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, Nov 12, 2021
I was driving 85 MPH on the interstate and my engine lights started flashing (no engine light or oil light prior to this) and started slowing down. I got to the shoulder of the interstate and my car was making a terrible knocking noise. I have owned this car for 3 months. There is a little over 87K on my car. I had the car towed to the nearest Kia dealership where I was told my engine was totaled. After paying 140.00 for a diagnostics report and being without a car for a whole month (keep in mind this is just for the report). I was quoted a total of 6,800 for them to fix my car. After further research I have found other people with the same issues with the engine. My engine is a 3.3L V6. In the previous lawsuit for Kia it only covers 2.4L engines where my engine is having the SAME issues. I should not have to pay for a new engine when this is a big issue with other consumers with the same car and engine type. Now im stuck paying on a car I CANT DRIVE until the 6800 is paid. I owe to much on my car for me to pay it off in full. This put me as well as everyone else on the interstate at risk and would have also put my children at risk if they were in the car. I am beyond irritated. As well as a given a whistleblower just coming out to state that these engines are not safe and kia and hyundai's neglect in keep their consumers safe. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2021
I just purchased my Kia Sorento in March of 2021. It doesn’t notify you when oil is LOW or OUT. Even with proper oil changes. Also the engine randomly started to overheat regardless that it’s barley got 107 miles on it. Of course there’s several recalls for this particular vehicle for the same issues but not for mine specifically. Insurance won’t cover wear and tear so now my cars in the shop for who knows how long with an extremely high bill expected.
Structure, Nov 9, 2021
On October 28, 2021 the hood paint suddenly started to peel in large chunks. This occurred without warning as previously there was no peeling paint. These pieces stuck to the windshield and were a driving safety hazard as they obstructed clear view. This is evidence of a clear failure of the factory paint to properly stay adherred to the body of the car. This vehicle is available for inspection and photo evidence is also available. This problem has been confirmed by a local Kia dealership. There is also abundant evidence of this being an ongoing issue online in Kia Consumer forums. When reaching out to Kia Corporation directly we were given no assistance in rectifying this issue.
Engine, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was notified about a knocking in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 8, 2021
Engine failed while driving. No warning lights. Have to purchase a new used engine. Fan blower resister: only blows at high or not at all. Has been fixed once and is now an issue again.
Engine, Nov 7, 2021
Car failed while driving and now has a rod know and low oil
Engine, Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic on separate occasions. The dealer and an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,459.
Steering, Nov 3, 2021
The steering wheel sticking while you turn left or right. In hwy it's hard to drive because you don't know how much pressure you have to put to adjust your vehicle on the road. If feel like you are losing your control of the vehicle.
Engine, Oct 24, 2021
On Saturday 10/23/2021, I picked up my car at Kia Ron Bouchard Lancaster MA. They explained to me that warranty coverage is only extended if the problem was presented in PI1802. That wasn't my problem. I contacted another Dan O'Brien Kia dealership in Norwood MA, and found that one of the problems that might have caused my car to malfunction was a safe recall that was not made and therefore I lost my warranty. But I went to Kia several times and they always said they didn't have the parts to recall. In the document it says that my car would have the rod bearing warranty if it were failing. Asking another dealership he explained to me if when I presented the oil consumption problem on 07/23/2021 the part could already have problems. What are the symptoms of a bad rod bearing: Low Oil Pressure - Many times when a bearing is beginning to fail (or has failed), you will noticed signs of decreased oil pressure. This is usually more evident upon first starting the vehicle. In many cases, a bad rod bearing will lead to a "check engine oil" light being displayed on the dash. (Problems that were happening in my car when I was at Kia on 07/23/2021). Another explanation that the dealership gave me is that my car was showing excessive oil consumption and burning of oil and a problem that may have been caused by the defect of the part of the safe recall (E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT) that was not made, which as a result occurred the Misfire and the cylinder lost compression. E-CVVT Cover defect could cause Late valve timing will keep the intake valve closed too long after the intake stroke has started, and will increase the vacuum in the cylinder. The high vacuum will have a tendency to suck oil up past the piston and rings into the upper part of the cylinder where it will be burned.
Engine, Oct 23, 2021
Basically my car stalled on me while driving on the feeder of the freeway. I had all three of my children inside the car so luckily nothing bad happened when my car died. I had to tow my car to a mechanic who later informed me that my engine had pieces of metal inside it. He then explained that the dealership should replace our engine since there has been recalls for this same issue on Kia Sorento. At this point, I called the dealership and they refused to replace our engine and stated that I should of done a previous recall (an upgrade). I advised them that I never received any information in regards to a previous recall and I actually had went online a few months ago and checked for any recalls. My Mom had ran across a website and we all checked all of our vehicles for recalls. My Kia Sorento had no recalls. What is my next step to get the Kia Dealership to fix my vehicle? Ive already called the main number to Kia and they were no help either. Thank you for your help!!!
