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, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023, fire
Fire from fuel pump engine failure catalytic converter issues from engine
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
My kia Sorento 2016 uses excessive amount of oil resulting in engine failure. At the moment my car need an engine replacement. I took my car to get a diagnostic at the auto shop, I was informed that my car engine was dying. I did some searching online, and I find out that Kia Sorento are known to have engine issues and unusual excessive consumption of oil.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
My Kia Sorento 2016 use alot of oil, resulting in my car needing a new engine. The contact stated to cancel the complaint because the wrong vehicle was entered.
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
Replaced engine 6 months ago only to have the same problem again engine is locked won't start cut off while driving excessive oil consumption
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2023
my car got stolen and have had really bad service on kia end i got insurance to pay for most would like at least my 500.00 debuctable back
Structure, Jul 25, 2023
The paint on my vehicle began peeling about a year ago, 2022, right above the top of the windshield. Drivers side. About 6 months ago, approx Jan 2023, I noticed a few paint chips on the hood missing. One of them is extremely large and has paint peeling off around the edges. I am afraid to wash it as hoping more does not peel. You see bare metal underneath my paint. My vehicle only has about 74k miles on it. It is white in color but appears to also have sparkles within the paint.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
Steering doesn't aways respond to turning immediately while driving the vehicle.Steering has become difficult this is the second time for this repair to be needed service done in 2020 now service is needed again in 2023 same area the mdps motor repair and other dealer stuff. I believe KIA is aware of the problems I believe there is a recall or some kind of help for me and my family to travel safely in this vehicle please help me get the needed repairs covered ASAP I took the vehicle to the dealer on 7-21-2023
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2023
My shifting lever acts all wonky. Feels lose. It acts as if it does not want to go into the gears I put it in, especially park. I have to wiggle the lever before it will lock. When I put it in reverse it takes a minute before the R comes up and then my back up camera won’t come on because I feel it’s not telling it that’s it’s in reverse. Yesterday I was driving the SUV and going down the road and all of a sudden it was like my SUV was put into to neutral going down the road, nothing touched the shifting lever but it was as if the car had no idea what gear it was in. This worries me as if someone was behind me I could have been rear ended. This is a real safety concern to me and my family. The SUV only has 60,000 miles on it. Are there any issues with this make and model? I would really hate to get into an accident.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2023, fire
Vehicle inspection catalytic converter fumes coming inside vents causing fire an frame issues
Engine, Jul 18, 2023, crash, fire
Car was in an accident; started on fire, car is totalled
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
Engine stopped working.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence and then to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: PI1802B; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,571.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
My issues began when the vehicle was leaking oil, took it to dealer and was told I needed a valve cover gasket (?). After that repair the vehicle began to burn oil excessively. I noticed this after the check engine light came on previously. I took it to the dealer and was told I needed spark plugs. Plugs were replaced but the vehicle continued to burn oil. Check engine light came on. At approximately 7am as I traveled on a very busy highway so my Kia Sorento began to sputter before losing power.
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2023
When driving at night with the light switch in auto position, headlight will turn off. Sometimes, turning the switch to off and back to auto will make them work. Sometimes wiggles the switch will make them work. Sometimes you have to switch them to on to make them work.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2023
After I got the for my car. I took my carto a mechanic. He ran several test and concluded that my car has an electrical problem.
Engine, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH and accelerating uphill, the vehicle rapidly decelerated, and lost motive power before reaching the top of the hill. The contact was able to safely exit the freeway but was afterwards unable to reach RPM's above 2,000. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for a second opinion, which confirmed the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2023
was driving at 11mph and car would not Accelerate almost causing and accident issues with engine sparking flames fuel system problems, transmission issues when putting the vehicle into park. Engine problems check engine light keeps blinking on an off system says park vehicle do to diagnosed problems. suspension issues afraid to drive vehicle do to so many safety problems.
