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.
Trailer hitches, Jan 12, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Jan 10, 2023
My steering becomes "sticky" at highway speeds. It causes you to constantly correct your steering. This started as a subtle thing. Gradually I noticed it is more and more difficult to keep my vehicle between the lines and it feels dangerous. Now, the problem is also occurring at lower speeds. In February 2022, I took it to the KIA dealer and had them check it out. They said everything was normal and the alignment checked out OK. I think there should be a recall for this issue. 2016 Sorento EX AWD, Current mileage is 61,000. Problem first noticed at 40,000 miles.
Engine, Jan 8, 2023
The transmission of the 2016 Kia Sorento is now disabled. The car is currently undergoing repair at a Kia Dealership and Service Center. Kia has inspected the vehicle, and it has been determined that the engine needs replacing. Leading up to the engine failing, there were no signs of a repair needed. No check engine lights, oil light, etc. Nothing. The car seemed to be running just fine. Driving on the highway going about 65mph, the car began to shake violently and eventually slowed down. Only at that point did the oil and check engine light appear.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2023
Twice now my 2016 Kia GDI has had the same problem as many others. I had my oil changes made and they said there was no oil in the car. the oil light never came on. I am afraid to drive my car. Has there been a recall on this. or for a engine recall. My car is under warranty. Is
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2023
My vehicle broke down on 12/23/2022, it seemed engine failure. It happened while I was arriving to my job in the evening. I parked my car on parking lot and did not move it. Due to Christmas holiday, I was unable to tow the vehicle to my closest KIA Dealership (Owings Mills, MD) until 12/27/2022. Once my vehicle was towed, the KIA Dealership informed me that my vehicle had a total of four (4) Recalls, but one of the recalls expired. I informed the KIA Dealership that I never received Recall Notifications from any KIA department regarding my vehicle. Kia Dealership referred me to contact KIA Corporation at 1-800-333-4542, because they were not able to assist me with any vehicle repairs and it seemed this was an engine issue related to a recall. On 12/27/2022, with the help of a family member I contacted KIA Corp. and confirmed they did not have my personal information on their records in relation to my vehicle. I was advised they only had information about my vehicle's prior owner. I provided all my information: name, address, phone number, email address. I inquired about the recall notification issue and they stated it was my responsibility to look for recalls on my vehicle. However, KIA Corp. acknowledged they sent notices to prior owner on 12/7/2018 and 6/12/2019. I have escalated this matter to KIA Corp and received no help. They failed to send me recall notices, and as I understand is their responsibility to confirm ownership information through MVA and to send recalls to the current owner of the car. Please understand, I financed this vehicle through a KIA Dealership and still owe money for this vehicle. KIA even offered extended warranty, which I added when I financed this vehicle, but they refused to fix my car due to recall issue. I need your help to get this situation resolve, because the dealership now says it will cost me over $7000 to get this fix and this is not my fault. KIA Corp and Dealership have failed me. Thanks.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
This is the 2nd time. First time back in May 2022. Engine quite , no oil showing on stick while on the interstate. Had a mechanic look at it, usable to gind an oil leak, and replaced the fuel injection system. Told to only use mid grade which I have. Then my 2016 Kia Sorento's engine just quit again while driving down the interstate. With no warnings light or notification alerts the vehicle started loosing power, a loud clicking noise in the engine then it just stopped, cut off. I was able to roll off a ramp to stop. Checked the oil with nothing showing on the stick and had recently just had oil changed with 5 quarts put in.
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
While on a road trip my car started making a clicking sound when I would push the gas pedal to accelerate and the check engine light came on. I was going to have it checked out when I got to my destination as I was driving with my two children. As we neared our location, and I was driving up a hill, when I pressed the gas it would not accelerate. I was able to get it to an auto repair shop. They diagnosed it with needing new spark plugs and coils. I agreed to the repairs. When the mechanic when to start the work, he noticed that the engine was in bad shape and that he recommended it be towed to a dealership as there have been multiple issues with Kias and having engine issues. I had it towed and opened a case with Kia. I learned about the class action lawsuit. In reading the lawsuit, I have done all necessary work to maintain the vehicle, including updating the software required. I was informed today that the engine is not covered under the lawsuit due to the part of the engine, even though it is in the same area as the covered areas. My car was not safe to drive due to it having a faulty engine. My car was serviced for leaking oil in September of 2022 at a dealership, and they never informed me that there was any concern with the engine or issues. My car could have broken down or shut off while driving in the mountains leaving my children and I stranded. Kia has done nothing to resolve this issue, even though they know they are aware that these cars have engines that catch fire and are failing on people every day.
