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.
Structure, Jun 30, 2022
Rear door larch fell off. This is a documented problem with this vehicle. Kia dealerships have been unhelpful to resolve this issue. I feel this is a safety item with a recall on the 2015 models. Latch is made with cheap plastic, and many kia’s have this issue. Thanks, Steve Ritchie
Engine, Jun 29, 2022
Wife and I where driving on the highway when we she pointed out a tapping noise. About twenty minutes later our vehicle lost all power. Dumbfounded because no safety function signaled there was any possibility of over heating or oil pressure I pull off and inspect under the hood. When I pulled the dipstick there was absolutely no oil in it and the oil on the dipstick was burnt. I only have 74,000 miles on the thing and the engines blown. And Kia won't help with anything even knowing this is a major issue.
Engine, Jun 27, 2022
I was driving my 2016 Sorento when I noticed a knocking coming from the engine. I took it to get serviced the next day and the check engine light came on as I was driving to get the oil changed. Mechanic at the oil change establishment checked the code and told me that it said the cam shaft was out of alignment. Their shop refused to work on it because of the difficulty in working with Kia's and their computers. I called my local Kia dealer and they had no idea what the warning was but that it would be 20-25 days before they could look at it. My daughter was driving the car than night and the car stopped in an intersection and starting making a horrible clanking sound. I had it towed to Kia and when they got to it they told me that the engine was blown and it would be $8,000 to $11,000 to repair it. There is an extended warranty on the oil pressure switch, but they assured me that it was not the cause of the malfunction. They told me that it was most likely lack of maintenance on my part or the wrong oil being used. I have owned the car for about a year and a half and had it maintained regularly by a reputable mechanic. I have talked to multiple people and been told that Kia has a real problem with engines blowing up on them.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Have a 2016 Kia sorento 93000 miles it is pearl white the paint is coming off peeling off ,chipping off
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Oil gets low without the warning light coming on and has contributed to a burnt valve or broke ring. This has caused irreversible engine damage.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
My family and I own a 2016 Kia Sorrento VIN [XXX] that we purchased from a dealer in August 2017. It was reliable transportation; we were very pleased with it; it was serviced with regular oil changes, maintenance, etc., and had no mechanical issues until early September 2021. The vehicle’s temperature gauge began to register hot, i.e., way over to the “H” during operation. Our regular mechanic at an AAA-registered auto care center replaced the thermostat, but the car was still overheating. After an expensive but thorough diagnosis from early November through early December 2021, the mechanics – including a Kia specialist – confirmed that the head bolts were pulling away from the engine block or the source of our problem. After searching the internet, I understand that this is not a frequent occurrence but not uncommon among the same model and year Kia Sorento's with similar mileage. Replacement engines are not available due to supply issues; there was no guarantee of success from our mechanics or the machine shop who could attempt to mill the head/engine block and drill-tap for new bolts; and the entire process was cost prohibitive. Therefore, we elected not to have it repaired. Our Sorrento that is past its engine-drivetrain warranty with 124K miles on the odometer sits in the driveway with a year’s worth of car payments remaining. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2022
Paint is chipping off in large chunks on various places on my vehicle. I did see another Kia Sorento (white and same year) that had the same issue happening on their vehicle. There is clearly an issue with the white paint from that year. There has not been any incident that has caused this to occur, it seems to have happened randomly.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and the check engine light had illuminated. After stopping the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the flames were extinguished. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
I took my vehicle to AAMCO and was told my engine has went out. The estimate to fix it is $10,000. I am currently paying on it still I called Evergreen Kia whom I got the car from and was told they have over 18+ vehicles with the same problem. I was told to call other Kia dealerships to see if i can get it repaired elsewhere. All other Kia dealerships said they were backed up as well with the same engine problems. I tried to trade it in no one wants to because the cost of repairs and the $13K I owe doesn't equal out.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
Last weekend we were driving our 2016 Kia Sorento with 111,000 miles on the highway. It started to lose acceleration and I had to pull of on the side of the highway. The vehicle started smoking and antifreeze leaked out all over the right side of the vehicle. This put our family at risk because there were no warning lights and it occurred on an extremely busy highway where are drive anywhere from 70-90 miles per hour. The vehicle was towed and inspected, we were told the head gasket was leaking. No other symptoms were present prior to this occurring and this is the only problem we have really had with the vehicle. All of the mechanics I have talked to about repairs refuse because these motors are known to be very risky to repair. Our local Kia dealer where we purchased the vehicle even stated that it's not worth fixing. New engine replacement are unavailable and buying a used engine is roughly $6,700 before any labor because so many of these engine issues have occurred.
