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: structure
110 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Feb 21, 2023
Tailgate proximity sensor failed.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Jan 30, 2023
2016 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PAINT PEELING ON VEHICLE.
Structure, Jan 3, 2023
Paint peeling in large flakes from front hood area of vehicle. Dealer documented paint issue on Jan 2, 2023
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2022
The hood of the car has large amounts of paint peeling. The paint peeling has progressively worsened. The paint on the roof of the car also has a similar problem with the paint.
Structure, Nov 13, 2022
Liftgate fail to open when key fob button pressed or dashboard release button pressed or approach function is turn on. Liftgate trying to open and than right a way closed. I read numerous posts of other owners stating same problem with liftgate. The problem starts once a while but getting worst and worst
Structure, Oct 18, 2022
PAINT IS PEELING OFF
Structure, Sep 16, 2022
Paint peeling from hood and roof of car.
Structure, Sep 3, 2022
The paint on the front hood and also on the roof above the driver side is chipping away and peeling for no reason. It started about 24 months ago as a small chip on the roof right at the windshield above the steering wheel. Thought is was perhaps from a rock. Now that small chip has grown, the metal that was under it has started to rust, there are also now multiple chips and peels on the front hood in multiple places.
Structure, Aug 27, 2022
The pearl white paint paint on the vehicle is pealing on the hood, roof and doors. It started last July and there is new places popping up all the time
Structure, Aug 9, 2022
Paint started peeling. I thought it might have been a rock chip but it got worse in about 2 weeks.
Structure, Jun 30, 2022
Rear door larch fell off. This is a documented problem with this vehicle. Kia dealerships have been unhelpful to resolve this issue. I feel this is a safety item with a recall on the 2015 models. Latch is made with cheap plastic, and many kia’s have this issue. Thanks, Steve Ritchie
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Have a 2016 Kia sorento 93000 miles it is pearl white the paint is coming off peeling off ,chipping off
Structure, Jun 3, 2022
The driver side rear door handle does not open the door. The door is able to be opened from the door handle on the inside, and it can be locked and unlocked. This could create an unsafe situation in which a parent is unable to reach a child in the second row who needs assistance. Having two methods of entry and egress (i.e. a driver side and passenger side rear door) in the second row contributes to the safety of the car, and having one entry/egress while another entry is impaired could present a safety issue. The car has not yet been brought to a service center for evaluation, and the car has not yet been inspected for the issue. There were no warning lamps or messages indicated by the vehicle. Leading up to the driver side rear door handle malfunction, the door handle was noted to have a weaker tactile "click" feeling that is typically sensed when the door's latch actuates to open it.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 26, 2022
My paint is peeling. KIA SORENTO SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION
Structure, May 24, 2022
Paint is peeling while driving obstructing my view and potentially other drivers
Structure, May 18, 2022
The paint on my 2016 Kia Sorento it's peeling off. I went to the dealer where I purchased it and still owe $10,000 they do not want to help me.
Structure, Mar 23, 2022
The car was purchased new in 2016. Paint began peeling above the passenger door August 27, 2021 at the dealer service center carwash after a routine oil change. Its been peeling more since then. We have read of other owners having very serious paint peeling on there Sorentos. Estimates to repaint the panel are up to $1000. The car has 71,000 miles on it.
Structure, Jan 16, 2022
Passenger door handle pulls off of door. Unable to open the door from the exterior. This is the second occurrence after already replacing the handle 6 months ago. Faulty design causing safety concern if someone needs to be accessed thru door.
Structure, Nov 9, 2021
On October 28, 2021 the hood paint suddenly started to peel in large chunks. This occurred without warning as previously there was no peeling paint. These pieces stuck to the windshield and were a driving safety hazard as they obstructed clear view. This is evidence of a clear failure of the factory paint to properly stay adherred to the body of the car. This vehicle is available for inspection and photo evidence is also available. This problem has been confirmed by a local Kia dealership. There is also abundant evidence of this being an ongoing issue online in Kia Consumer forums. When reaching out to Kia Corporation directly we were given no assistance in rectifying this issue.
Structure, May 18, 2021
Stock paint is continuing to peel off of the car for no reason. No accidents, or anything self inflicted that would contribute to the paint chipping.
Structure, Apr 19, 2021
THE PAINT STARTED PEELING FROM THE HOOD OF MY CAR 2 YEARS AGO. IT STARTED AS SMALL CRACKS, SO I ORDERED PAINT REPAIR PENS FROM KIA AND TRIED TO REPAIR IT MYSELF, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. NOW IT HAS EXPANDED TO BIGGER AREAS. AFRAID TO WASH THE CAR BECAUSE ALL THE PAINT MAY PEEL OFF.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 16, 2021
TAILGATE ELECTRIC RELEASE FAILS TO UNLATCH THE TAILGATE. PULLING THE EMERGENCY RELEASE DOES NOT OPEN THE TAILGATE EITHER. A WARNING APPEARS IN THE GAUGE CLUSTER SUGGESTING THAT THE TAILGATE IS NOT CLOSED, AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SIGNAL THAT ALL DOORS ARE COMPLETELY LOCKED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY A KIA DEALER.
Structure, Mar 14, 2021
REAR POWER LIFT GATE DOOR ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DOORS NOT OPENING WHEN TRYING TO OPEN USING KEY FOB, INSIDE BUTTON OR REAR ON DOOR BUTTON CAR IS PARKED AND NOT MOVING. DOORS TRYING TO OPEN BUT GIVING UP AND STAYING CLOSED. I FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THAT MECHANISM AND NUMEROUS OWNERS HAS SAME PROBLEM AND COMPLAINING ABOUT IT ON MANY FORUMS AND CAR DEALERS WEB PAGES. MY CAR WAS AT THE DEALER AND HE RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE LATCH ASSEMBLY NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Structure, Feb 17, 2021
EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE STICKING AND NEEDING REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES.
Structure, Jan 18, 2021
DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF IN MY HAND. I CANNOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DUE TO CHILD LOCKS BEING ENGAGED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY I WAS JUST OPENING THE DOOR LIKE USUAL AND IT BROKE OFF.