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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2022
Sunscreen spontaneously exploded. Open highway, no surrounding debris, no trees, etc.
Engine, Oct 26, 2022
We were driving down the road and a rod went through my engine. We have always kept our oil changes up to date and maintenanced our car as soon as it’s needed it. We called Kia to ask them if we could get this fixed and Kia of Cookeville let us know it was under recall for an engine issue but because our software wasn’t updated it wouldn’t be covered. We then called Kia of Knoxville and they said it was covered under the recall but we would need to call a corporation number to see if the cost were covered. The corporation number wasn’t willing to corporate at all. He preceded to tell us because it wasn’t brought in there was nothing they could do. We have never received a letter saying we were under a recall. We had no idea. Please help I have 4 kids and no way of transportation for them. My husband just lost his job and I need this fixed free of charge ):
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
The vehicle has been consuming excessive amounts of oil resulting in the recommendation from the Ourisman Kia Dealership in Chantilly, Virginia that the engine be replaced. The only warning I had that there could be an issue was the oil light occasionally coming on for 3-5 seconds when turning off a highway exit or braking hard, etc. The car has been taken to the dealership 3 times in order to figure out what was going on for this specific issue, but it has been indirectly addressed prior to that. The first time the car was taken it was still under warranty, but the result that the engine needed replacement was not given until after the car was out of warranty. The dealership first performed an oil change and consumption test. I returned after 1000 miles for the results of the consumption test and was told my car was consuming oil and would need a Combustion Chamber cleaning. Once that was completed, I was told it should be fine. The dealership did not communicate to me that I needed to return the car after 1000 miles, but I brought it back after I noticed the oil light was coming on again and it had only been a few weeks since the oil change. I was told that the car was consuming excessive amounts of oil and it would need an engine replacement. The car has also occasionally struggled to accelerate, but I had the Knock Sensor replaced under warranty so it is likely related to the lack of oil. The car is now unsafe to drive as it could have "catastrophic engine failure" according to the dealership service manager. There is no extended warranty or recall, so I have no choice but to spend the quoted $9-10k for an engine replacement or sell the car for next to nothing and start over.
Engine, Oct 23, 2022
While driving engine completely stopped with myself driving and my 2 year old in the car. No warning lights lit up beforehand until after the failure and after coming to a complete stop smoke could be seen coming from the engine bay underneath the hood. Now the car is disabled and unable to start. Vehicle has not been inspected yet as we are scheduled two weeks out for an appointment with the dealer shop.
Engine, Oct 22, 2022
The vehicle was running great then without any warning it stalled. I started it back up and the engine began knocking horribly. I got a diagnostic test done at Auto Zone and was told that I had a bad sensor in my engine. I took it in to the dealership and I was told that it had no oil, metal in the engine, and I had to replace it. I checked the oil the previous week and it had oil then.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 21, 2022
There was an instance where I was driving in heavy rain and the windshield wipers just stopped working. I had to drive about 5 more miles without them working. They worked the next time it rained a couple of days later. There has been 2 instances in the last week where I have had my car parked in my driveway off and locked. In the middle of the night, the headlights and taillights come on on there own. The headlights setting has been set to auto. I end up having to go out and start and turn off my car, then when I lock it back the lights go off.
Structure, Oct 18, 2022
PAINT IS PEELING OFF
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
Engine failed on the highway. Regular maintenance performed on vehicle. No warning lights came on before engine failure.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
The engine in burning oil at a fast rate, also no check engine lights appear to inform you of an engine issue.
Engine, Oct 15, 2022
While driving car, a burning oil smell came thru car and I heard a bubbling noise under the hood. No indicator light came on. I immediately looked at the temp gauge to see it was sitting on hot. I pulled over and looked under the hood to find out that coolant was spitting out. After 45 mins of letting it cool down I checked the engine oil to find none, and the radiator had oil in it. My car is currently at the shop being taken apart.
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
Car started to overheat and no warning light came on. Found out there was no oil - oil light had not come on either. My car didn’t notify me that it was overheating and could have blown my engine.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at less than 10 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly without warning. The contact was able to shift into neutral (N), which stopped the unintended acceleration and caused the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure as the vehicle had operated as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the failure reoccurred without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at a higher speed. The contact depressed the brake pedal and pressed the ON/OFF button, however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then drove into a vacant parking lot and shifted into neutral (N), which stopped the acceleration. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while taking the vehicle back to the unknown dealer. Upon arriving at the dealer, the contact informed the dealer that he no longer wanted possession of the vehicle as it was unsafe to drive. The dealer provided the contact with a rental vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sent a letter to the manufacturer informing them of the failure, but the contact had not yet received a response. The contact stated that the whereabouts of the vehicle were unknown. The failure mileage was 27,093. Manufacturer Safety Recall Campaign issued. NHTSA #22V703 Recall #SC249B SC249B TOW HITCH (REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE) Status: Remedy Not Yet Available
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 13, 2022
Desconocido
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
Low oil light NEVER came on. Went in for a check and they said it was bone dry but the indicator light never came on.