Engine, Jun 9, 2022, fire
My 2016 KIA SORRENTO caught fire. I was driving off of the highway, with no issues, when i heard a tapping noise. I stopped at the light, turned right, and as I started turning it suddenly sputtered and stopped. I tried to accelerate to get the car out of the lane of traffic, when smoke started coming out from under the hood. People next to me started yelling that my car was on fire and that I should get out. At this point I got out of the car, and within minutes the entire undercarriage and front part of car was engulfed in flames. The fire dept put the fire out, and the fire marshal and my insurance is investigating.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2022
My car has the Pearl White paint, it started peeling in 2021 and now is increasing. It mostly on the hood of the car.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2022
WHITE PEARL PAINT FINISH IS FLAKING OFF ON HOOD AND ALONG ROOF LINE AT WINDSHIELD. NO IMPACT OR ABRASION CAUSED THIS. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS APPEARS TO BE FROM INCOMPATIBLE PRIMER USED AT FACTORY
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The one cylinder went before 100,000 miles…..wasn’t too much longer till the next cylinder went and she was done….going through putting a quart of oil in it every single day for over 6 months……JUNK
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
Vehicle cranked but didn't start after sitting for a few hours. Vehicle was towed to kia dealership. Dealer advised piston ring failed and engine lost compression. New engine was needed but was not covered by dealership nor the lifetime engine warranty. The repair cost almost 6000 dollars.
Structure, Jun 3, 2022
The driver side rear door handle does not open the door. The door is able to be opened from the door handle on the inside, and it can be locked and unlocked. This could create an unsafe situation in which a parent is unable to reach a child in the second row who needs assistance. Having two methods of entry and egress (i.e. a driver side and passenger side rear door) in the second row contributes to the safety of the car, and having one entry/egress while another entry is impaired could present a safety issue. The car has not yet been brought to a service center for evaluation, and the car has not yet been inspected for the issue. There were no warning lamps or messages indicated by the vehicle. Leading up to the driver side rear door handle malfunction, the door handle was noted to have a weaker tactile "click" feeling that is typically sensed when the door's latch actuates to open it.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
I was driving entering a highway accelerating and my car just died; the engine and oil light came on and there was no power. There were NO warning lights or indication that there was any problem. I managed to get over and off the busy highway by coasting and was in fear for my safety. Took the car to Kia dealership and was told after waiting for two weeks for the required diagnostic service. They told me there was internal engine damage due to a bearing failure. This is not covered by warranty unless I had the software upgrade that was available since 4/18. I never received that notification; I have received several other notifications, but not the one about the software upgrade. Now they state it's outside the warranty with zero coverage.
Engine, Jun 2, 2022
After only six months, my 2016 Kia Sorento suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, after my trusted, local mechanic ran a diagnostic, he told me that my car was done for but Kia would stand behind their product, they have a 100,000 mile or ten year warranty for their vehicles. It was a frightening and frustrating experience but at least I was comforted when he told me Kia would take care of it. Kia is not honorable, they are not standing behind their products. Two days ago, I was told that Kia is denying my claim. How disappointing. I will pursue this matter to the end. Kia knows that their engines are prone to catastrophic failures. I was told by a Kia employee that I didn't maintain my vehicle adequately, I have records to the contrary. This is wrong.
Engine, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and noticed that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then towed to an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Engine, May 27, 2022
A month after an oil change, I learned that the engine was extremely low on oil. I had to put 4 quarts in it. Check engine light barely came on. I’m at 79,000 miles and next oil change should be at 82,000 miles
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 26, 2022
My paint is peeling. KIA SORENTO SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION
Structure, May 24, 2022
Paint is peeling while driving obstructing my view and potentially other drivers
Engine, May 22, 2022
My car started making a knocking and squeaking sound and was shaking really hard and the check engine light started flashing and it just shut off and when I cranked it back up if wouldn’t stay cranked
Engine, May 20, 2022
This car repeatedly has had issues with using oil on a weekly basis and many times it has stalled in heavy traffic, one of which almost caused a collision. I have taken this in for numerous repairs. My most recent incident I was informed by my garage that my engine was now junk.
Structure, May 18, 2022
The paint on my 2016 Kia Sorento it's peeling off. I went to the dealer where I purchased it and still owe $10,000 they do not want to help me.