Structure, Jan 3, 2023
Paint peeling in large flakes from front hood area of vehicle. Dealer documented paint issue on Jan 2, 2023
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
Car started to overheat, high temp alert, heater would not warm. Repair shop did high pressure test for head gasket leak, no problems found- Car continues to use Antifreeze (no drips found on cardboard placed under car in garage), car runs well, but a/c, heater do not perform well. spending time at money at repair shop, no answers-
Power train, Engine, Jan 2, 2023
i was merging into traffic on the expressway and when i stepped on the gas the vehicle wouldnt accelerate and died on me, i was able to coast to the side of the expressway, the vehicle sputtered when i attemted to restart, and when i put in drive it died. once it was towed home, i was able to start it and back it up to the garage like 3 feet. but it was sputtering and shaking. this vehicle was purchased used, and the dealership replaced the headgasket approximately 3 months ago. i purchased it 4 months ago. now i'm having problems again and don't know how i'm going to fix this on going problem.
Engine, Dec 31, 2022
We have to constant add oil to the engine in between our 3000 mile oil changes, at least a quart or more. There are no oil leaks anywhere on the engine. The engine makes a loud "ticking" noise and doesn't have the power. The transmission also has issues shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. We have even noticed from time to time a smell of gasoline from what seems to be coming from under the vehicle, but no signs of it leaking anywhere. Also the gas pedal doesn't always have the same "feel" when pushing it
Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2022
I have a 2016 Kia Sorento with Pearl White Paint. My paint started chipping/pilling off. I would really call it pilling because it comes off while going down the road. It’s start with a small spot on the driver side with part that goes up the windshield. At first we thought it was from a rock but later that day more paint was missing. I just noticed that now a huge section on my roof right above the windshield is now doing the same thing. The spots are growing rapidly and more of them are happening.
Air bags, Dec 29, 2022, crash
October 19,2022 I was driving (cruise control about 70 mph) and hit a deer. The impact and damage was quite a bit however no airbags deployed. The car is still being repaired at Blakely Chevrolet in Blakely GA and they are having issues with airbag sensors.
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A tow hatch could catch on fire when driving which is terribly dangerous and saying it could cause fire while being parked as well. How do you expect people to keep driving and be stressed about being burned? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my family and I have been put at risk by letting us know that when driving our vehicle a fire can start anytime and we have to park away from all other cars outside. We live in a community where kids are playing outside all the time so if a fire does start not only are we putting ourselves in danger when driving the car but other people live if the car goes into flames. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have contacted a Kia dealer where I live and nobody has reached back out to me about the situation and that was the first that I received the letter. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It hasn't been inspected by a dealer if the dealer will not respond back and they are not taking appointments online from the Kia Dealer. If I am not hearing anything back I will have to take this further because, someone can get hurt if it's a recall on my car. I need a new car or something. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I didn't have any warnings because I always take my car to Valvoline for an oil change and they give me a paper if something is needed done to the car and this never came up until I received the message from GEiCO and the letter in the mail about the recall.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2022
The car is burning through a lot of oil and I see smoke from the engine bay (back of engine) though i don't see leaks under the car. It smells like burning oil.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2022
We bought our vehicle in April of 2020. In July 2020 our car broke down and Kia replaced the engine due to a recall that caused the engine to fail. We continued to get our oil changed per the recommended miles. In August of 2022, our turbo failed. We brought it into the dealership and were advised that the engine was bone dry of oil. There has been no oil leaks, nor was our oil light on. After some research we discovered despite this being a common issue with this motor that there is not a recall. Our turbo was replaced and now our entire engine of only two years old needs to be replaced again.
Trailer hitches, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that she heard an abnormal sound at the front of the vehicle. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The contact was unsure of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while receiving a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the vehicle had no oil in the engine. The mechanic added oil but then noticed that the oil return line was leaking. The dealer was contacted and stated that they are aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 162,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Dec 6, 2022
My vehicle began blowing cold air instead of heated air. Then the engine began over-heating and it cracked the radiator. After radiator was replaced my 2016 Sorento continued to blow cold air and continued to overheat. KIA dealership says I don't qualify for recall repairs. My mechanic says I do. My mechanic says my vehicle is not safe to drive. I want KIA to FIX MY 2016 Engine problem. On December 2, 2022 my vehicle overheated and began spewing antifreeze. I am glad there wasn't a fire.
Engine, Dec 6, 2022
Engine failed. Car received all maintenance and was burning oil and no leaks detected. It has the Theta II engine that is known to fail.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2022
Gear shift unable to put into drive, and unable to reset. I have to use a screwdriver to maneuver gear shift
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2022
The oil pressure switch is leaking and has leaked oil into the engine harness. The engine harness and PCM need to be replaced. I was told it’s not safe to drive. This issue has been flagged as a warranty issue 3.3L engine, but is yet to be approved for the 2.4L engine. My car only has 46,875 miles on it and this issue should be approved to be covered under new vehicle limited warranty coverage.
Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2022
When lights are turned to automatic setting they often turn on during daylight or off at night. They have now turned off while driving at night on unlit roads and highways and we are lucky we did not have an accident. Typically jiggling the knob on light lever will reset the lights to be correct, but this leads to distracted driving often while not being able to see the road.
Engine, Dec 1, 2022
while i was driving on the road, the car installed. i pulled over on the shoulder and i started the car and the engine started knocking. I change the oil on the car regularly and on time. I didnt see any engine warning lights or anything. I am going to tow the car to a kia dealership and see what they say