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 15, 2023
I was driving down the interstate going 80mph when all of the sudden the vehicle lost power. I had to dodge traffic and cross over into another lane to get to the side of the road I’m lucky I made it and nobody was hurt.
Engine, Feb 9, 2023, fire
Smelled something burning. Pulled over and noticed smoke coming from under hood. Called the fire department. It was fully engulfed by the time they got there. Pictures of it burning are available. The vehicle is a total loss. Police report taken today 2-9-2023. Insurance company being notified. No warning lamps. No check engine light. No inspections made yet.
Trailer hitches, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) several months ago; 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but could not confirm when parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Feb 8, 2023
My engine needed to be replaced after they said it overheated and was beyond repair.
Engine, Feb 7, 2023
We were driving home from a road trip in November 2022 - and the heater was failing, not working. There were no warning lights showing. There was a rattling-type sound when we got nearer to home and since there were still no warning lights coming on, we got the car home. Checked the coolant and oil levels - topped them off (not too low). The next morning, I was going to drive to work - started the car and it sounded rough. Took daughter's car to work. My husband took the car to shop near the house - they said they got air pocket out of coolant line and suspected head gasket was blown. Took it to KIA dealer and they confirmed head was blown and would need a new engine - $12,000. Never had any indication of overheating until just before we took it to the dealer - the temp gauge indicator would be in the middle then would rise to high and go right back down to middle. Did that a couple of times on ride to the dealer. It's now sitting in my garage while I figure out what to do with it.
Seat belts, Feb 6, 2023
We bought a used 2016 Kia Sorrento. Upon driving, we realized that the seat belts were not tightening up on the driver's seat. We took the car into Kia in order to get the seat belt fixed. They told us it was the seat belt tentioner was bad and that the repair would not be covered under any kind of warranty. I called Kia directly to ask them to override what the dealer was telling me and cover the seat belt since it was a safety issue and the car was under 10 years old. They denied my claim.
Engine, Feb 4, 2023
I have had my car less than a month as I’m driving my car starts to rattle loudly and loses power I go to a nearby auto zone and they run a test which says I have a recall on my engine
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2023
On 02/03/2023 and once before, I stepped on brake to come to a stop and car accelerated to the point that braking took more distance to come to a stop. I called the Kia dealer today and got an appointment which is scheduled for 02/09/2023 to have them inspect vehicle for problem. I read an article published 11/23/2021 by [XXX] on the MotorBiscuit website that states the problem is with an issue with the throttle contol system. This problem nearly caused my to crash into car in front of me and could have been catastrophic if I had been going at a higher rate of speed and had to stop quickly. resulting in loss of life or injuries to myself and others. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There were no warnings. The floor rug was not jammed under accelerator. The first time it happened was also when coming to a stop. At that time I wasn't sure why it happened. This time myself and my passenger both heard the engine revving while I was trying to brake. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 1, 2023
With just a few payments left on my 2016 Kia Sorento I was traveling home from work when without any warning at all, my car, in the middle lane of a highway, dropped from about 65 miles an hour down to 30 mph. This almost caused a major accident involving many cars. I managed to get the car off the road and to the mechanic. I was told that there was very little oil left in the motor, which was hard to believe because I was only a month beyond my scheduled oil change. I was told by the mechanic that this engine is known to start burning oil at an excessive rate without warning. I was also told that the motor was no longer any good due to the damage that was caused. I was disappointed to find out there was no recall and I was left with a car that had very little value. Please recall these cars before someone gets hurt or worse.
Trailer hitches, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact mentioned that a recall notice was received confirming the remedy was available and to contact a local dealer however, the dealer informed the contact that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Trailer hitches, Jan 31, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Jan 30, 2023
2016 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PAINT PEELING ON VEHICLE.
Engine, Jan 27, 2023
The Engine failed due to bolts backing out of the engine and causing a leak into the exhaust system.This causes the head gasket to leak. This comes without warning of any kind. Kia is aware of this problem. There were not any warning lights on. It was diagnosed at an independent service center.
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
Did oil change on vehicle about a week ago. A week later checked oil noticed it was a quart low and put more oil in. Next day heard a knocking sound come from engine compartment. Checked oil noticed no oil. No warning lights came on to show I had low oil. Put more oil in took to kia. Kia told me that engine rods are gone and engine is fried. Need new engine and its going to cost me $11,000. No lights or warning system was in place when I bought the car and no one informed me of any update or issue needed to prevent this. Car only has 67000 miles on it so I should still be covered under manufacturing warranty but they are blaming me for the no oil when no idiot lights came to tell me low oil. This is Kias fault.
