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, May 3, 2024
Check engine coming on intermittently. Took to Kia dealership for service and diagnosis. Was told the code came up for “Camshaft timing issue” and the recommendation was to replace engine completely! Only 79,000 miles and regular service and maintenance has occurred over the 7 years I’ve had the car. Engine could just cut out at any time.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2024
The gear post has been stuck in park for at least 3 days. I have to keep using the screwdriver method jut to get it in reverse. Everytime I make a stop and get back in the car have to use the screwdriver. I've had the car since January 16th never had this problem
Engine, Apr 29, 2024
We are the second owners of a 2016 Kia Sorento, which we purchased at a KIA Dealership when it was under warranty. The car worked well and we maintained it with regular oil changes and tune ups, until one day the engine began making a loud sound and begin stalling. The car doesn't feel safe to drive, as we know the engine could shut down at any moment. I had two mechanics check the car and they both said that we need a new engine. I reached out to the KIA dealership, but they said they cannot do anything about it. It seems like a manufacturing problem, which may God forbid could put families in danger.
Engine, Apr 26, 2024
My two kids and I was driving in the vehicle at 60 mph down [XXX] when the car started to make some noise and lost power. No warning lights came on, the vehicle began to slow just in the middle of the highway with a lot of traffic. Then the entire vehicle began to shake, no warning lights. I stopped 2 miles later in the next exit and the car did not respond any more. It was towed to the next repair shop (in Cle Elum, Wa). The mechanic told us the engine is seized and we have to replace it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 26, 2024
While traveling to Atlanta, GE from Ohio, I stopped for gas south of Chattanooga. Immediately after ( within 10 miles), my 2016 Kia Sorento began to lose power and acceleration. In trying increase speed, the car started shaking and acting erratically. I pulled over to try to discern the issue, but could find nothing. ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I thought it might be bad gas but this was not the case. I drove the car the rest of the way to Atlanta as this was late Friday night and Saturday I had a gig in Atlanta with no chance to visit a garage or dealership. On the return trip to Ohio the car continued to stall and I had to shift to N in order to keep the engine running during several traffic jams… still running erratically, That next Monday, [XXX], I took the car to a local garage. They reported a misfire in cylinder 2 and no compression in this cylinder. They suspected a burnt exhaust valve and recommended rebuilding the engine. I got a 2nd opinion at the dealer 15 miles away and they recommended a new/ rebuilt engine as it would have a 3 year warranty. I ok’d the repair and spent $13,600 plus another $400 for an engine bolt after the install. The newer engine lasted a week and it was another 4 weeks for the 2nd engine re-install. So… $117.66 for the first diagnostic and $14,000 after the installed engine. I checked with Kia and there were any with this engine. The answer was no. Since then, I have read complaints on forums concerning this Kia 3.3 Lambda engine. I would like to add my name to the list of complaints. There is no reason this engine should have failed. I kept up on service, changed the oil within 3-5k miles. I bought the car in Dec 2018 with 59k miles and since then have generated another 60k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
Driving a 2016 Kia Sorento on I75 at 70 mph, the engine experienced total failure with no warning lights. Towed to local Kia dealer who has it today. Dealer said it had total engine failure and the rods were severely knocking. Dealer said there were multiple engine failure existing recalls with the 4 cylinder but none yet for 6 cylinder vehicles though Kia had multiple 6 cylinder failures.
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
I purchased this vehicle in 2021, with about 82k miles on it. No problems were reported to me at that time and I did purchase the vehicle from an auto dealer. I have driven the vehicle approx. 23k miles; my current mileage is 105k. That's an average of about 700 miles per month. I have taken this vehicle for numerous oil changes as I have noticed my oil light will start flashing but it is no where near time for an oil change. There are no leaks, I have had that checked by 3 separate mechanics and myself. It is simply burning through oil. My most recent oil change was at 103k and, at around 104,500 miles, I had to take it in the shop because the engine began knocking. Due to the way the oil flows within the engine it "spills" onto the spark plugs, shorting them out. That repair cost me $300 and that was just 1 spark plug. I was told to expect this to be recurring due to the defect of the motor and how it consumes oil. The oil was 3 quarts low, meaning the engine had burned through 3 qts in 1500 miles. I am going to be taking it to a local Kia dealership so that they can do a "marker test" with a $90 oil change. This whole oil issue is starting to cost more than the car and if I don't keep pouring oil into the motor it will blow. The Kia engine is basically a money pit of problems all related to oil consumption. Reports are that Kia MAY cover the cost of a replacement motor but only after the motor blows, and only if it meets certain "breakdown" criteria. They cover that repair at about a 2-3% average. Kia KNOWS this problem exists but they refuse to place a recall to fix the issue. They did change the motor oil system around 2019/20 because there were so many complaints about oil consumption but they refuse to acknowledge the existing problem in those 2016-2020 motors hat are still on the roads. My fear is a blown motor at 70mph on the interstate. Kia needs to be more responsible.