Engine, Oct 11, 2022
I'VE HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED A MONTH AFTER HAVING MY CAR WHEN I FIRST GOT IT ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. I RECIEVED THE LETTER FOR THE CURRENT ENGINE RECALL ABOUT FEBURARY OF THIS YEAR. MY HUSBAND AND I WAS O THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE END OF MARCH 2022 WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO A KIA DEALSHIP THE NEXT DAY (WHICH WAS A SATURDAY) AND THE GOT BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY STATING IT WAS MY ENGINE BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. I HAVE TO PAY FOR BECAUSE IT WAS AT THIS TIME I LEARNED I NO LONGER HAD A WARRANTY ON MY CAR. PRIOR TO MY HUSBAND AND I TAKING THIS TRIP I JUST HAD MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE. AFTER THEY CHANGED MY OIL THE TECH STATED TO ME THAT MY CAR WAS LEAKING OIL AND THAT I HAD TO SETUP AN APPT TO HAVE IT FIXED. HE DIDNT OFFER ME THE CHANCE TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT THEN. ABOUT FIVE MINS AFTER I LEFT I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM IF I MY WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE COST AND THAT TECH STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THEM FIRST AND GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME. A WEEK LATER IS WHEN I LEFT TO GO OUT OF TOWN DUE TO A DEATH IN THE FAMILY. I'VE ALSO ASKED THEM FOR A LOANER CAR BUT THEY DIDNT HAVE ANY TO LEND ME AND SAID THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD REMIBURSE ME FOR A RENTAL. IM UPSET BECAUSE IM STILL PAYING ON A CAR THAT I CANT DRIVE AND IVE GOTTEN THIS CAR FROM A WELL KNOWN DEALERSHIP WHOM I THOUGHT WAS GENUINE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
2016 Kia Sorento with 123K miles with all recall completed and maintained. We were driving on backroad where all traffic were diverted because of highway 101 closure when the car suddenly have the MIL blinks then stalls and would not start back up again.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2022
I was driving the car at approximately 40 mph. The engine light flashed on briefly. I immediately lost power and had no acceleration. The light went off but the car stopped. The incident put myself and others at risk as I lost power and was in an area where I shouldn't have stopped and it became a traffic hazard. The car is currently at the KIA dealership. There were not prior lights, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. I am the first and only owner with approx 55 k miles. Never had an issue before. Dealership conducted all oil changes and maintenance.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road when the check engine warning light, the oil pressure warning light, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2022
This morning while driving on the highway I was unable to accelerate. It triggered an engine light & then went off. I have taken my car in for paid services a few months back just to be told to wait until my car knocks in order for them to replace the engine. This is unsafe and an terrifying option on the highway with my Children.
Power train, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, his wife was unable to shift into drive (D) as the gear shifter remained stuck in park (P). The contact's wife used a screwdriver to depress a button as instructed by an online tutorial. The contact's wife was then able to shift into drive (D) and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred whenever the vehicle was parked. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not be repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train) as the VIN was not included due to the manufacturing date of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 24, 2022
I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that was purchased Certified Pre-Owned on 5/18/2022. On 9/16/2022, I was driving the car at approximately 50 MPH when the care began to lose significant power. The car completely lost power making it hard to drive and adjust steering. I was able to safely pull over; however, being stranded in the dark as a woman is not safe, and I feel had another car been in front of or near me, I could have easily crashed. At that time, the car would not restart, and I noticed when I tried to start the car, smoke coming from under the hood. I sat for about 30 minutes, tried to start the car again, the car would not start. Prior to the car shutting down, there was no warning. The engine light has never been on in the car. What I did notice is the engine light flashed just before it went into this coasting mode. So, whatever was happening, happened without any warning at all. I had the car towed to my home. The tow driver parked the vehicle in a spot where I do not park; I noticed upon inspection oil had puddled on the ground. The car has never had or shown any previous leaks. I park in the same spot daily and have never seen a leak. Since having the car towed into the dealer, I have learned from Kia, the engine locked up; however, they have not been able to determine the cause as of yet. What they have shared with me is that they ran the diagnostic on the vehicle and confirmed that oil was everywhere (as I reported). They stated although the oil was dirty, the oil was full in the engine. They have confirmed the engine is locked but stated any claim with Kia against the Theta II Settlement Claim was denied because the KSDS had not been upgraded. When I asked how would I have known the car needed this recall because my car's VIN does not produce any recall notices on neither the KIA site nor NHTSA, I was told Honda (the Seller) should have performed the update before selling the car to me. So currently I am looking at $8K-$12K in repairs.
Engine, Sep 24, 2022
The engine and yes it is available for inspection The Car stalled at a red light at a busy intersection on my way to work I was afraid I was going to be hit The car is at a mechanic shop There was no warnings lights it all the sudden started tapping and then stalled and would not crank back up
Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2022
On many occasions the cruise control cancel button does not work. The brake system is needed to disengage the cruise control. When mentioned to dealership they stated probably dirt behind the steering wheel cover or in or around buttons. Stated would have take apart inspect at owners expense. Stated they have heard of that problem before. Seems to be a known safety or design problem. Did not have dealership do any work due to pricing and the fact I know the issue. Other owners may not know and may cause serious safety issue.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that occasionally while stationary and attempting to accelerate, the RPM would increase significantly before causing the vehicle to experience unintended acceleration. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000. The consumer stated that the dealer was able to replicate the issue and repair it. But even after the repair, the vehicle still stalls just a bit.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 21, 2022
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