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, Mar 18, 2024
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, I was driving my vehicle to work. I have a 12 mile commute and take both highways and local roads. When I started driving, I noticed that the engine would make a knocking/rattling sound when I accelerated. While in the final mile of my commute, I stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green and I applied my foot to the accelerator, the vehicle did not respond and dashboard lights for the oil, engine and battery all illuminated. These lights did not illuminate at anytime prior to this point. Being that I was on local roads, I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. I turned off the engine and attempted to restart. The engine did not start but all other electric components in the vehicle appeared functional. Roadside assistance attempted asses whether the vehicle had a dead battery using a portable battery back but were also unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to the dealership. After a week, I was informed that the engine had seized and was non-responsive. As of this date (3/18/24), I am still waiting for backordered parts and do not have an ETA for the return of my vehicle. I also have not been provided a loaner.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2024
The paint is coming off in chunks. We have a white 2016 kia sorento. We noticed a few areas shortly after bought it but now bigger pieces are missing. We did research and noticed other similar vehicles are having the same issue.
Engine, Mar 17, 2024
Check engine light turned on. The crankshaft has given out and the mechanic confirmed it needs a new engine. Cylinders 2&4 are misfiring. It has a rough idle and does not accelerate. Many online forms confirm that this is a Kia problem and different years have had a recall. I can not drive my car due to the shaking of the car and the unknown of possible breaking down. It revs up high before it shifts gears and shakes.
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
In December 2022 while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat. No warning lights illuminated. I pulled over and let the engine cool down. Then coolant was added to the reservoir. I waited before restarting the vehicle. I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic the next day and was informed that the head gasket was blown, and the engine would likely need to be replaced. Kia dealership was contacted and notified. The vehicle was not repaired.
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
The engine overheated. We were able to get to a place and stop. We continue to have overheating issues. An independent shop believes it is being caused by the issue of stripped head bolts. They advised I take it to the Kia dealer who denies being able to recreate the overheating. No further inspection has taken place. The temp gauge was topping out but no other warning lights or gauges were triggered. After reading numerous other accounts of issues with this engine in this car I was concerned about continuing to drive the vehicle for fear of being stranded or the engine seizing while driving.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
Paint peeling and bubbling. Started at 45,000 miles and is now very bad on good, above windshield this makes my car look terrible I see many other pearl white ones with this issue. Kia stated paint is not in warranty. I feel they should honor the quality of their paint on cars
Power train, Mar 13, 2024
Gear shift will not shift into Park and car will roll where parked depending on the incline. It also will not start unless I use the shifter bypass with a small screwdriver to shift it into neutral to start and then shift into reverse or drive.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
I was driving on an interstate coming down a mountain and my car stopped accelerating. The check engine light also began flashing. I glided along the interstate to the nearest exit. I had my car towed to a mechanic who told me my engine blew due to a defect in my engine. Months prior to this incident, my car would not retain oil so I took it to Kia and they replaced my oil gasket thinking that was the issue. However, it turns out the problem was with a defect in my engine. This is a very dangerous issue. Please please recall these cars.
Engine, Mar 11, 2024
My 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3 L V6 starting over heating and smoking and loss of power and would no start when it was running hot. In January of 2023. We towed the car to Kia and they could not find the problem told us we need to replace the thermostat for $1000 and that would fix the problem we left and had it towed away. We took the car to a radiator shop two days later and they change the water pump and thermostat. The overheating continued we took it back to the radiator shop and they performed a head gasket pressure test and the car failed and they said the head gasket was leaking and we need to get the heads repaired they quoted $6900. We later took the car to a engine rebuilder and they certified that the heads gasket was blown with the same test and the bolts were wore off on the cylinder heads and the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. We went to Kia they did not do anything. We had to get the engine totally rebuilt on our cost total cost $4712.04 and it took 3 months to find all the Kia parts . KIA issued a letter to cover the repairs for these engines and this model on Janurary 2, 2024 and it and has not been paid it has been sixty days which was there time frame in the letter to cover the claim they won't answer us at all with a verdict the most terrible car company around .
