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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 19, 2023
My engine failed with no warning, my car shut down on the hwy. It was a safety issue because the car shut down while driving on the hwy and could have resulted in a traffic accident. This problen is all over the internet. There were no warning lights. Car ran fine up until it stalled and lost power and shut down. When towed to the repair shop, I was told it was completely out of oil, metal shavings were in the oil filter. The shop replaced oil and the car ran for a bit with knocking noise. On the way to the kia dealership, after learning this was an issue with my type of vehicle, the car shut down again and had to be towed to the dealership. My request for engine replacement was denied even though it is well within 100.000 miles and or 10yrs. It has 84,000 miles. I feel this is KIA's responsibilty to replace my engine. At this time, they are charging me $10,600 to replace my engine.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 17, 2023
Sometimes the cruise control works. Sometimes it doesn't work. Even after vehicle is warmed up still no resolution. Engine oil disappears without notice or warning.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2023
The roller for the headliner falls when I open the sunroof and this causes me not to be able to see out of my mirrors when driving. There has not been an accident or anything to the vehicle and the vehicle has been taken care of the entire time.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2023
The headliner in the truck does not roll back properly and just out the blue falls down when I open the sun roof.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
Car shutters and stalls and metal shavings in the oil pan
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2023
At various times the headlights shut off while in "auto" mode. Since it is "auto" mode it is always at night and you suddenly cannot see the road. We have found when this happens that the system goes to the "Parking" light mode. Rotating the multi-function switch to a different position other than "auto" and back allows the headlights to come back on. We have not found a pattern in this dangerous event where we are able to repeat the failure.
Engine, Aug 25, 2023
2016 Kia Sorento suddenly without any warning lights started losing power while driving on busy intersection. Vehicle dies, have towed, they say looks like there was no oil despite fairly recent oil change and without oil light popping up. Mechanic states it was ok for now but would need to start thinking about a new engine. Pick up vehicle and it didn’t even make it home before it lost power in an intersection again. Called Kia multiple times and despite other Kia’s having this issue apparently my vehicle is not one of the ones with a recall. There is nothing they can do for me. Owe 11k on vehicle, motor will probably be close to that. For now I am making payments on a vehicle that won’t go anywhere. Went to Kia dealership to see what help they could provide and their suggestion was to stop making payments and let them take vehicle back. Obviously I’m still making payments. But then they sold me a used Hyundai which subsequently caught fire a month later. Turned out while it didn’t have a recall on the Hyundai it had a campaign about a software update that would have indicated a problem before my engine caught fire. Dealership couldn’t have cared less, I’m aware that one was a Hyundai but that’s the level of customer service Kia provides. And will also sell you a vehicle with outstanding issues and not bring to your attention.
Structure, Aug 22, 2023
The paint on the body of my vehicle just started rapidly peeling off on its own really bad from passenger door handle and spreading.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2023
3.3 liter engine - no warning not part of recall or knock sensor per Kia - driving slow ( thank God ) just died . Towed to the dealer - hearing 3 different story’s ? Diagnosis ? Manifold or Rod Bearing issue - whole engine needs replaced over 15k cost . Doing research on this issue snd see many complaints on all makes and models / expect a recall on this vehicle in time as well - it’s only a matter of time till someone is hurt or killed due to Kias repeated negligence in regards to engine failure - the dealer and corporate are ignoring this and that is not acceptable .
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
I purchased a like new 2016 KIA Sorento with about 6000 miles on it. Maintenance was performed by Dealer on regular schedule. After appx 40,000 miles, early in 2021, I noticed obscene oil consumption, at least 1 quart every 325 miles. Dealer checked the engine and said "Yes, it is losing oil somewhere.", but did nothing to fix it. High oil consumption continued and eventually cylinders 2 and 4 blew out on interstate with a car load of kids mid-year 2022. Dealer fixed this at my cost of about $1700.00. Late 2022, just past 100,00 miles, one of the exhaust valves broke and pretty much destroyed the engine. Dealer confirmed the issue and stated they would not replace the engine or repair the engine, and recommended I find a mechanic. Since December 2022, I've had the car towed multiple times to the Dealer and then to 2 different shops and no one can or wants to fix the engine. The mechanic where the car has been sitting since February 2023 now says I need to look for an engine myself and he will switch it out. What a sorry company KIA is. I've bought 3 KIAs from the Dealer and I bet this will be my last one. Is there any help is getting my problem resolved?
