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
1,251 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jun 11, 2024
The engine seized without any warning. There was no sounds no smoke no anything that would indicate a issue with the engine. After engine failure come to find out that there is a little over three quarts of oil missing with no leak and no warning light came up on the dash, which if it had it would have saved me from having this happened where they now want me to replace the engine. There are many different recalls and complaints about this same problem with the 3.3 l V6 and I don't think owners should have to take on the large cost of repairs due to a manufacturer's defect. We tried to get to a mechanic shop fast enough where they stated that the car was missing that much oil and we tried adding the oil back but it was already too late. The car is currently at a Kia dealership with a seized motor.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
My engine made a loud knocking sound and started shaking I tried to start after car was cut off but noise was worse. I then called for roadside assistance from my insurance policy. My 100,00 mile warranty is not in effect. My car was towed to my home at an out of pocket cost of$269.07 on May 20, 2024 I have not driven the car since and have been carless. I have spent approximately $1200 dollars on car rentals. I had a mechanic come by my house and he said it sounded like I would need a new engine. I checked on the price and it is out of my reach. I am retired senior citizen and really don't have $2000-$3000 to purchase an engine. I have done all recalls as, my car does not have a trailer hitch. What can be done to help.
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.
Power train, Jun 8, 2024
The transmission shift lever locked up. The car could not be started. It is available for inspection. This caused the owner not to be able to start the vehicle and be stranded in a parking lot, unable to drive home. A tow truck was called and the vehicle is currently at a service station, where it was inspected and the problem was diagnosed. As a result, the owner has rented a car, due to a three business day wait period for the replacement part. There were no warning lights or indications prior to the problem! This event has caused the owner much undo stress, and over $1200 in expenses. Also, because the owners live out of state, and needed to head back home (NY), they now have to travel back again to the State of MASS in order to pick up their vehicle. This constituted a minimum of a one week car rental. The closest dealership is over an hour away from where the vehicle broke down and is very costly to have it towed there.
Structure, Jun 8, 2024
2016 Kia Sorento with 80,000 snow white pedal paint peeling at a rapid paste. Factory defect
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2024
The paint on my car is peeling off. Attached is pictures of the top of the back door window(In back of the driver’s seat)and the flap on top of the back window.The paint is Snow White.
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the timing chain had failed causing severe damages to the engine. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the timing chain failure had occurred and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and was later towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the timing chain was previously replaced but the failure had reoccurred. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
I was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled would not start again had it towed to local repair shop where I was told the engine was blown due to no oil in the car
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact’s place of employment. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2024
the Paint is starting to peel at top of windshield. I have the Snow White Pearl paint (SWP). At first it seemed like a simple spot (from small pebble) then continued to peel as if it were not properly painted at all.
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A) The engine died while driving. Yes, it is. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A) While driving on the both the highway and in town on the streets, the engine failing could have resulted in death or harm to myself, my children and those on the road driving around me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A) No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A) No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A) Check engine light came on after vehicle stopped working.
Engine, May 28, 2024
My 2016 kia Sorento has had oil consumption issues, I have got regularly services, i have had a tune-up, fixed leaky valves and still needed to add oil to my car 3 weeks after an oil change. 4/28/2024 I was traveling down a busy highway and suddenly my car shut off at 65 mph, that could have killed others and myself had I not been in the far right lane. My mechanic said my engine was gone. Now I am stuck with a payment for a car I do not even have.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was almost completely devoid of oil and that the vehicle was consuming oil abnormally quickly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Product Improvement Campaign: PI1802. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, May 22, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that her son had not noticed any warning lights, and pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband then drove the vehicle back to the residence and noticed that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, May 22, 2024
My wife was driving down the road when all of a sudden the motor shuts off and wont start again... the engine had zero oil in it. Looking online, I see this is a big issue with other Kia owners.
