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, Feb 19, 2024
Son's vehicle began overheating, so he took to his mechanic. Determined that the thermostat in the cooling system was bad and replaced it. About a week later (2/2/24), sitting at a stoplight, car began to overheat again. Took back immediately to mechanic and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. Waited 17 days only to find out when mechanic went to replace head gasket, discovered the threads in the block were pulled out. Now looking at replacing engine block for a lot more time and money. Seems to be common issue with this model and should be a recall.
Engine, Feb 18, 2024
I bought this vehicle 2/1/24. I have taken to Valvoline for the past 5 oil changes. On each receipt it showed an engine oil leak. on 2/16/24 I smelled something burning. So I checked the oil level and found that it was almost empty. There was Not an engine oil light warning that the oil is low. I took my vehicle back to Valvoline to have them check it. They told me that they noted on each of the invoices that there was an engine oil leak. I had only driven 2000 miles since my last oil change and the oil level should not be this low. This should not be happening.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 17, 2024
We were driving on the [XXX] on [XXX] with a speed of around 70 miles per hour. We started to see a small amount of white smoke coming from under the hood and at the same time the truck started to slow down by itself unexpectedly and then started to jerk back and forth. No indicators showed up on the dashboard. The speed reduced quickly and hitting the gas pedal did nothing to accelerate our speed. The white smoke started to increase and it became difficult to see. We then saw the temperature gauge go all the way up to hot out of nowhere. There were vehicles all around us and the passengers in the car started to yell to try to get to the shoulder. We had to maneuver very quickly through traffic with the car continuing to jerk at a very slow speed, which was very scary and dangerous. We were finally able to slowly get over to the shoulder. We turned off the truck. When we opened the hood, white smoke was everywhere coming from the engine and the coolant in the plastic receptacle was bubbling. The coolant looked like it was about to explode and the driver got burned trying to remove the cap. There was significant heat coming from the engine. The coolant then drained out of the receptacle. When we tried to start the truck again it would not start. We spend hours trying to get a tow to a shop in NJ miles from where we live in NY. Several days later, the mechanic in NJ took a look at the car and he reported this week that the head gasket is blown and that we need a new engine. We plan to tow the truck back to NY to KIA where we have the car serviced normally to have it looked at. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Engine, Feb 16, 2024
The paint on my car start peeling out of nowhere… the hood of the car 12/26/2023 and the roof of the car 2/09/2024 peeled off in the rain I have pictures and videos… Kia said warranty only covers 36000 miles or 3 years on the car so they couldn’t help me …plus as the paint peels u can see the car was painted with no primer for the paint to stick …. I paid my car off to have it fall apart on me this is not acceptable..my car only has 63000 miles it shouldn’t be falling apart already … I’m having issues with the engine burning excessive oil .. Please help a very concerned client
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was overheating. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was sufficient coolant in the coolant reservoir, but there was no coolant in the radiator. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking out of the coolant reservoir due to pressure. The contact received notification of TSB Number: WTY035, which was related to the failure. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair could take 3-4 months. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Feb 16, 2024
Car was stalling like it was going to shut off. Took to a licensed mechanic where I'm being told that I have a faulty engine. Was told to take my Kia back to the dealership that I brought it from and if they give me kick back call corporate. Now they saying they can't fix my car due to my warranty being out.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
I was driving 78 mph on the interstate when my car did a hard snatch and I thought I hit something in the road I didn't see. I looked in rearview mirror and saw white/blue smoke and I looked down and all the dash lights started coming on. I slowed down and pulled off the side of the road and the engine turned off before I put it in park. Oil is pouring out of the bottom of the motor area. No warning lights, no limp mode or any warnings at all.
Engine, Feb 11, 2024
While accelerating on the turnpike after going through the tollbooth the engine seized with no warning. We were stranded. My family including my two small children were in the vehicle at the time. It has been confirmed by the repair shop. No lights appeared on the dash in relation to the vehicle stalling.
Engine, Feb 8, 2024
The coolant system depressurizes due to steel head bolts into the aluminum block. While driving, the coolant system released all pressurized coolant out of the coolant overflow tank. The engine began to overheat without warning in the middle of traffic while transporting children. Kia has sent out an Extended Warranty to all 2016-2017 Sorento owners to attempt to remedy the issue. Our dealership was able to reproduce the issue. We're being advised a 60-90-day wait on the engine/parts to resolve the claim. This should be filed as a recall and resolved promptly. 2-3 months for a nationwide extended recall is an absurd amount of time without a vehicle.
Power train, Feb 6, 2024
My car was driving fine and then on Saturday we went to our daughters birthday party and the car started making noises and you could see white smoke coming out the back of the car. We were getting off the highway and thankfully we pulled over. We saw engine oil just spilling out. There were no warning lights beforehand. We took it to a shop and they said the oil burned a hole through the engine. I am very upset as I am still paying on the car and my only option would be to pay 5000 to have it repaired or they repossess my vehicle.
Engine, Feb 5, 2024
Blown head gasket.. needle went to H .. no warning lights came on dash.. white smoke from tail pipe.. coolant smell inside car.. about 8 months ago.. talked to Kia then.. 108000 miles.. warranty expired.. has been parked secondary Kia wanted a lot of money ..told to hang on to it cause lots of complaints about head gaskets..thank you..warranty extended.. at Kia dealership in ft smith ar.. probably be there a year cause they don’t seem to known much and have that reputation.