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
The vehicle lost.all power engine started to knock stopped in the middle of traffic in 4 lanes almost causing an accident 700 miles from home. Mechanic states engine is blown and that Kia engines don't last past 100000 it will cost me almost 11000 to get a new Kia plus had to pay for rental car motel etc to get home. Pathetic and extremely dangerous and car has to be pushed out of traffic and get a tow truck to haul it. I will never ever purchase a Kia again and will tell everyone I know not to purchase and of course the warranty was off so I have no can and lose 110000..Kia should be held responsible as it looks like this is a continuing and dangerous issue.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
Car engine suddenly started to fail, no power, engine knocking, died in traffics turning into an intersection extremely dangerous
Engine, Aug 16, 2023
My engine was replaced under the recall approx 10,000km ago. Now, my car is over heating. Check engine light has NOT come on ever. There seems to be oil in my radiator as the colour is that of a milky brown.
Power train, Aug 16, 2023
Was driving to work RPM's jumped up and stayed after releasing gas pedal. The engine started knocking. Pulled off the road at gas station near by. Shut car off. Had to have car towed to back to my house.
Engine, Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that she noticed that the temperature gauge was continuously fluctuating. The contact checked the oil level and noticed that there was no oil in the vehicle; even though the engine oil had been changed two weeks prior. The contact added 3 quarts of oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced, and that the failure was related to Kia Campaign Number: 2002B. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not replace the engine unless it had completely failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Engine, Aug 16, 2023
My oil light was not working and even though I was having maintenance done on my car regularly, my piston rings failed and my car was burning oil between oil changes and I did not know it. Now, my car needs a new engine which I cannot afford and Car Shield is refusing to honor their warranty. I have been without a car for 4 months while it sits at a shop
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2023
While driving through a rain storm on 8/13/23 the paint on my vehicle started to peel off. I have since discovered that this is an issue with KIA, especially the Pearl White color. My vehicle looks like it has been vandalized. Pictures are available. My safety was jeopardized when chunks of paint from the hood were hitting my windshield while driving on the Interstate. On 8/14/23 I took my vehicle to a body shop and they estimated $3,336 to repair or repaint the damage. The formal estimate is available, too. I have been unable to talk to a live person at Kia customer service, but will continue to call so the incident is on the record with them. My contact information is: [XXX] Cell [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2023
I was driving, pulled over to the side of the street, put the car on park. When I was getting ready to leave, my car would not shift back from park to drive. Shift linkage was detached and was stuck in park.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023, fire
The engine on our 2016 Kia Sorento blew in February (2023) with 120k miles on it. When this happened, it blew a fist sized hole on each side of the engine. A brief fire was seen under the car but quickly went out. Since it was over the MFG warranty, we had to buy a used engine for $7k. Labor was $3k. There were absolutely no warning lights on the dash. Fast forward 6 months, the replacement engine now just seized. You just can't make this up. Kia should not be allowed to make cars. The car broke down in a small town 3 hours from home. With $11k still owed on the vehicle, I just can't justify spending another $10k to replace the motor again. There were no warning signs this time either. Our engine is the 3.3L which Kia is not offering lifetime warranty on and out of pocket expenses like the 2.0L and 2.2L engine which lawsuit was just won.
Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2023
"Auto" mode on headlights sometimes causes the headlights to turn off while in use in dark conditions. Auto mode also sometimes causes the lights not to turn on automatically or turn on randomly, even when the car is not in use and key is not in the ignition. Lights can turn on randomly when not occupied or being driven.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2023
Primary Emission test Performed:OBD - Fail OBD SYSTEM - READYNESS STATUS Fuel System not ready My 2016 Kia Sorento repeatedly fails for above cause. Kia dealer proposed driving the car varying speed (Highway, City etc.) Their first recommendation was to drive car for 100 miles and problem will clear. Then they recommended 300 miles, then 600 miles and they continued to escalate the mileage. I have driven the car 1200 miles and the problem persists. I contacted Kia corporate and the customer rep said that she knew nothing about the problem and she said that I should just tell the dealer to fix the car. I told the rep that I already had several interactions with the dealer without any luck. I told her to contact the dealer, which she would not commit to doing. I am driving the car that has inspection sticker which is two months past due. This is the only car that I have and my wife and I require the car for necessities and doctor appointments and medical procedures. Please help!
Power train, Engine, Aug 7, 2023
Total engine failure on highway with no warning. Kia dealership says a piston broke and a valve is stuck open. Total engine replacement required with a cost of $12,000. Kia refused to help with cost due to car being at 101,000 miles. Only 1,000 miles over the powertrain warranty.
Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost oil , the low oil and low fuel warning lights did not illuminate. The vehicle started to slow down and it made an abnormal noise and lost power. When she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would make a jerking motion. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder and the vehicle was towed to a safe area. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Trailer hitches, Engine, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to drive at highway speeds, the vehicle lagged and was unable to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Aug 1, 2023
I have paint peeling from the hood of my car, the pearl white paint is bubbling up and peeling all by itself. KIA says the it's past the 3 year warranty period so I am responsible for the repair. I have never had paint peel from a car for no reason.