Engine, Jan 22, 2023
I had no warning lights come on all of a sudden steam and anti freeze blew from outside hood luckily I was right near home pulled in popped hood all Xtra antifreeze gone from back up container .had triple A tow to a mechanic as thought it was a hole in radiator or hose fell off.He got back to me and said there are exhausted gases in antifreeze and my head gasket is blown !Nothing ever gave me a clue just happened.He suggested towing to kia as only 70.000 miles and he said there is a leak either from head gasket bolt .but somehow this is a reason for kia as he has read many complaints the same as mine.not the knock sensor issue this is a whole new problem with v6 engine .so I owe 15,000.00 for a car that does no longer run kia will do nothing as had towed to dealership.what do I do? I can not find anyone to do engine cause there are none there are no recalls on this issue!Kia needs to be held accountable for all there issues !As my car is still there cause have no idea what to do !so now still paying payments with no help from them!please look on kia complaint you will see so many others with same issue! https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/news-blog/hyundai-and-kia-s-decade-of-very-troublesome-engines-continues-44497118
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
Was driving my car and the engine began to knock and then died. Looked at the oil and there was no oil on the dip stick. No warning light ever came on that the oil was low! Had to have it towed to a mechanic that said I now have to replace the engine!!!
Engine, Jan 19, 2023
Engine block threads stripped causing head gasket to blow. This vehicle has 108,000 miles and now needs a new engine. Very common issue.
Trailer hitches, Jan 18, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact has tried contacting the manufacturer several times but they claim that there isn't a solution to the problem. The contact also states that Uhaul could fix it with third-party harnesses and that Kia should be responsible for the cost of that repair.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 17, 2023
More often than not I’m finding I have to add oil to the car. It gives no warning the oil is low, no light, no smoke. The car starts to run a little hard so we check the oil. Each time we check the oil is low and needs more. We have gotten oil changes on the recommended schedule. Yet the problem still persists. Also I notice at times when pushing the gas to accelerate it almost seems hard to do.
Power train, Engine, Jan 17, 2023
Car started to make a knocking noise especially when accelerating , however no lights on dash indicated anything was wrong. Car started fluttering and engine died. Started the car again, more knocking and fluttering before the engine died. Pulled over and checked oil. It was low so had someone bring me oil. Put in 3.5 quarts and got the car started again. The car was still making the knocking sound but was able to drive .5 mile to the closest mechanic. They said it is a serious engine problem from the sounds of it and instructed me not to drive it but to get it towed to the dealer.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
Purchased vehicle April 2019 and properly maintained it with no major issues until September 2022 when the alternator went and was replaced with a new alternator but the car was no longer reliable at that point as it spent several trips to the shop (where it resides currently). The catalytic converter was throwing a code but the car was running okay so we were told to see what happens The smell of antifreeze was strong and the engine overheated despite our best efforts (from mechanics with various backgrounds and experience levels). We were told post diagnostic test days before Christmas that the engine block was “walking” and a new engine would be the only true and effective repair for it. In disbelief and penniless at this point we got a second and third opinion from other reputable mechanics. The last shop actually tore the engine apart and was able to confirm that the cylinders were so badly warped that a machine shop wouldn’t be able to make them usable. The mechanic commented about how awful the cylinders looked, and that putting the engine back together would be a complete waste of time because the engine would surely throw codes, it was just a matter of when. He also urged us to replace the engine. At this point we have reached out to the administrator for our gap optional warranty we purchased and despite the contract clearly stating there is ample engine coverage, he refuses to cover labor and/or parts. This was my first Kia and will without a doubt be my last. With days before my senior semester of nursing school starting my car sat at a shop (where it still sits) and the customer service, or lack thereof I have received has been nothing short of appalling. School is stressful enough and with no reliable transportation it’s really been a treat. Also worth mentioning the fact the car was running so terribly it put quite the damper on mine and my kids holidays.
Power train, Jan 13, 2023
Car started to make a knocking noise, however no lights on dash indicated anything was wrong. Checked oil and the oil was low, had to add 4 quarts of oil, checked for leaks and nothing was leaking. Two weeks later noticed the car was driving a little different, checked oil and had to add two more quarts of oil.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
The vehicle had 87000 miles. On two occasions the engine overheated , requiring a tow. After the 1st incident a local mechanic ran tests and thought the radiator cap needed replacing. It ran fine until a few weeks driving up a mt. pass it overheated again, leaving me stranded on a two lane hwy in 20 degree temps with no cell service. Had it towed to Reno ,nv kia dealership they said it had blown a head gasket and then a few weeks later said the entire engine would have to be replaced ( the threads to the cylinder were stripped). The original mechanic and lia dealership are the only ones to have looked at or inspected the vehicle. As soon as I noticed the temperature gauge at an elevated level, I immediately pulled over and turned off the motor.
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
My engine failed while driving at 65 mph. There were no warning signs: no check engine light, no low oil pressure, and the temperature gauge prior to failure looked normal. My car had been well-maintained with regular oil changes within the recommended intervals with synthetic oil. The engine failed at approximately 103k miles; there were no known issues prior to failure.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate to notify the contact that the oil level was low. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump started. The vehicle was started and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The mechanic performed an oil change on the vehicle. The cause of the failure with the exterior lighting was not yet determined. The contact stated that the bulbs were replaced at Walmart. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.