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, Dec 29, 2017
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE SUNROOF OVER THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPLODED. GLASS SHOWERED INTO THE CAR (2016 KIA SORENTO XLS). WE DROVE THE CAR A LOWER SPEEDS TO THE DEALERSHIP IN BELLINGHAM, WA (SMITH KIA).
Structure, Sep 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FIBERBOARD COVER MOUNTED UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE THAT PROTECTED THE OTHER COMPONENTS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IT WAS VISIBLE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND WAS STARTING TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER LOCATED IN LANCASTER, MA WHERE THE FIBERBOARD COVER WAS REPLACED WITH A USED FIBERBOARD, BUT IT WAS TOO LARGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE MATERIAL WAS RIPPING DUE TO DRIVING OVER BRANCHES ON THE ROAD. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MATERIAL OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE COVER WAS NOT DURABLE AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SAFETY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/02/17*LJ UPDATED 07/18/18*JB
Structure, Engine, Sep 6, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND THAT FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE FLOORBOARD AREA NEAR THE DRIVER'S SEAT. IMMEDIATELY, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AS THE FRONT END BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 18, 2017
DEFECTIVE LOWER BALLJOINTS CAUSED A ROUGH RIDE. NOTICED 'CLANKING' SOUND FROM FRONT WHEELS WHEN PARKING VEHICLE. SUNROOF MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE SUNROOF TO NOT FULLY CLOSE AND OFTEN TIMES, REMAIN OPEN. DEALER INITIALLY CLAIMED THAT DRY TRACK CHANNELS WITH DEBRIS WAS THE MAIN CAUSE HOWEVER, THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE MANUFACTURING/DESIGN OF THE PRODUCT.
Structure, Sep 17, 2016
TAKATA RECALL RENTED CAR FROM BUDGET. EXITED CAR AND THE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUGHT MY LEG PRODUCING A LARGE GASH IMMEDIATELY. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS CLEAR THAT THERE WAS A VERY SHARP PLASTIC MATERIAL AT THE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT.
Structure, Sep 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 (NA) KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CHROME FINISH LOCATED ON THE AIR VENTS CREATED A REFLECTION FROM THE SUNSHINE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROAD CLEARLY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
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.
Structure, Apr 7, 2016
WHEN OPENING THE (FRONT PASSENGER & DRIVER) DOORS FROM OUTSIDE, DOOR DOES NOT OPEN EACH TIME WHEN HANDLE IS PULLED. WHEN DOOR IS OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR DOES NOT PROPERLY LATCH, THUS, OPERATOR CANNOT SECURE THE DOOR TO CLOSE OR LOCK VEHICLE. CANNOT SECURE OCCUPANT SAFELY INSIDE VEHICLE FOR OPERATION. (MARCH 2016) HAD TO RIG FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WITH SEATBELT TO KEEP DOOR CLOSED ON HIGHWAY. (APRIL 2016) ONCE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE & LATCH WAS REPLACED, SAME ISSUE OCCURRED ON DRIVER SIDE.
Structure, Oct 14, 2015
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN STRAIGHT ON A 4 LANE ROAD AT SLOW SPEEDS DUE TO TRAFFIC. THE REAR PANE OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF IMPLODED WITHOUT BEING STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT. LUCKILY THE SHADE WAS CLOSED UP TO THE FRONT PANE OF GLASS WHICH PREVENTED THE GLASS FROM SHOWERING THE OCCUPANTS.
Structure, Apr 27, 2015
TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD SEEMED TO HAVE SUFFERED A STRESS CRACK STARTING IN THE LOWER CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE (ABOUT 1- 2" FROM THE SIDE), AND SPREAD TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD (ABOUT HALF WAY UP). THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT IMPACTED BY ANYTHING, NOR DID THE VEHICLE HIT ANY LARGE AND/OR SUDDEN BUMPS IN THE ROAD. *TR