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 6, 2024
While driving this evening my power steering light came on and shortly after I lost all power steering. Had I not been strong enough while pulling out of the flow of traffic I would have lost control and hit a vehicle or run off the roadway. After turning the vehicle off it would not restart without a jump start. This same vehicle had its engine replaced not long ago for a separate safety issue mentioned in ODI 11565586. Kia of America needs to be forced to fix the issues with this vehicle. Other numerous reports of these same issues exist. These issues need to be investigated and Kia held accountable. This vehicle is a lemon and still under warranty but I feel I have no recourse and I'm being forced to be without the vehicle I paid for for long spans of time. This vehicle is a huge safety issue for myself and others.
Engine, Mar 5, 2024
Car excessively burns oil. Within 1,000 miles burned through about 4qts of oil with no type warning light. Refilled with 4 more quarts then burned within 3 weeks of average driving. Vehicle only has 90k miles wirth no sign of oil being burned or oil stains in normal parking area.
Engine, Mar 5, 2024
My 2016 Kia Sorento burns excessive amount of oil and Kia fails to fix the problem regardless of the warranties on the vehicle. The engine was never inspected by the dealer!
Engine, Mar 1, 2024
My started leaking oil prefusly one day. Started car went down the street 5 mins and came back . My drive way has puddles of oil. Leaking fast . Too it to kwik car they informed me that I have a leak in the turbocharger. It’s leaking into my exhaust. I got the oil added to the car yesterday and today my oil is already low and almost empty.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Mar 1, 2024
Driving on freeway and car suddenly would no longer accelerate over 40mph. Pulled off the freeway and large amounts of white smoke was coming from the exhaust. Turned off engine, looked under the hood and saw engine coolant bubbling. Attempted to restart car and it would no longer start. The car was towed to a Kia dealership and diagnosed as head bolts backing out of cylinder head causing leak and pressure with coolant and oil mixture. I was told my engine would need to be replaced.
Engine, Feb 29, 2024
My name is [XXX] Owner of KIA SORENTO 2016 V6 At the begging of this year in early January , my automobile starting showing extremely overheating conditions. My wife was taking our kids to school on a cold weather, 15 minutes from home and as she was arriving to the school parking lot she noticed the temperature indicator up to (H) mark, she then notice a loud buzzing sound coming from the engine.She parked the car immediately as she could , shutdown the engine and asked my kids to leave the car immediately . She called me very frightened and worry about my kids safety and hers. She said that she was able to shutdown the engine but the temperature indicator stayed on H mark and the buzzing sound was still on. Then, I remember receiving a latter from Kia Corporate Headquarters, extending the warranty on my car on mid December 2023. The letter states that the warranty has been extended because it's a potential overheating and coolant leaking that it has been related to the cylinder head gasket and head bolts. We reached out to a dealer right after the incident and on [XXX] we took our car for inspection and acknowledge the mechanical problem. All the sings of the fail system of the engine are present in my car. My car has been at the dealer since [XXX] and as of now Kia Corporate has fail to proceed with the approval of the repairs of my car. I have been renting cars all this time and the dealer personal said they can't approve to pay any rental until Kia Corporate Headquarters acknowledge the fail engine. Its absurd that Kia Corporate Headquarters have the knowledge of this dangerous mechanical issues in my car engine but fail to acknowledge repairs. The case it's no longer" to be determine" on their data base, its updated to repair as fallow but yet has not acknowledge that our car has to be fix under their extended warranty and my wife still driving my kids on a rental car . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Feb 29, 2024
While driving the auto lights shut off and I must turn on lights. This has happened a few times
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
While driving the car, the engine temperature started fluctuating and finally reached over temp. The engine failed. I towed the car to my mechanic and initially thought that the head gasket had blown. However, upon inspection, they found that the engine head bolt to the engine block was damaged. The threads were stripped. The only repair option for this problem was to replace the engine block. I believe the engine on this vehicle is a 3.3-liter Lambda II V6. This car only had 87,000 miles on it.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