Structure, Apr 25, 2024
The Snow White Pearl paint on my Sorento has started chipping and peeling away on the hood, front quarter panels and roof. This is leading to rust which is quite concerning. It is understandable that environmental factors such as road debris might cause chipping but this is an issue that appears to have affected a large number of people with the same paint color and the rapid deterioration of the paint covering the vehicle is not indicative of normal wear and tear.
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, prompting her to contact AAA for roadside assistance. Later, the AAA technician made the contact aware that the gear shifter had failed to engage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not towed to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Engine Failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Engine Failure while driving put my own and children's lives at risk. The problem has been confirmed by both the dealer and independent service center. No warning lights prior to the problem appearing. Symptoms included rattling sound from engine on start up and acceleration as well as coolant leak from engine. Dealership told us the engine seized due to no lubrication despite vehicle receiving timely service for oil change. Kia is denying all responsibility for a fix.
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
On 4/14/24 I was turning the corner and my car cut off on me in the middle of the turn. I coasted to the nearest store. My engine light, oil light and battery light came on upon trying to restart the vehicle. The vehicle will not start and those lights still remain on. I had to have the vehicle towed home. As of today the vehicle still won't start. I am traumatized as this could of ended very badly. I could of been killed and or collided with another vehicle. When my car cut off I was unable to really steer the vehicle luckily there was a nearby gas station I was able to just sharply Coast into and slam on brakes. I believe this is a major safety concern and needs to be addressed as I'm pretty sure I am not the only one with this issue. Upon trying to restart the car
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled while accelerating. The vehicle was able to be restarted after a short period of time but would not accelerate as needed. The contact heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle, and the contact was informed that the engine was low on oil. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage is approximately 115,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2024
I took my vehicle into the Kia dealership here in Visalia, California. The first time I took my vehicle in, it was due to oil consumption. I was burning off over 1qt of oil every 700-1000 miles. This being a concern I asked what should I do next. When this happens the dealership recommends a fresh oil change by them, then they tag your oil cap, dip stick, and drian plug so its not to be tampered with. We drove the care as told and took it back. Upon return the motor was then confirmed that it was burning off almost 2 qt of oil. The dealership stated that I needed to do an engine "clean out". The service costs $500 dollars to have done. As suggested I did the service in hope that it would rectify the problem. We did the service, drove the car as instructed, brought it back, and I was told it was still burning oil. Now, according to KIA this is a well known issue and that the next step was an engine replacement. Now this is typically covered under the original warranty and a replacement motor is usually done by kia, BUT since I am the second owner of said vehicle this service doesn't apply to me. On the other had, kia also has a known issue with the rod bearings! Now, from what I was told is that rod bearings tend to fail due to lack of lubrication. Kia then proceeds to tell me that unless my rod bearing fails, they will not replace my motor at no cost, but the service manager told me on a recorded phone call "off the record" that I should drive my car until the motor ceases. Please tell me how this is safe and fair practice by the company? Kia has knowingly sold vehicles with faulty engines and they are not held responsible. I'm supposed to allow my wife to drive this car until the motor ceases and hope she doesn't get into an accident. I have filed claims with Kia North America and with my local dealership. The local dealership has denied my claim twice. Once by the service manager, and again by their DSM (district service manager). I have yet to hear from Kia HQ.
Engine, Apr 11, 2024
I was driving down the road in a 45. My car started to have no power. I no warning came on. Literally Cruising down the road it sounded like the motor blew. Had it towed to my local mechanic and he said it wasn’t good. Never had any faulty components prior to. No warning lamps have come on still and when started you get smoke and a loud knock. When driving I could’ve been hurt or hurt another driver. I contacted Kia and was told that their is no coverage on this motor but when you call the dealerships (called 4) this particular motor that isn’t covered by an extended warranty is back ordered in PA alone an estimated 4-6 months
Structure, Apr 10, 2024
A rain storm came and I left my car out of the garage and the rain peeled off huge parts of my paint. There is no reason that my car last paint should have been washed off from rain.
Structure, Apr 9, 2024
I have a 2016 Snow White Kia Sorento that the paint is coming off of. Paint is coming off from the hood, above drivers side door and above back hatch.
Engine, Apr 7, 2024
I have been the first owner of my Kia Sorento car and it has always been well maintained. The oil change has always been done on time. I was driving on the highway going 65mph when out of nowhere the check engine started flashing, a rattling noise started, and I noticed it wouldn’t accelerate. There was never any warning lights of any kind to warn me of something malfunctioning. I had a mechanic check it and said there was an oil loss and affected the engine and I would have to replace it. He mentioned that there has been a lot of issues about the engine failing in Kias but that there is still no recall for it. I have read so many articles of this being true and Kia should fix this! It is definitely a hazard driving a Kia car that does not warn you of the oil loss causing a failed engine.
