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.
Power train, May 16, 2022
-I was driving my vehicle in a parking lot, stopped at the stop sign to let a car pass and hit the gas pedal and the car did not move. - My concern is what could have happened if the transmission died while I was driving. -The problem has been confirmed by the dealer that the transmission needs to be replaced. The car has less than 31,000 miles on it. I am a 2nd owner, and I only put 7,000 miles on it in 3 years but it was out of warranty. KIA even denied a Good Will replacement. - There were not any warning signs, message or symptoms. Unfortunately I have to pay 3200.00 to have it replaced and I spoke to KIA and they said that there was nothing they could do. It seems strange that a vehicle with less than 31,000 miles would have a transmission just die without any warnings.
Engine, May 15, 2022
Driving 60mph, car seemed to be stalling under acceleration. Car was making a knocking sound from the engine. I was in a construction zone, with no shoulder/no pulloff. I managed to crawl to the end of construction and pull off to the side. How I didn't die that day only God knows...Was traveling to see my mom Mother's Day weekend, had my 170lb Great Dane and 60 lb Labradoodle with me. No tow company could help with transporting my dogs; only the car and me. I ended up stranded waiting for a ride for hours. Car was towed to dealer; dealer confirms the engine and all components were a total loss (Theta II engine, 2.4 liter, GDI). Repair estimate at $8,360.00!!! That is more than half of what the car is worth!! Multiple attempts to have KIA acknowledge the problem, only to be told by them that it's my fault I didn't have the recall repairs made in 2018. That's funny (in an awful way), because I never received ANYTHING about a recall. EVER. Had oil change the week prior; oil lamp never came on, I was just going by the Valvoline sticker as to time to change. They told me it was bone-dry, not a drop of oil. I wish someone could help me. This will ruin me financially.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2022
The car engine was using excessive amounts of oil at 80,000 miles. The dealer in an attempt to save the engine did a major flush. Several components failed within 10,000 miles of that service. Spark plugs, fuel pump and catalytic converter. The car would lurch forward. It stalled at 65 mph! We were scared it would start on fire or stall again. The first time it happened there were no warning lights. After the spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced there was an engine warning light on. The dealer did check it out and the latest test revealed a hole in the catalytic converter. They could not guarantee that that was the only issue. We chose not to have any additional repairs and sold the car at a loss because we were scared to have our grandkids in the car.
Engine, May 9, 2022
While driving on I-35, going 75 miles an hour the engine locked. No warning lights came on, just completely shut down. Unable to pull to the side of the highway. Very dangerous Towed to dealership, yes it’s available to be inspected as warranty says it is not covered under a recall. Again very dangerous
Engine, May 7, 2022
Car burns oil excessively at a rate of 1 quart each 300 miles. No low oil light has come on to warn driver.
Engine, May 6, 2022
Sorento had been driving fine and then out of nowhere had engine failure. KIA is refusing to take responsibility and rectify the situation due to them saying they sent something out in July of 2018 in which I didn't even own the vehicle then. The dealership where I purchased my Sorento from never advised of there being an issue or any improvement
Engine, May 5, 2022
There was no indication or codes that informed us of the engine burning oil and without knowing it caused complete engine failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2022
My kia started making knocking noise. NO warning light came on while driving car home check engine light came on and car just quit. Engine is seized up for no reason .checked recalls but says none. But there was a major recall on these engines but I just bought this car from dealer 3 years ago . And, when I give it gas it don't always accelerate..I can have gas pedal to floor and go nowhere then all the sudden it will finally lunge forward. I have almost been hit a few times in my car. There has to be something wrong
Engine, May 3, 2022
I was driving my 2016 Kia Sorento up a steep hill when all of the sudden my vehicle lost the ability to climb up. This street has many fast drivers on it, even though it was residential. I turned down the hill and when i got to the bottom my car was making a crazy loud sound from the engine.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2022
A couple of months ago, we parked the Kia in the garage and the next morning, went to start the vehicle and attempted to put it in gear and the shifter button would move depress. We ended up replacing the brake switch but the problem remained. We took the vehicle to our local mechanic who ran a number of tests and determined the fault to be within the BCM module. Tests performed. They measured the voltage from the brake switch and validated the proper voltage was there. They went to the interlock solenoid at the shifter and verified the solenoid is functioning properly when provided ground. They went to the BCM (Body Control Module) connector and provided ground from the connector to the solenoid to validate there's no problems with the connectors or wire and this worked. Based on these tests, they have determined the BCM module to be at fault, either not detecting the brake is depressed or the BCM is detecting it, but it's not providing the ground needed to the solenoid. At the moment, we have resorted to pressing the shift lock release to operate the vehicle.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
My oil light was flickering on for a second when taking a sharp curve or turn, checked it to be safe because I am so for a oil change and it was BONE DRY, there was absolutely no oil in it at all but the light never came on. I had to add 4 qts of oil just so I had some until my service appointment in two days. Why isn’t the oil light coming on to indicate low or no oil in the vehicle?
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
Engine failure without warning at 88,000 miles. Car has been driving fine got an oil change 4 days ago. Today was driving to work and started hearing a knocking noise and ended up having to have car towed.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption. Not leaking, but burning oil at a rate of 1 quart every 500 miles. After 65K miles it has been consistant. Now at 115K the engine is clicking like there is a bent valve or something. This needs to be addressed by Kia,
Suspension, Apr 20, 2022
The rear suspension cross member on my Kia has cracked in two places. This item has been recalled on other Kia Sorento's. The NHTSA campaign ID is 16V480000. This is a factory defect but Kia says it only applies to a cetain number of VIN numbers. Kia needs to apply this recall to more VIN numbers, especially the parts that have cracked. As Kia says in its recall, this could cause a serious accident if the suspension gives out.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
Engine making a knocking sound. Had to have my car towed.
