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, Sep 21, 2022
Last year driving on a highway, my car suddenly lost power. I was able to coast another mile onto a 2 lane roadway, then it just died*every light on panel came on & went off. I was very lucky & very scared that no one rear ended me. My car was towed to a Kia dealer where the RECALLED ENGINE was Replaced. Now here it is a year later & the Knocking noise has been reported & videoed by me to the Kia mechanics(nothing done). This past saturday(9-17-2022) we were in the car & the exact same thing happened(backed up & car was on but would not do anything*No Warning Lights). After sitting for a few minutes we were able to start the car (this time) & went home, called Kia mechanic and left a message. I was on my way out of town but definitely changed my mind about driving my Kia. Monday we took it to the Kia mechanic & he said it just needed something RESET .... This morning knocking noise( I recorded it again) was present . It really makes you mad. Should Kia be held responsible for another ENGINE. I hate having a car that i'm scared to drive to far from home.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2022
This has been an ongoing issue, headlights set in automatic mode will turn off at night with no warning. They will also turn on in direct sunlight. This is an intermittent issue. Have taken to Kia service on two separate occasions, told they can not find issue or replicate problem. Have video of lights at night turning completely off set in auto mode.There is no warning when headlights turn off, which has happened to us in the rain and on roads that have no overhead lighting creating very dangerous situations.
Engine, Sep 18, 2022
In our 2016 Kia the engine seized according to the mechanic at AAA. There was no warning. The car ceased operating going 45 miles per hour. It powered down with no dash light indicators to give warning and no other signs of engine failure in the middle of a merge lane leaving me stranded at the end of the merge lane at ask risk of causing a major accident. No lights came on (check engine and battery) until the car stopped working. I easily could have been rear-ended or caused a major backup on several roads in the area, putting myself or others at risk of injury or death. Per NHTSA, there is no active unrepaired recall on this vehicle. However, research indicates many Kia Sorentos of the same year were recalled. Kia has been contacted several times. Once they indicated there was no active recall on this car but could not explain why the engine seized. On a separate occasion, Kia was contacted and indicated there was a recall on the vehicle for this reason and advised that 2 separate recall notices were mailed--one in 2018 and one in 2019. Kia was again contacted and informed the vehicle was under recall, but a previous owner was listed as having the car.
Engine, Sep 17, 2022
My wife's 2016 kia sorento only had 86,000 miles on it and is knocking bad! So it's been sitting and I've seen others recanted for the same thing. It's a rod knocking no mistaking it! Very disappointed in the service, it had the 2.4 l so I tight it would be a good motor because we had a2010 optima with the same engine and put over 100,000 miles on it. It was running perfect and then it started knocking!
Structure, Sep 16, 2022
Paint peeling from hood and roof of car.
Engine, Sep 16, 2022
The engine has been burning oil - I have to put oil in every week. No leaks are evident. Three days ago, I began hearing a loud knocking when I start the car. Took to local mechanic, he said it's the bottom end. Needs a new motor. No warning lights have come on.
Back over prevention, Sep 15, 2022
The rear back up camera screen just went black when in reverse and hasn’t worked since.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. While inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, there was smoke, steam, and fluids coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,248.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic informed her that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine was consuming one quart of oil every 700 miles. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired and they were unable to assist until the engine seized. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
Engine failed and Kia not doing anything about it
Structure, Sep 3, 2022
The paint on the front hood and also on the roof above the driver side is chipping away and peeling for no reason. It started about 24 months ago as a small chip on the roof right at the windshield above the steering wheel. Thought is was perhaps from a rock. Now that small chip has grown, the metal that was under it has started to rust, there are also now multiple chips and peels on the front hood in multiple places.