Engine, Jul 8, 2023
On Fathers Day, my 2016 Sorento had a flashing check engine light. I pulled it over and had it towed to the dealer I purchased it from. While they thought it was a knock sensor, they could not ensure that would fix the problem. I then had it towed to another mechanic who diagnosed it as a bad connecting rod in the motor. . It was at this time that they told me there was a recall for this type of engine, which is the 2.4 TDI. After contacting 4 dealerships, Kia of Lanham agreed to look at it but I must show proof of the last 10 oil changes. Fortunately, while I just purchased the truck in December 2022, the Carfax report detailed that the SUV had been serviced by a Kia dealership in VA. I have incurred 3 towing charges, 2 diagnostic fees plus a 2 week car rental until I could purchase another vehicle. Finally, it is well known by many mechanics that Kia’s customer service is often poor and st times, quite arrogant. If my 7 year old, 114k mile Sorento is not repaired, I will NEVER buy another Kia or Hyundai product again.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated and while coming to a stop, the oil warning light illuminated while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that on several occasions, upon start up, the vehicle lost power after hearing the engine rev. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and placed on a diagnostic machine, and it was determined that the power train, throttle pedal position sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer 3 months ago for an undisclosed failure however, after the vehicle was retrieved, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2023
I was accelerating as normal and as soon as i got up to speed my car started to decelerate without me pushing the break. I could then not accelerate at all. I was able to pull off to the shoulder/ median of the road and was thankfully able to avoid a crash. Once I was stopped I could not accelerate anymore. I turned off the engine and was not able to restart it. There was no check engine light warning or any warning for that matter. I had to get the car towed to a local car shop. They did an evaluation and told me the engine seized and it would be an estimate of $11,000 to replace the engine. I went to research and found out there has been a recall on the exact year, model and engine of my car and there was never and notice of this or that there has been other safety problems with Kia sorentos.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
Shift lock does not come out of park. Started September 2022. Excessive oil burning 2 quarts a month( every 500 miles) Started June 2022 Low oil light does not turn on ever Electrical issues. Locks turn on and of every time I open door. Check engine light is always on. Since I bought the car. Kia tried fixing but it didn't help. Now have engine failure.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2023
The oil pressure switch failed in our 2006 Kia Sorento with 46,681 miles. We purchased this car new from same Kia dealer that services it. The oil leaking from the pressure switch got onto the exhaust manifold, and lots oil had traveled through wiring harnesses and got inside electrical connectors including half filling inside the computer unit ECM/ECU? main pin wiring connection. After searching online I found that many other people have reported the same oil leaking problem with the oil pressure switch in various Kia vehicles, though the Kia dealership told me there is no recall for it. This was surprising to me especially when I noticed smoke coming off of manifold when I took it to the Kia service center, and when their repair service man sent me a video from Kia showing the amount of oil that leaked up the wires inside of harness into the electrical pin connections going to the car computer system. I do have a copy of this video. This seems very concerning to me and makes me worried.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Yesterday while driving the engine began to shake and seize, it would not accelerate above 40 mph. I was seconds from entering the hwy but pulled into quick trip where it died and had to be towed at own expense. Oil pressure sensor had been flashing on periodically when breaks were applied between regular oil changes. Vehicle was consuming 3-4 qts of oil between oil changes, which is not normal. There were no signs of any oil leaks, oil light did not remain illuminated to suggest low oil levels, nor a check engine light warning. Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. When contacting KIA was told I would need a warranty to fix. This is not a warranty issue, this is a KNOWN issue and class action lawsuit related to these symptoms. I was seconds from a possible fatal accident on the highway and I'm sure a buy back or vehicle exchange would be better than a lawsuit involving corporate negligence resulting in a death.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2023, fire
automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, fuel pipe exhaust causing fumes to come through the vent area causing fire and smoke. accelerator assembly issues when driving
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Jun 27, 2023
I have been calling Kia corporate for a year now. They will put me on hold or transfer me until they think I give so they disconnect me! I finally got a supervisor on the phone to help me and he was very rude. I told him that “I knew Kia did not want to have a situation where one of their vehicles caught on fire with children in it” and his answer was “ma’am that happens all the time”. They have not fixed the seven recalls that are on my 2016 Kia Sorrento. Not one out of seven. I asked for whatever was fair, I buy back, I trade, whatever was fair for both parties, and asked to speak to that gentleman’s [XXX] Supervisor so she could listen to that call. When I got a callback, she did apologize or say anything about the car and then she had [XXX] call me back again so that he can tell me that in the state of North Carolina, there was nothing they could do for me because he cannot do a buyback, and he cannot do a trade-in. I know that is incorrect. I have friends and family that work at Car Dealerships and one place is Chrysler Dodge. We got this car because we had a two year old and I had done research for six months and wanted it so bad and they only had it for two days. They never even had time to check it out but they still sold it to us. I still got some of the man [XXX] information that was the previous owner. If they looked it over so well, why did I have to drive back there twice to get head rests? Why when I brought all this information up to them? Did they throw me straight to Kia corporate. We bought this vehicle at Bob King Kia in Winston, Salem North Carolina. I don’t expect a telluride from 2023 to pull up with a bow on it. I do expect to be treated like a fair consumer, so I have something to say to drive my child in. It got to the point where my best friend let us buy her minivan. Literally having to get out to check if there’s fumes smoke my door handle broke there was a recall, there’s a recall on the hatchback it doesn’t open anymore etc INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).