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2022
During a mpi, valve cover gasket was brought to my attention as needed. I was told that I had a very small leak. During scheduled service maintenance, service advisor requested spark plugs and fuel assembly part to be done to since getting gasket cover replaced. I was told that I could wait due to it being a minor leak and it wouldn't cause any problems yet after discussing concern of oil leak and an upcoming road trip that I'd rather be safe than sorry. Previously had knock sensor replaced(recall item). Since having the gasket cover, plugs, fuel assembly, and topping off oil, I have noticed a white smoke today( near oil dip stick and oil cap), oil consuption still burning fast (very light travel since repair) and louder idling noise. There has never been a low oil light coming on or any other lights since I've had the knock sensor(check engine light near the end of last year) recall part fixed. I don't want to be stranded nor lose an engine with only 123k plus miles. I'm afraid that this issue may be related to all the other kia engine complaints and cause more unseen damage. I do have pics on my phone and videos. My vehicle is still being paid on via a very high interest rate and is my only source of transportation. I also have my receipts for oil changes not documented under carfax....car fax is not correct with the vehicle maintenance information. The shop that did the repairs isn't the same shop that pointed out the valve gasket cover but the are part of the same car shop..different locations
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2022, fire
After 30 minutes parking in driveway rear underneath rear hatch erupted in flames. Flames engulfed entire rear of vehicle. Only outside no damage from fire inside vehicle. Started in trailer hitch rear area. Hitch was installed by Kia dealership when we purchased vehicle. Hitch was never used.
Steering, Apr 18, 2022
The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) has failed on our 2016 KIA Sorento on three separate occasions, with the most recent on March 25th, 2022. Each time we have taken the vehicle to our local Kia Dealership, the 1st time they confirmed the issue and provided us an estimate of near $5,000.00. We differed the repair, which appeared to be wise as we received a letter from Kia extending the Vehicle Warranty for this exact issue to 5 yrs/150,000 miles. HOWEVER after a 2nd incident of steering failure the dealer said "could not validate the issue" and to "bring it back if it happens again. Well it happened again, This time we recorded a video which we will retain if there is another denial of service from our local Kia Dealer. However they denied the repair again. At this point we are extremely frustrated and do not feel confident to return to the local Kia dealer we have contacted KIA America, Inc. although they are not standing behind their product. It is our desire and expectation that we can obtain remedy of this documented and dangerous warranty failure.
Engine, Apr 18, 2022
Engine failure with no warning at 162,000 miles
Engine, Apr 16, 2022
We purchased the vehicle used in June 2021. The dealership did an oil change. We took it to NTB for an oil change 6 months later, within the recommended mileage range and the mechanic said it was bone dry. He put 5 quarts of oil in and said to return in 1,000 miles. No sign that there was an issue. Once we returned to have the vehicle inspected, the mechanic did an oil change and sent us on our way. Here we are around 3,000 miles after the oil change and the vehicle is bone dry again. The vehicle shut off while driving (turning a corner, was able.to safely steer car into a field). The vehicle started right up and the check engine light came.on and the oil light flashed briefly. We filled the vehicle with the proper oil. Turned the car on to cycle through. Drove it around the block and it qas sluggish around 25mph and an awful noise was coming from the engine. Vehicle is parked in the driveway, unable to be driven.
Engine, Apr 15, 2022
Car oil engine concern. The engine oil continues to be low and without any warning car engine oil is low. This is a high risk of burning up the engine, risk of starting a fire, and stall the engine. The car was taken to the shop where the mechanic had brought to my attention engine oil is low and had asked me when was my last oil change. The mechanic then did another inspection where the mechanic didn’t see any leak but want me to constantly monitor my car engine oil. The mechanic also added 2qts in. As I monitored my car, oil seem to be leaking on parking, while no warning switch is on.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
Vehicle began making a knocking sound every time we accelerated. Took it to a mechanic to diagnose the problem and was told it was the engine. There weren't any outstanding recalls when we searched. While searching we kept coming across a claim settlement for the same issue, so we decided to call the 1-800-333-4542. They told us Kia wouldn't replace the engine because it was already leading towards failure. We then decided to call a local Kia dealership and they set an appointment for April 25th. The problem has worsened and we can't drive it anymore. A new engine will cost over 6k and we still owe 8k. It only has 76,600k miles. What a waste and it is upsetting Kia will probably not replace the engine for free.
Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2022
Problems with parking lock, no release. Possible body control module.
Engine, Apr 6, 2022
I have a 2016 LX Kia Sorento with only 123k miles on it. When I first purchased the vehicle it had on 27k miles on it. It has done great until I reached over 100k miles. Ever since, it is consuming massive amounts of oil weekly. No oil light comes on and there's no external oil leaking from the SUV. I have had frequent oil changes every 2500 miles to be exact all maintenance is up to par on my vehicle. Needing the dealership to try to assist with the matter as having to go weekly for top offs and monthly for oil changes has become beyond costly.
Visibility, Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, an abnormal booming sound was heard which startled the driver. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered. The contact indicated that during the incident no object had struck the vehicle to cause the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.