. I just learned this was a known issue and there was a class action lawsuit that I apparently missed out on because I never received the notice yet I have lived at the same address for 20 years.I checked for recalls with the VIN # and nothing comes up, however, clearly there is something wrong with an engine that gets driven less that 10K miles per yesr. Dealer says they're not sure if Kia will replace the engine but they suspect that is what needs to happen. I am furious!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2024
Unknown component or system failed. My car suddenly stalled while on the highway, not allowing me to increase speed (over 40 mpg) and then stopped. I was scared to death when that happened on the highway as we could have been hit by other vehicles. I was able to restart it but it kept doing it, gradually reducing my speed to 20mpg then a lamp warning sign appeared. The car only has 50,000 miles on it and no warning light or prior failure before this happened on 11/29/2024. I took it to Kia for inspection and they told me if the engine will have to be replaced, it will take 3 months. They took my car in for inspection and I am now 10 days without a car and I have not yet heard from Kia.
Engine, Dec 6, 2024
I have warranty and extended warranty for my engine which completely died on my after 8 years.I went to file the warranty claim and it was denied now they are reviewing my extended warrenty.
Engine, Dec 3, 2024
timing chain broke, destroyed the engine
Engine, Dec 1, 2024
Engine just stop and it was maintance monthly
Power train, Engine, Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, the vehicle lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine had recently been replaced due to the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Engine, Nov 23, 2024
There is a problem with the engine in my Kia. I believe that this is a similar problem to other recalled Kia vehicles from the same production year, 2016, that caused metal to be present in the engine. My local Kia dealership informed me that I need a new engine due to this issue, after other issues had been ruled out as the cause of continued check engine light warnings were fixed.
Engine, Nov 19, 2024
In our experience, roughly 1 quart of oil is displaced per 500 miles. Kia corporate stated that the vehicle does not display any safety concerns and would not honor the recent 150k warranty. After speaking with the service manager and consulting with the Kia dealership mechanics for proper diagnosis, the manager shared that there are several premature failures with engine components. They will not honor a repair. It is obvious that Kia has significant issues with their GDI engines. A simple search on the internet provides overwhelming evidence of this. Who is holding Kia accountable?
Engine, Nov 18, 2024
ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD SOUNDS AFTER OIL CHANGE AT 128, 000 MILES AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING HAVING A HARD TIME ENGAGING TO NEXT GEAR. ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ONE And STOP AT CLOSES ATUO PARTS STORE TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR ENGINE LIGHT TEST. SAFETY RISK TO DRIVE AND PASSAGERS IF CAR FALL TO MOVE ON HIGHWAY CAUSING ACCIDENT. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO KIA AND WE WERE TOLD TO BRING IT IN AND IT WOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR 200 DOLLARS.
Engine, Nov 16, 2024
We purchased our 2016 Kia Sorento brand new in 2015. From the start, we had problems with the car burning oil at a rapid rate. We would get an oil change and less than 2,000 miles later the oil would be very low. After one year oil was low after 1,000 miles or less. No oil light warning would ever come on and there were times when the dipstick had no oil on it. I called Kia customer care several times over the years regarding this issue and was told there was nothing Kia could do unless the engine blew due to the connecting rod and the engine needed to be replaced. We are now well past the 100k warranty and have dealt with this problem for the last 9 years. 2 weeks ago the engine started making a knocking noise and would not accelerate. We checked the oil and it was low and the coolant was also empty. We took it into the Kia dealership and we were told the radiator was empty and burning and that the coolant was leaking into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. Never once did an engine light, oil light or coolant light come on. There were no visible leaks. The car never overheated and the temperature gauge never changed from the middle. This engine has had constant problems with burning oil from the start. I have done my part to reach out to Kia customer care numerous times. This model Kia has had known problems with oil consumption and coolant leaks. I know there is a reported problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento V6 regarding coolant leaking into the cylinder heads, while I do not have a V6 I had the same problem. This engine has multiple problems which lead to its failure not just the coolant leak. Oil consumption, coolant leak and worst of all there was no warning that there was a problem with the engine (i.e) no engine, oil or coolant light. While there is a lifetime engine warranty on the rod bearing failure which I believe we had along with the coolant leak. Kia is not honoring this warranty and will not reimburse us.
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
I was driving down the interstate and my car made a loud noise and then it lost power. I was able to steer it off the exit. Tried to start it it turned over but wouldn't start . Before this happened my car was using up oil like crazy I took it to a mechanic and he said it wasn't leaking it and it isn't burning it so where is it going? I paid 10,000 cash for this vehicle and was only able to drive it 2 months the engine is gone. No warning, nothing... Kia needs to replace my engine along with all the other people that are having this problem, it's obviously kias fault too many of these 2016 serentos are having the same issue. I found out about all the other cars when I put it on the market place trying to sell it as is two different people told me that Kia had a recall and replaced their engines . How do you fix some and not all that are having the same issue?
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
We were driving down [XXX] near Toledo Ohio during rush hour on our to Michigan, when the car, with no warning at all, stopped running. There were no lights on the dash, no warning at all. The car just stopped. We were able to steer it to the shoulder and stop. There was no indication of what was wrong. After having it towed to the Kia dealership I was informed the engineer blew. There was no knocking, no oil use, no indication at all that there was anything wrong with the car. I had to rent a hotel until my son could come and get me and then the next day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 29, 2024
On [XXX] was driving home approx. 30mph all of a sudden my 2016 Kia Sorento EX loss power! Vehicle went into limp mode and no lights came up on the display at all. I was only 2 miles from home and got it home. It is now making a knocking noise and I was told by two mechanics that the engine is blown. The car was bought new and has had regular oil changes by dealer in Prince Frederick, MD except for the last change was done by a local mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)