Engine, May 20, 2024
On 12/15/2023 I was driving and my Car stalled as I was pulling in to my father’s RV Park and would not start again I went back next day and it started Then a Month later and I was on my way home from Costco and my car just stopped I had to have it Toed to my house it started the next day then on 04/01/2024 I went to the store and on the way home my Car just started making a loud noise like a rod is knocking I think my Engine is gone
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2024
My 2016 Kia seronto was fine wasn’t throwing any codes not even the code that tells me my oil is low. But always kept it changed and maintained never had a problem with it only the code that says 02 sensor then I started having an exhaust leak near my engine it was getting so hot to the point it was catching my carpet inside my car on fire so I had to pull up the carpet that never bother me or made an issue for the car I was driving and it started knocking like a rod knock I check the oil and there’s oil in it with no metal shavings or a creamy color to it. Car still starts gets louder when the rpms go up so I’m just a bit confused to what happened when I kept my oil changed and my car never warned me of any problems and only thru a code for the o2 sensor I seen the recall for different Kia for the rod knock sensor detection so could that have happened to my Kia since it just messed up without any time of warning please let me know at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 14, 2024
Cylinder head gasket of my 2016 Kia Sorento is going bad due to a manufacturing issue. One of Kia representatives informed me of this issue and created a case. She stated that the company would make sure that the head gasket sealants were my issue by a mechanic at the dealer, and my car would be covered by KIA. Now they are saying they don’t have any knowledge of a cylinder head gasket issue. I would like this to be investigated by someone that can help me
Engine, May 13, 2024
i was driving and the car stopped working, was able to steer it and get it stopped in a safe spot. Would not start again. Towed to the local Kia dealership where I bought the car and they said the battery died. Replaced the battery, car still doesn't start. They take another look and say actually the engine is completely dead because there was not oil. There was no light on saying oil was low and I had been getting regular oil changes through the same shop. They tell me it needs a new engine.
Engine, May 13, 2024
Going 70 on the interstate luckily I was in the right hand lane when my motor just died!now my motor is fried knocking had it at the shop two weeks prior for oil problems said it was the valve head gasket took it to get fixed now a few weeks later I now longer have a warranty I'm 5 thousand Over it I still owe money for something I have to put more money into!
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.
Engine, May 12, 2024
Engine failure related to oil burning, no oil left in engine. Car became nonfunctional on state highway at highway speed, had to be pushed out of road and towed to mechanic. Last oil change <5000 miles prior to engine failure, 1000 miles and 2 months remained prior to recommended next oil change. Occasional flickering of oil light when stopping but no additional messages prior to engine failure. Confirmed by independent mechanic, engine entirely nonfunctional, would require replacement of entire engine worth more than estimated trade-in value of vehicle.
Structure, May 6, 2024
I have a 2016 KIA Sorento. The paint is pearl white and it is peeling. The peeling is on the hood, roof and A pillars so far.
Engine, May 6, 2024
6/23 the oil light started to flickering, in particular to coming to a stop or turning. This was even after just having an oil change the month before. I checked the oil & it was low already so, of course I put a couple quarts in. I continued to monitor my oil as this was happening. I did not see any oil leaking onto our driveway or from anywhere. I called our mechanic to schedule an appointment. By appointment day 7/17/23, the engine light came on. Mechanic could not perform a diagnostic until a software update was done by Kia. 8/16/23 Kia does software updates & takes care of any recalls. I returned to our mechanic 8/21/23 so he could now do the diagnostic test & make repairs. He replaced the intake manifold, valve cover gasket & changed the oil with new filter. 9/23/23 the oil light starts flickering again & oil is low. Called our mechanic & he asked us to monitor it another month. So, we added oil & the oil light stayed off for another month. 10/26/23 oil light is flickering AGAIN! On the phone AGAIN with our mechanic, who tells us he sees Kia has a "tab" on Sorento's burning oil. 11/14/23 diagnostic performed by my other mechanic who also previously worked at Kia. Diagnostic test shows #3 cyl misfire. 11/16/23 #3 cylinder ignition coil & spark plug replaced. 11/22/23 car starts riding rough. 11/25/23 diagnostic shows #1 cyl spark plug. 11/30/23 replaced remaining #1,2 & 4 cyl spark plugs. 1/10/24 I was driving on a 4 lane hgwy in traffic & the car suddenly went into limp mode & stalled. Luckily it started again & I was close to the exit. I was able to catch a break in traffic to get over as I could only go about 15 mph. 1/11/24 had the car towed to Kia after my mechanic ran a diagnostic & got p1326 knock sensor code. 1/12/24 Kia replaced the knock sensor, saying the car is good now. 2/4/24 car is riding rough. Mechanic changes remaining coils. 4/27/24 car goes into limp mode while going through an intersection. Dash & headlights remain on but won't start=tow