Engine, Apr 5, 2024
The engine gave out while driving on the highway going 65-70 mph on the left lane ,vehicle started shaking and slowing down really loud cars started going around luckily I was able to get to the right breakdown lane as it stalled. I could have caused a major accident on the highway, I restarted the car it shakes as I drove it slowly to the exit at every light the car stalled when I stopped. Brought to the dealer they confirmed the engine is gone , no prior warning of any issue. Car isn’t even paid off til next month! They state only option is to put a new engine which is lots of money.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru line, the engine temperature gauge increased to the "high" position and the engine overheated causing engine coolant to leak from the engine compartment with white smoke coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the replacement engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,820.
Engine, Mar 29, 2024
I have filed a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General which is pending and spoke with KIA Consumer Affairs twice about the failure of the Knock Sensor device which has caused engine failure in my 2016 KIA Sorento. I was told by KIA Consumer Affairs that the Upgrade Knock Sensor Campaign was mailed to the first owner of the vehicle in 2018 and was not replaced. I bought the SUV in November 2019 from Carvana. I have the original carfax report which states No Recalls on my SUV. I had no knowledge of the knock sensor upgrade Campaign and of course didn't receive a Recall notice. The only Recall notice I have received, just recently, is for a wiring harness for tow hitch, however, I don't have the tow pkg./hitch on my SUV. Until my engine failed due to the knock sensor, I had no indication of anything being wrong with the SUV. KIA refuses to pay for the engine replacement. My SUV is still at the dealership service dept. until this is resolved. I am a [XXX] lady with 32 years Federal Service with the Veterans Administration in SC. I do not have the money nor should I have to pay for the engine replacement. It's a lot of money! I am appealing for your help to force KIA to take responsibility and replace the engine. When the engine died without warning, I was in a dangerous intersection, during rush hour. An off duty police officer assisted me with directing traffic & obtaining a tow truck to pull me safety until AAA could come tow it. I called the dealership the next day, on [XXX], & was told why they thought the engine died & that warranties on the motor had been extended to 100,000 miles to cover it. I was told to have it towed there. A couple days later a technician called & said he did not think KIA would cover it because the knock sensor was not replaced during the "Recall." Any assistance you can provide is appreciated. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 29, 2024
The engine (I think engine) stalls out, and several times the engine has completely died. Almost causing me and the other car involved a very serious accident. The vehicle stalls when sitting at the traffic light and I go to turn to accelerate and it stalls and after pushing/tapping the gas pedal repeatedly it will eventually stop and I'm able to then drive on. Also the car does not shift properly at all, it winds up and seems the get stuck and have to try accelerate before it shift. I keep getting errors on my dash saying "possible engine condition, please press schedule service" and then I run the diagnostic report and this is what it says CATEGORY (2) PowerTrain P0456 Evaporative Emission System - Leak Detected (Very Small Leak) Possible condition(s) with your Engine Control System has been detected. KlA recommends a full system check when convenient. To schedule an appointment with a KIA dealer, select Schedule Service on the screen. P0303 Cylinder 3 - Misfire Detected Possible condition(s) with your Engine Control System has been detected. KIA recommends a full system check soon. To schedule an appointment with a KIA dealer, select Schedule Service on the screen. Request Appointment I have taken my vehicle in the KIA Service Center twice and have given them the errors and described the issues I am having along with several other issues. The Kia service department has failed to provide me with a resolution to the problem stated above or any other issues I reported. They didn't even check oil as I requested. They advised me the oil levels were "fine" but once I checked it myself it was actually low, proofing they did not do any type inspection on the vehicle as requested. The advised me that there was nothing they could do about the stalling of the vehicle or the engine shutting down because they couldn't duplicate it. I'm not sure exactly what they are meaning by the statement. I then called KIA corporate number and the representative submitted a case onveh
Engine, Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55-60 MPH, a loud explosion was heard coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a hole in the bottom part of the engine, causing oil to leak from the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine, starter, and exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The contact stated the safety issue of the vehicle losing all power without warning while driving is due to a specific engine that Kia installed in several of its cars/suvs. It is called a Theta II engine that was used in 2.0 and 2.4 liter cars.
Structure, Mar 21, 2024
Paint bubbling/chipping on multiple areas of my car. Concerned for rusting and further damage to my car. Paint chipping was first noticed in 2021 and it has progressively gotten worse since.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when the contact attempted to open the trunk, however, the trunk failed to open. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times and after multiple attempts, the trunk was able to open. The contact stated that the failure continued to recur and the trunk became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact that the warranty did not cover the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
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.