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: vehicle speed control
62 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 9, 2025
We have been having problems with the speed control not functioning. Sometimes we couldn't set the speed or slow it down. Now it doesn't function at all! When it was working the cancel switch would also not work and we had to use the brake pedal to shut it off. Later on while driving through town with the cruise control still on, I stopped at a traffic light and the engine began to race at a high rpms. I took my foot off the gas pedal not knowing exactly what it would do and rpms settled down. Luckily the suv didn't accelerate into the vehicle in front of me. The engine has done this a couple of times with or without the cruise control on. My wife drives this vehicle with our grand children onboard and I am highly concerned about their safety.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 25, 2024
My SUV is having all of the problems associated with a bad engine. This started a week ago and on Thursday, [XXX] my SUV completely stopped running and I had to get it towed to my residence. I had an ASE certified mechanic to check it out and he said your engine is BAD. I have had all of my required oil changes as well as servicing as recommended. I got this SUV in 2020. It has a little over 100,000 miles. I cannot afford a engine repair at this time. Please advice. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 9, 2024
I was driving to work going about 40 and out of nowhere my 2016 Kia Sorento started slowing down. I could not accelerate and no warning lights came on. There was a sudden loss of power.The car slowed to a stop near a busy intersection. I was in the road and almost hit by multiple cars. I could not start it again. I noticed white smoke coming out from under the hood. There was an awful smell to it. It would not start back up. It was eventually towed to a dealership and they said the engine was locked up and the starter was burned. The engine is a 2.0L Turbo GDI engine.
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!
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 21, 2023
My car started jumping while driving we had put oil in my car 3 weeks prior. It also smelt like my car was burning while the heat was on I had 2 babies in the back seat and I was scared to death. I haven’t received anything in the mail about any recalls what so ever. I had to hear by a family friend the day of the incident that he thinks they’re recalls on my call so I looked it up. My car is currently not working now and I have work and doctors appointments for babies I got to Kia tomorrow they’re saying I don’t have any recalls on my car and I looked it up on here and I do. I’m pretty sure they’re just not wanting to pay for it. They said if I have a warranty they could do. I just don’t know what to do I have no car and I ave 2 children I can’t afford to not have a vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 17, 2023
Sometimes the cruise control works. Sometimes it doesn't work. Even after vehicle is warmed up still no resolution. Engine oil disappears without notice or warning.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2023
was driving at 11mph and car would not Accelerate almost causing and accident issues with engine sparking flames fuel system problems, transmission issues when putting the vehicle into park. Engine problems check engine light keeps blinking on an off system says park vehicle do to diagnosed problems. suspension issues afraid to drive vehicle do to so many safety problems.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated and while coming to a stop, the oil warning light illuminated while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that on several occasions, upon start up, the vehicle lost power after hearing the engine rev. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and placed on a diagnostic machine, and it was determined that the power train, throttle pedal position sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer 3 months ago for an undisclosed failure however, after the vehicle was retrieved, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 25, 2023, crash
I was backing up a residential driveway. My backup camera showed my wheels were in line. My steering wheel turned and my car had a sudden unintended acceleration. My car destroyed a double steel garage door. Pushed a parked vehicle forward approximately 10-12”. The vehicle crushed a riding lawn mower, pushing the mower through a sheet rock wall. If anyone had been in this area of the garage, they could have possibly suffered serious injury or even fatality. I am trying to arrange to have my vehicle taken to local Kia dealership for diagnostic testing. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning signs that appeared and I did not hear my backup camera alert.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 31, 2023
I was driving down the road and heard a grinding noise from engine. I pulled over to check under the hood for fluid leaks or check engine lights which everything checked out good temp gauges and everything giving normal readings. I then proceeded to keep traveling my route and about 5 minutes in I was loosing power and my car wasn't accelerating any more. I contacted the dealership I received my car from letting them know of these problems and informed them of a recall that was in affect a couple years back and also about the recent one I then asked if they fixed this problem or had any Knowledge of these defects which they stated it's not on them I have to take it up with the manufacturer even though I wasn't informed of these problems before my vehicle purchase. I then contacted the manufacturer and let them know of the troubles and got them in contact with the mechanic that was in charge of my diagnostic at the time and they did an investigation and turned out the recall caused this problem but since the problem already occurred they can't help me with repairs. This shouldn't be on me when they sold me a faulty vehicle without disclosing the recalls that needed attention which in return could've cost me or someone's life that day.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 24, 2023
While driving at highway speed, the battery light and oil light came on and the throttle became unresponsive. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle had to be restarted before the throttle became responsive again. The vehicle was taken to Maguire Kia Service (Ithaca, NY), where the engine was subsequently replaced.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Later after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body to the accelerator pedal was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2023
On 02/03/2023 and once before, I stepped on brake to come to a stop and car accelerated to the point that braking took more distance to come to a stop. I called the Kia dealer today and got an appointment which is scheduled for 02/09/2023 to have them inspect vehicle for problem. I read an article published 11/23/2021 by [XXX] on the MotorBiscuit website that states the problem is with an issue with the throttle contol system. This problem nearly caused my to crash into car in front of me and could have been catastrophic if I had been going at a higher rate of speed and had to stop quickly. resulting in loss of life or injuries to myself and others. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There were no warnings. The floor rug was not jammed under accelerator. The first time it happened was also when coming to a stop. At that time I wasn't sure why it happened. This time myself and my passenger both heard the engine revving while I was trying to brake. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 17, 2023
