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: steering
80 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2026
Car completely stalled while on the freeway with no warning, no engine lights, nothing….luckily we were going downhill and were able to pull over to the side safely. Still owe 6k to the finance company but mechanic claimed I needed a new waterpump…after being changed and charged the car still wouldn’t turn on despite the new waterpump….and a bunch of new obd codes showed up & now I need a new engine. After a lot of research I’ve learned this car is notoriously known for many recalls and overall complains…..I wish I had done research before buying it, now I’m in debt for a car I can’t even drive
Steering, Engine, Apr 26, 2026, fire
My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated
Steering, Mar 9, 2026
3 to 4 months ago my truck steering wheel light with an exclamation point will appear and my steering wheel will lock up and it is hard to steer unless I cut the truck off and back on, it is so dangerous that it went out when I was in the middle of a turn that I almost ran into a truck. I cannot get this issue fixed because my warranty ran out. So what am I to do. It's terribly scary. I Haven't had it checked put i had a paper from Kia headquarters for it to be fixed free of charge within the warranty date but it has expired and I can't get it done. Something to do with the electric power steering
Steering, Feb 17, 2026
Steering has a "sticky feeling". While driving, when you try to turn steering wheel a fraction to one side or the other there is resistance and then a release which results in in oversteering that has to be corrected. When trying to correct the oversteering, there is again resistance and then release with oversteering again. So it constantly goes back and forth. There is a string of posts on [XXX] " with owners of the Kia Sorento having this same issue. Not only is this annoying but also unsafe. This has been going on since about summer of 2025. I do not driver this vehicle very often or I would have gotten on this issue sooner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Sep 6, 2025
The red steering wheel with an exclamation point pops up on the dashboard and instantly I lose power steering the wheel gets really hard, it went out as I was making a turn and I almost hit the truck . I had to yank the wheel really hard to control the steering, then had to pull over turn the truck off then back on to reset the problem. This have been going on mildly for a few years now has gotten to its worst
Steering, Aug 18, 2025
Driving on the freeway going 75-80 mph and my steering wheel locked up. When this happens I am unable to turn my steering wheel. Have to let my foot of the gas and try with all my muscle to get the car to go to the side of the road to put the car in park. Turn it off and turn it back on. This exact incident has happened to me 3 times in a row on the freeway on [XXX]. Once while the road had a curve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 22, 2025
Steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when driving at high speeds. You have to keep the steering wheel moving back and forth or else it sticks while driving high speeds. I have reported to dealership multiple times, but I have been told there is no issue.
Steering, Oct 24, 2024
This is an ongoing issue, from the day I purchased the car used. The steering sticks and binds when turning to the left; not on an ordinary sharp turn at an intersection, but at highway speeds. Sometimes the steering sticks and must be corrected to avoid going into the opposite lane. Several diagnostic attempts have been made including alignment, recalibration, and replacement of the 4wd coupling. Car still wavers and sticks at speed when turning left. Unknown cause. No codes show. However, at one time, on the display (not the dashboard symbol display, the camera/radio display) a message appeared saying: Mechanism Failure.
Steering, Suspension, Seats, Aug 13, 2024
My front driver seat slips out of recline position to another position on its own Had engine replaced, got car back, made humming noise, took back to dealer, could not find noise, car still makes noise and now there’s seems to be louder noise coming from steering or front suspension while car is driven, dealer claims with no extension of warranty and over 60,000 miles, any work for this issue with steering/suspension is not covered, this was not an issue before engine was replaced under the engine recall
Steering, Jun 24, 2024
At driving speeds steering catches with no control for a few seconds during slight turns. Has happened multiple times. Took to mechanic and was told there was an overheat code showing that could only be resolved through Kia software.Took to Kia dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was told it would resolve by putting in an actual Kia battery, $500+. Had no issues for 2 months Then happened twice. Took Back to the same dealership and was told needed new steering column $1,000+. As of today, my Sorrento is at the dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota Waiting for part. 6/24/2024
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle in February of this year, we started to notice that oil was burning off quickly. We took it to be looked at and was notified that there was no signs of a leak. After that incident all of the warning lights came on on the dashboard. We took it again to be seen where we were told that it was burning oil again and that the oil was low. We had the oil refilled and on our way home the car completely seats and shut down loosing all power on the highway. We lost all control of the power steering, braking system, and the power to the whole car shut off. We had the car towed to a repairman who looked over the car and said that the engine is completely seized with no notable signs of damage but that it would require an entire engine replacement. We notified Kia about the problem and that it was something that was known to happen with the engine and they refused to cover it or do any type of repair. The car is now non-functionable with a complete seizure of the engine.
Steering, Jun 7, 2024
My gear shift has been stuck in park almost 2 months now. I've been using a screwdriver in order to move the gear from park to reverse.