Engine, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinder #4 had failed and needed a new spark plug. Additionally, the oil pan needed to be replaced and the engine sealer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second diagnostic test. A compressing test was performed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2022
Twice now the oil has completely burned out of the car. With the first incident, I went to a location and they were going to top off the oil as a courtesy while they were changing my tail light. When they went to do that, they noticed that there was no oil in the car at all. A week and a half later I checked the oil myself and it was bone dry once again. The oil light does not come on at all. When I check it is saying there is no safety recall for my car, but there absolutely needs to be. I'm afraid that my engine is going to blow and I'm going to be left without a car. I took the car to the dealership and they said that there was no recall with it. They put oil dye in the car to check it. This is unacceptable. I'm told that the oil light does not come on because The light is only designed to detect pressure and not level. That is a horrible design. There is no evidence of leak in my garage or my driveway where my car is parked all the time.
Structure, Aug 27, 2022
The pearl white paint paint on the vehicle is pealing on the hood, roof and doors. It started last July and there is new places popping up all the time
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The check oil light keeps turning on then turning off. For the last 2 oil changes which are done every 3000 miles with high mileage oil the oil has been non existent. When you pull out the oil it is dry! No leaking of oil is found anywhere even though the exhaust smells of burning oil. When I took it to the dealership I was told "this was a known problem" and all I need to do is start changing my oil every 3000 miles using synthetic high mileage oil. That's not working. The light keeps coming on and off and I've only driven 1000 miles since my last oil change in July! I took it to the dealership when I threw a code that I was told was just because I ran out of oil and my car stalled. My car should not be running out of oil!
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
Engine seized with no warning. Kia is stating there was a recall but I never received a notice in the mail. They stated it was sent in July of 2022. Even if I did receive the recall letter, that wouldn't be enough time.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2022
When I make a left-hand turn, the right-hand signal light will come on as I'm making the turn. My vehicle is available for inspection. This puts me and the drivers around me in immediate danger of an auto accident. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer for this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to it first appearing three or four months after I purchased the vehicle in May of 2020. I don't want to get rear-ended or accidently pitted because of this problem (especially with passengers in my vehicle).
Engine, Aug 23, 2022
I am trying to understand how my car was running fine no issues and then it stops on the highway while I am driving in 4P rush hour traffic. The dealership gets to my car 3 1/2 weeks later I get to shortage to tell me my engine is gone when there were no warning!! Continue on my car engine going out to be told because I didn't getting a senor upgrade in 2019 when to inform me of the engine going not to fix the engine but to tell me the engine is gone I must pay close to $9000. This is unacceptable and not the fault of the consumer. There was no letter no email no call nothing to inform me. I am a single mom who lives here in Indy where public transportation is not the best and when I take care of car and service car this not fair especially when this is a known issue with this 2016 Kia Sorento. I am a single mom where transportation is not the best and this issue was not a neglect of me. I do not have an extra $9000 to fix a problem that is known with your cars. To tell a consumer that since they did not get this sensor upgrade that they must eat the cost not right at all.
Engine, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil level had dropped to a very low level and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2022
I noticed a little spot on the hood of my car. It has since continued to peel. It was not hit by anything.
Engine, Aug 20, 2022
oil burning reported to freehold kia numerous times car broke down on road needed to be towed
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2022
Paint Peeling, Chipping, and Delamination from faulty paint job using Pearl white paint. Car in danger of body rusting and continued severe peeling. My car has low mileage and I live in Northern Virginia. I generally drive kids to and from school.
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
Car recall repair for Knock Sensor failure has been done three times car now will not accelerate properly, is using excessive oil and, makes horrible engine noises. Dealer refused to inspect the vehicle after the last recall repair was done 10 days ago.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The engine was burning oil at a very high rate, with no indication of a problem. We went in for an oil change and they said the oil was extremely low and we would need to replace the engine. I've reached out to the local dealership to see if there's anything else that can be done, but the engine is making a loud clicking sound now. The fuel pedal stopped working while my son was taking the car to the shop and he had to push the car off of the road. There were no indicator lights or signs of a problem prior to this issue.