More often than not I’m finding I have to add oil to the car. It gives no warning the oil is low, no light, no smoke. The car starts to run a little hard so we check the oil. Each time we check the oil is low and needs more. We have gotten oil changes on the recommended schedule. Yet the problem still persists. Also I notice at times when pushing the gas to accelerate it almost seems hard to do.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, she placed the vehicle in park; however, the RPM’s increased rapidly and the engine revved. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her husband turned off the vehicle and disconnected and reconnected the battery cables however, he restarted the vehicle and the failure recurred. The contact stated that she notified multiple dealers of the failure and was informed that no appointments were available until February of 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximate 110,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2022
On many occasions the cruise control cancel button does not work. The brake system is needed to disengage the cruise control. When mentioned to dealership they stated probably dirt behind the steering wheel cover or in or around buttons. Stated would have take apart inspect at owners expense. Stated they have heard of that problem before. Seems to be a known safety or design problem. Did not have dealership do any work due to pricing and the fact I know the issue. Other owners may not know and may cause serious safety issue.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that occasionally while stationary and attempting to accelerate, the RPM would increase significantly before causing the vehicle to experience unintended acceleration. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000. The consumer stated that the dealer was able to replicate the issue and repair it. But even after the repair, the vehicle still stalls just a bit.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2022
Sometime Mid May 2022 I was driving back from Tri City Washington. As I was passing a semi truck I noticed my car was losing some power. I ten was able to to get in front of the semi when I seen a place to pull off. During this time I noticed my dash lights were coming on. Engine light. I was lucky enough to pull off where on a side road in Warden, Washington. My car then ceased and would not start. I had to have it towed in my home town of Moses Lake, Washington to a auto mechanic by my resident. The name is Customs Auto on Broadway. They said it needed to go to a Kia Specialist/Mechanic for repairs. So I then had it towed to Over Turf Kia Dealership in Tri City, WA. where my car has been sitting since the end of May 2022. Nathan from Over Turf said I needed to replace my engine and quoted me at $6300.00 which is what I owe my bank loan with Wells Fargo. I only had 135,000 miles on it and not sure why all of a sudden my engine ceased. Now I have filed a complaint with NTSB they gave me a complaint #11466956 on Kia and their recalls. I had a recall repair on it September 2017 and had contacted Kia out of Wenatchee, WA where the recall was done. But they are closed down because of the covid. I am lost to what to do at this point. I was given an email address to send an email of pictures or important documents pertaining this problem. I am asking for any direction as to what to do or who to contact. If you need to call me please fill free at [XXX]. Thank You! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate or fail to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal; the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic code showed that the throttle position sensor was defective. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 (Vehicle Speed Control) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and he was informed that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided information about an extended warranty that the vehicle qualified for; however, upon calling the dealer, the contact was informed that his vehicle did not qualify for the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2022
The vehicle has failed to accelerate in various situations, i.e., after coming to a complete stop and turning onto a street with opposing and oncoming traffic. The issue has occurred intermittently for ~two months. Sometimes weeks without the issue resurfacing. Today, after running one errand early in the morning, the engine check appeared when we started the car and the vehicle went into limp mode. We barely got the car home, with little control of the acceleration. We could have been involved in an accident if this occurred while on the highway or turning onto a street from a heavily traveled intersection. This is a severe safety issue.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 24, 2022
Car uses oil frequently, even after I get an oil change. The oil light does not come on when oil is low. It is low before my oil changes. On 1/22/22 my check engine light is on and it says P303 with cylinder 3. Replaced the coil and the check engine light is still on. The engine is sputtering and it takes 2-3 times to start. This started all of a sudden. It is frustrating because I took it to a Kia dealership last year and told them the problem. They told me it was a recall but it was only for up to 100,000. So they only put oil in it and basically sent me my way. So there are two issues going on and It doesn't matter the mileage because several Kias are having identical issues.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 11, 2022
Oil leak brakes out stopped running makes knocking noise when pushing gas pedal
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 7, 2021
While my Kia Sorento had a chattering noise. When leaving home for an appointment l took the interstate and the chatter sound got louder about 10 minutes into driving. As I increased acceleration, the check engine light began to flash quickly and immediately The SUV started losing power and the engine stalled coasting long enough for me to pull to side of road. I tried to re-start the engine but it would not turn over to start. Twice in the past my husband took the SUV to Kia of Dayton Because car was losing oil with no warning light indicating it was low on oil. The mechanic explained there was a problem, he said that it had to be proven after a couple of oil changes and same problem occurred, which it has repeated twice. They said then they had to contact Kia for further instructions on how to proceed. The danger that affected my 91 year old Dad and myself is that we were stranded on a busy highway with no heat on a cold winter day. I had to find transportation to get my Dad home, because he takes blood thinner which causes him to get cold very easily.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 26, 2021
My children and I were on the freeway, and when I pushed the accelerator, nothing happened. No rpm increase, no engine change…nothing. I have had my car looked at and diagnosed, and nothing alerts to being wrong. The screen said Engine Control System, the engine light came on, and I had to pull all the way over across 4 lanes of traffic on the freeway, without being able to accelerate. I pulled over, put the car in park, and waited about 10 minutes. I turned the car back on and everything was fine. I do not understand. This is a safety hazard!