Engine, Feb 3, 2024
Oil consumption with no low oil light.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2024
The shift suddenly locked when put in park...need to use the shift lock release to unlock it.
Engine, Jan 29, 2024
The engine died as I was driving on the freeway at 70 mph. My safety was at risk. I thank God the other drivers on the freeway were paying attention and as I slowly made it to the side of the freeway before it completely stopped rolling. The vehicle is still at the Kia dealership. The vehicle had been burning through oil very badly.
Power train, Jan 27, 2024
The 2016 Kia Sorento engine apparently has excessive oil usage leading to engine failure while driving on highway. Dealers are aware of the problem but Kia is not addressing the issue. Took the car in 3 times for Diagnostic check with no indication of any fault codes to address issue specifically. Now engine has failed despite our efforts to get ahead of the problem, and provide regular maintenance to our vehicle. Apparently dealers are well aware of the issue and aren't owning to it because Kia isn't supporting it.
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
I am experiencing coolant leaks possibly due to head gasket or engine bolt malfunction. I have received and extended warranty letter from kia but the dealers are saying kia has not provided a solution. The extended warranty is for 15 year/180,000 miles. I am currently at 172,000 miles and am concerned by the time a solution is provided to the dealer i will be out of the warranty period.
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
WE WERE DRIVING ON US 40 WEST BOUND,ENGINE SLOWED,AND STOPPED,ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON,FULL OF OIL WAS JUST CHANGED, WAS NOT LOW,TEMP WAS NOT HOT, TOWED HOME AAA. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC,JUST LUCKEY WE WERE NOT KILLED IN THAT HEAVY TRAFFIC
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
Head bolts come lose causing head gaskets to leak. Vehicle is losing coolant internally. My safety is at risk for now I have no vehicle to drive to get me to and from work, in order to afford food and housing, causing me to have a poor mental state, of which may or may not have a negative effect on my well-being. Poor design and quality is to blame and a large corporation such as Kia needs to be held accountable. I have no idea what other domino effects this poor design may have on other engine parts/failures. The contact is respectfully asking for this complaint to be listed as part of the investigation PE23019.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
There are many complaints about head gasket leaks. I have a head gasket leaks with 150,000 miles.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
Complete engine failure. Palmen Kia of Kenosha mechanics say it is an ongoing issue with this type of engine that Kia is fully aware of and that it should be covered by the factory Powertrain warranty but the company refuses to fix it. I also own an additional extended warranty through Educator’s Credit Union which won’t fix it for me.
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!
Structure, Jan 19, 2024
My 2016 Kia Sorento started about 2 months to peel, it was a quarter size spot and now is getting bigger every day !!
Engine, Jan 19, 2024
Cruise control was set on 60, went up a non steep incline I drive everyday and vehicle suddenly stopped functioning properly. Took off the cruise, step on the accelerator, no power and no response. Also no warning lights are on, no dash lights came on until I was able to stop the vehicle and shift to park. Turned off the engine and it never turned over again. My safety was put at risk and others on the road due to there being no warning to this happening and lack of control I had over the vehicle. I have had it inspected by my mechanic and he is telling me it was a catastrophic failure and the engine blew. Cost of repair isn't much less than a new vehicle. I have no trade in value on a car I purchased brand new 7 years ago. I have to scrap a vehicle I should be able to trade in for 5K at least. According to an article I found from Nov 2023 this has recently been found to be an issue with these models. I took really good care of this vehicle, it still blew up on me, and put me in danger.
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2024
On 12/15/23 my wife was driving her father to a dental appointment and when trying to pass a slower moving vehicle on a rural stretch of our highway system. The car died after she accelerated to pass the slower vehicle. She was in the oncoming lane of traffic when she lost engine power, power steering, power brakes and electronics. The car she was passing slowed down to allow her to get over, as a semi truck had now appeared on the horizon. Without any power, she could not complete the pass and had to force the car back into the correct lane where the car came to a stop partially in the roadway. Two vehicles behind her witnessed the issue and could tell she was having vehicle problems and helped push her, her dad, and the car to the side of the road into an orchard for safety. There were no warning symptoms, no loud sounds, nothing, just the control panel flashing intermediately after the car died. The car was towed to a local shop that thought it was possibly an electrical issue and replaced the battery (as that somehow died during the incident) but they soon identified the motor had seized and we should have it taken to a Kia dealership for a known issue with the 2.4L engines. The Kia dealership advised that a "Product Improvement Campaign", not a Safety Recall, had not been performed on the vehicle and that Kia had a class action lawsuit for this exact issue. Kia claims that postal notifications were sent to the previous owner, but had our information on file and registered as an owner through the Kia Owner web portal. Kia is refusing to cover the repair costs because the original owner never had the work completed, and as a second owner, we were never notified of the Knock Sensor Software Update that needed to ensure the car would go into limp mode before a total engine seizure. We never took the Kia to an actual dealer, as we had all maintenance done at various oil change locations, and an independent auto repair shop do the milestone services as recommended.
Engine, Jan 17, 2024
My car was overheating and no coolant was leaking. Took it to a Kia dealership and they said that it was due to failed head bolts warping the heads and damaging the block. They said they need to replace the engine and that this is an issue with 2016-2017 Kia Sorento.