Steering, May 12, 2024
I have been noticing at high speeds the steering "sticks." You have to be constantly moving the steering wheel back and forth to prevent the sticking. When mentioned to dealership, they say it's normal and don't document. I am starting to notice the sticking at losspeeds now that mileage is getting higher. This car has always done this, but getting worse.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2024
Since 2019, the power steering for my Kia Sorento has failed on at least 30 occasions while my vehicle is in motion, placing vehicle occupants and nearby drivers at significant risk of a serious accident. All failures have the following in common: - Vehicle becomes very difficult to steer and requires significant arm strength to turn the wheel to either the left or the right - The red EPS warning light illuminates, no other warning lights nor alarms - The steering wheel feels a minor shudder before fully locking - Upon stopping them vehicle, placing in park, turning the engine off, and then turning the engine back on, the EPS warning light is no longer illuminated and the steering is restored ("as if nothing happened") - There no known common causes, such as vehicle speed, temperature, nor any other triggers which cause this error, as a driver, there is the distinct chance that it can happen at ANY time Documented instances8 with video include: 11/20/2021 8/2/2022 8/4/2022 8/18/2022 (highway speed, specified in Additional Details) 8/24/2022 3/13/2024 Kia America issued an "MDPS Warranty Extension Notice" on January 7 2022 which appears to be specific to this problem sine it references EPS warning light, however this is a categorically insufficient response by Kia since it offers no clear remediation to address the actual acknowledgment by the manufacturer of their problem, offering coverage "if the diagnosis indicates the condition" but stating "vehicle steering will continue to be operational" after EPS illuminates. This is false since a person of my size is unable to operate the steering I have taken the vehicle to a Kia dealership for this problem on several occasions, including 2/7/22 after receiving the above "warranty notice," however their equipment is incapable of finding any record of the problem using any advanced OBD scanners, nor able to replicate the problem through driving since the problem is random, hence Kia will not repair under warranty.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 6, 2024
While driving this evening my power steering light came on and shortly after I lost all power steering. Had I not been strong enough while pulling out of the flow of traffic I would have lost control and hit a vehicle or run off the roadway. After turning the vehicle off it would not restart without a jump start. This same vehicle had its engine replaced not long ago for a separate safety issue mentioned in ODI 11565586. Kia of America needs to be forced to fix the issues with this vehicle. Other numerous reports of these same issues exist. These issues need to be investigated and Kia held accountable. This vehicle is a lemon and still under warranty but I feel I have no recourse and I'm being forced to be without the vehicle I paid for for long spans of time. This vehicle is a huge safety issue for myself and others.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
Steering on car felt sticky or as if power steering was not working. It seems to be an intermittent problem occurring mostly at highway speeds of approximately 60 mph. It seems to be a safety issue because steering feels unresponsive to feel of steering wheel. Dealer says that I will have to bring it in where they can diagnose to confirm. If problem continues I will take it in to be checked. Vehicle has not given any warnings or indications of problems/service needed. The problem was first noticed on 02/12/2024 and then again on 02/23/2024.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
On January 17 2024 as I am making my usual drive to work on a very busy interstate highway my 2016 Kia SORENTO EX V6 FWD AUTO 3.3 liter engine completely seizes up and so begins my nightmare. The same nightmare I am seeing time and time and time again reported on this site, and every site you do a simple search on 2016 KIA Sorento's for. As a result of the catastrophic engine failure, I (a female, original owner of the KIA,) was left in a very dangerous position to try and maneuver through and not be killed by oncoming cars and further not get jumped in a very bad part of the metro. (this is not my personal assessment, this is the highest crime area in our city) Car was towed to dealership where I originally purchased it and today I received the diagnosis report indicating Alternator Replacement $1,283.94, Head Gasket $4,276.92, Body Control Module/ ECU $1,030.35 (an issue that I raised when the car was under the manufacturer warranty, and was ignored by the service team and results in me using a screw driver to even get the car out of park) I want answers as do all of the other impacted customers as to WHAT MORE IS NEEDED TO PROVE THAT KIA ENGINES ARE DANGEROUS AND NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE STREET!
Steering, Jan 6, 2024
When in motion and at higher rates of speed, the vehicle’s steering wheel gets stuck and requires additional force to turn which causes an over correction. This is a consistent problem that happens.
Steering, Dec 31, 2023
Has a steering control issue. I am now on my 3rd steering columm replacement. They do not correct the sticky on center steering control issues. Kia has not come up with a workable solution for this. I have had it to 3 dealers so far. They all say the steering column needs to be replaced. Now out of warranty. This car is difficult to drive and control . I have had this problem since I bought it brand new. It now has 118000 miles on it with a lot of misery driving it.
Steering, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Dec 6, 2023
When driving down the road at any speed in a striaght line steering sticks requiring constant over correction. This is becoming a big problem at highway speeds as vehcile will jerk and on an icy road Im affaid I my lose control
Steering, Dec 6, 2023
Steering sticking,
Steering, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2023
Issues with headlights turning off while I'm driving in the dark. Sometimes happens when I use turn signal other times just driving on a straight road in the dark country. Also transmission slips every so often but enough that passengers notice and want to know what is happening. Now car can not be shifted out of park even with foot on brake and steering will lock up and key can't be turned. Of course dealer says would cost over 1k to check it all out and even with 2 warranties nothing is covered. Please advise me what to do next. Lights have been doing this for at least 4 years. Can't remember on the trans issue for sure. Steering locking up about a year and just recently can't shift.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 12, 2023
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 20, 2023
AUG. 5, 2023: CA Steering wheel locked when trying to change lanes. Managed to turn left but went over the curb. It drove well when going straight but could not turn steering wheel. Glad I didn't go on the Freeway. Managed to stop but didn't turn off car due to too hot outside. Called towing, then a family member told me to turn car off, hesitant due to weather, too hot. It worked. TowTrk driver checked under hood and saw no problem. I then drove to dealership and left it there to diagnose. It is till in shop 6wks. It is the steering wheel wiring I am told. Now waiting for a part. Maybe this week. Love the KIA but it did me wrong. Cannot trust it anymore. That is too bad it is an awesome vehicle to me except for the problem. warning came on as incident happened. Manufacturer personnel inspected. Happy no accident just fear of not being able to manage steering easily. I drive a curvy and high altitude road. That really scares me n for any passangers.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
Steering doesn't aways respond to turning immediately while driving the vehicle.Steering has become difficult this is the second time for this repair to be needed service done in 2020 now service is needed again in 2023 same area the mdps motor repair and other dealer stuff. I believe KIA is aware of the problems I believe there is a recall or some kind of help for me and my family to travel safely in this vehicle please help me get the needed repairs covered ASAP I took the vehicle to the dealer on 7-21-2023