Steering on car felt sticky or as if power steering was not working. It seems to be an intermittent problem occurring mostly at highway speeds of approximately 60 mph. It seems to be a safety issue because steering feels unresponsive to feel of steering wheel. Dealer says that I will have to bring it in where they can diagnose to confirm. If problem continues I will take it in to be checked. Vehicle has not given any warnings or indications of problems/service needed. The problem was first noticed on 02/12/2024 and then again on 02/23/2024.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the engine was empty of engine oil a week after an oil change. After oil was added, the contact's husband observed that a quart of oil had been consumed in a few days. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that excessive oil sludge and hard carbon build-up was in the valve and stems. The contact was also informed that the piston rings were worn and that there was scoring on the cylinder walls. The contact also stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the engine oil warning light flashed on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with piston failure and a misfire in cylinder #2. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Engine, Feb 27, 2024
The Engine failed at 79,000 miles due to the known defect with their 2016 Kia Sorento engines. Kia is unwilling to honor their recall due to not completing what they refer to as a Product Improvement prerequisite. Kia admitted these Product Improvements are only communicated to original owners and not published through any recall so a consumer that purchased a pre owned vehicle would have no way of knowing about this unless they ask for it specifically at a Kia dealership.
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
Engine failed Kia decided that part is Not covered under warranty and dealer expects us to pay $6500 This car is only 8 years old, 88,500 miles. How can Kia sell faulty engines and still expect someone to pay outrageous price to repair their junk cars?!
Engine, Feb 23, 2024
turbo feed pipe, high pressure fuel line, oil feedline gaskets, oil return line gaskets, turbo oil feed line. problems started happening in 2016 with turbo. 2020-2024 seem to be having problems with turbo lines and oil lines and nothing seems to be connected. in 2020 something happened and lost oil but no lights came on. also, have had more recalls on this vehicle than any other one i have owned. if there is a problem with this engine or turbo, i just wanted to have my concerns recorded.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
It was determined by a local mechanic that the engine was damaged due to a internal rod busting through the block of the engine. This caused an immediate shutdown of the vehicle in the middle of traffic on a cold night with my 7-month old daughter in the vehicle. I suppose it could have been worse if the engine had caught fire or if we were on the highway, thankfully we were barely accelerating from a stop light. The engine has not been inspected by Kia as they claimed it would cost over $300 to just look at it, and it is well known from the original mechanic what the issue was. We did contact Kia about it but they were unwilling to fix the issue. We were quoted over $10000 for a replacement engine but that was all the help we got. Prior to this sudden destruction of our engine all normal oil changes and maintenance had been done and there were no warning lights on the dash.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
Driving loud pop and crunch white smoke loss of power vehicle would not start after found prices of head underneath vehicle. Known issue with the 3.3 leaking coolant into engine and failing
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2024
The engine of the vehicle and other parts had a problem which had caused the vehicle to not accelerate fast enough. It also made the car shake when it was stopped. The component that is malfunctioning is available for inspection. If the car does not accelerate on the road, then it can cause a crash which can lead to injuries or even death. Especially if the car has to turn left and other cars are incoming, it can lead to serious issues if the car does not go fast enough. It can lead to injuries to the driver and the passengers. The vehicle was initially put for inspection to the manufacturer in Lou Sobh Kia, "fixed", and then was given back in a condition where the effects stated above continued to occur. We then took the vehicle back to the manufacturer where they further reviewed the car. They reviewed it again and did not tell us enough information about the issues going on with the car. Since we did not think they were reviewing the car properly, we took it Rick Case Kia where they were able to spot out the engine problem. It was also reviewed by a Korean service center and Good Year where they both told us that it was an engine and timing belt/chain problem, whereas Lou Sobh Kia weren't able to properly capture the issue. Both the engine light and oil light were on which is why we took it to Kia Lou Sobh, and they first appeared around October-November 2023.