Engine, Oct 19, 2021
After accelerating from a stop, the engine started making a loud clunking noise and was losing power. The vehicle was towed to a certified Kia dealership where it was determined to be a rod bearing failure in the engine. The engine needs to be replaced and is not covered under any warranties due to a sensor not being updated. I was never notified of any recalls which the sensor update was. I have owned this vehicle for two years and was never notified of any recalls.
Engine, Oct 19, 2021
My car had no warning light on the vehicle. However while my husband was driving 80 MPH on the engine started making a loud noise and stalled on the interstate. After research and taking it in for a diagnosis test its came back that the engine is rapidly burning oil and did not notify us when we were low on oil. Since then I have researched and found a TON of other 2016 kia Sorento having the SAME EXACT ISSUE! However there is no recall for this! This is not only EXTREMTLY unsafe but also extremely expensive to fix for something that is not our fault but rather the manufacture. My husband knows how to react in situations like that but if it was me it would have not only put me in danger but also my children and any other drivers that were near me. This needs to be recalled especially due to the abundant amount of people with the same year and make of vehicle having the same exact problem. Do something to protect us as this is absolutely ridiculous that this big of an issue is not under recall. I am now coming out of pocket to fix this issue which is alot of money.
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2021
Car does not want to go when push gas pedal. It jumps around and the engine light is on
Engine, Oct 9, 2021
Excessive oil consumption, that is, more than 1 quart consumed every 1 thousand miles, beginning around 68,000 miles. At subsequent oil change (12/20, 72000), crankcase was nearly empty. Next 3000-mi oil change, engine dash indicators noted oil pressure issue - this was with 74000 miles on odometer. I added 2 quarts of oil to crankcase immediately. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I purchased vehicle (their 'service warranty' mandated I go to the original seller (Mitsuibishi)). I disagree with their findings. Mitsuibishi El Cajon performed the oil consumption test (Kia) reporting after 1000 miles, the oil consumption was in accord w Kia Technical Bulletin 222. However, I am adding 1 QT of manufacturer's recommended oil every 3 weeks and now change oil every 30 days. I cannot sell this vehicle in this state and when vehicles are in short supply. For a vehicle with currently 86000 mi, this is Unacceptable!
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration causing the RPMs to increase and the vehicle to suddenly drive forward and almost crash. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no problem was found. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2021
Rear hatch locked and would not open from outside of vehicle. Released hatch with emergency release from inside of car per manual page 4-27. Hatch could then be manually opened and traveled up and down full range on automated open from exterior switch, key and driver's switch. However the hatch will not latch and opens when the vehicle is in motion.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2021
Sunroof motor failed
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2021
the car is very bad for manufacture the gasket rocker is in bad conditions almost fired my car the oil is allot the liquid inside the my motor .is allo the noise , the dealer can responsibility for recall because kia close the recall is not fair my car is 2016 is dangerous for my family and for my kids almost pay for this car 25,000.00thousand dollars . am pay for the fixed yesterday 336.32, and the car is not work very well .am make the appointment in july 17 and the dealer give me the appointment very late september 23 , and later say is closed the decal ....am very sad now for my car.... and for the money for fixed this car....the car stop in the avenue almost dead for crash the other car with me and my kids.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento SX. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently became overheated and he saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the head gasket or the engine would need to be replaced. Then, the vehicle was towed to a second dealer(Matthews Kia of Cartersville 595 E Main St, Cartersville, GA 30120) who diagnosed that the engine bolts were backing out of the engine block allowing the exhaust to be released into the cooling system. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened and the contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. The service manager at Matthews Kia said he was replacing seven engines per week and that this was a manufacturers defect from the factory that affected early 2016 models. He also said that the defect normally occurs between 100,000 miles and 120,000 miles, just as the vehicle goes out of warranty. Consumer purchased an enhanced warranty at the time of purchase of the automobile. There were no warning lights or codes thrown when engine failed. The service manager said there was nothing consumer could do to prevent this because it is a manufacturing defect.
Engine, Sep 21, 2021
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle started sputtering, acceleration response declined, and the check engine light started flashing. This was a huge concern as I was in the area of the highway where there are multiple logging trucks and could not accelerate if I needed to get out of the way. I pulled off the highway into an Autozone and my vehicle shut off, I attempted to start it and it would not stay running. I pulled the spark plugs and noticed the cylinder four plug was coated in oil. I had previously told a Kia dealership I was experiencing high oil consumption and was told Kia was aware of this issue and was doing nothing about it at this time. I was told, "run the car till the engine dies and Kia will replace it." Once at the dealership Kia performed a connecting rod bearing test but stated it was unable to be completed due to cylinder two failing. They pulled the head and found the exhaust valve to cylinder two had a piece missing. This was sent to Kia elevated claims through consumer affairs who advised me it would not be covered. They stated the exhaust valve likely broke due to carbon build-up. I explained the carbon build-up was due to burning oil which was likely caused by a worn connecting rod bearing. I was told burning oil would not cause carbon build-up and they would not do a good faith repair on my vehicle. I contacted the service manager of the dealer and explained this. He stated the consumer affairs person was not correct and these items were linked. I contacted Kia consumer affairs supervisor and explained my situation again, stating the service manager at the dealership would like to speak with him. He denied my claim again and stated he would "absolutely not speak with the service manager." He told me to refer him to a district manager and still denied any issues with Kia relating to oil consumption causing this engine failure.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2021
When I am driving at night the dashboard, media system/radio, and headlight go out randomly. It is really scary at night because I cannot see where I am driving. My kids are in the car with me and this has been happening for the past 3 years. If I take it to the dealership they cannot find the issue or refuse to even look. They said it is out of warranty and too bad. Why build vehicles so dangerous?
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2021, fire
I was driving, when my car started making an unfamiliar sound. I have never heard of it before because I have never had problems with my car so I decided to pull over on the side of the road. Before I was able to do so, another driver rolled down her window and yelled, “you know your car is on fire!” Realizing my safety was at risk, I immediately merged to the right side of the road and noticed flames igniting from under the hood. I put the car in park and jumped out of the car and called 911. Within minutes, the Whitley County Sheriff’s and Fire Department arrived. I am unsure the specifics on what caused the fire. Luckily enough, no other vehicles were involved. My car was inspected by Geico Insurance Fire Adjuster and his lack of communication with Kia Motors of america, they were unable to inspect the car. According to Kia Settlement, I am unable to receive money but I do not understand because this was a situation that I had no control of and I am at a loss of money because I was not been able to get all of my personal belongings recovered and had to put an additional down payment on another car.
Engine, Sep 8, 2021
I was driving back home when the engine cut out on Hwy 85 south outside Greensboro doing 65 mph. I took it to a shop that told me the engine was seized. I didn’t get any oil notification or any check engine lights till the car shut off. While driving.
Engine, Sep 7, 2021
In July on Highway my 2026 Kia Sorento blue up in blue smoke and stalked on busy multiple lanes of s highway… had to be towed to dealership…. Deakership let it sit fir 10-13 days after multiple text messsges…. Finally attempted to diagnose problem but not addressing blue smoke from tailpipe!!!! This has been occurring since 16,000 miles and excessive oil consumption at 52,887 miles… Aldo jerking, hard starting, stalling on highways…. No codes to diagnose…. All under water ty but did nit repair…. So the problems continued on until it abruptly stopped in the middle of busy Highway in heavy traffic… thankfully we were hit and struck by many cars and seriously injured!!!!!’ The dealership is not sure of their diagnosis and we feel the engine had been a problem since we purchased it new off showroom…. We use premium Mobil gasoline and have never had an issue such as this at 77,000 miles and the car is still in showroom with a spotless service record….. Please advise quickly as we now incurred a rental cost of over $1400.00 and the car remains on their lot for 6 weeks! It’s under warranty because they refused to repair it years ago!!!! Thank you for your prompt action regarding this matter…. Regards, M…….
Engine, Sep 5, 2021
I traveled from my home and back approximately a 50-mile round trip. When I returned home, I noticed an excessive amount of oil leaking from my vehicle. First, I checked the oil level and the dip-stick was bone dry and discolored from the heat of the engine. I then jacked the vehicle up placed it on jack stands removed the engine splash shield to better access the underside of the engine. After careful inspection I was not able to ascertain where the oil may have been coming from. I went to YOUTUBE and found numerous video's detailing the issue with the Sorrento models from 2010-to-2016. Turns out it is the 'OIL PRESSURE SENSOR” about $14.00 in replacement parts; mechanic verified. The issue which has been stated in the YOUTUBE videos and on the NHTSA website and numerous other websites; the vehicle engine will fail from excessive oil loss and the "WARNING LAMP" will not ILLUMINATE to alert you of the low oil level prior to the vehicle losing power and the engine failing. This can be a safety hazard if this occurs on the highway, which I have read other complaints and it has happened luckily no one was injured or killed. It should not cost you $400 in repair cost to replace a part that cost $14.00. If you don’t catch this issue in time and the engine fails that same $14.00 part will cost you $6100 for an engine replacement. This is an issue that KIA has been aware of for over 7 years that has not been addressed. This should be #1 on the NHTSA RECALL list.