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.
Steering, Sep 1, 2021
Twice, the electronic power steering has stopped working at speed. Almost impossible to steer the vehicle. Kia has two service bulletins on this issue but dealer claims it cannot find the problem and will not attempt to fix it.
Engine, Aug 25, 2021, fire
In May 2021, my husband was driving the car and was bout 50 miles away from home when the engine caught fire. The car was towed to a repair shop where they confirmed the engine fire and stated the engine had thrown a rod. The car is only 5 years old and has 107,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2021
Excessive heat has caused the trunk latch to fail. It suddenly stopped latching, which creates an obvious safety issue as the car cannot be driven safely with a trunk that flops open every time you accelerate.
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2021
While driving down the road both headlights just turn off. I can turn the light switch off and on and they come back on.
Engine, Aug 21, 2021
On 28 July 2021 at 16:44, While traveling 65 mph on I70 west in Maryland the Kia Sorento started to smoke from the undercarriage and then under the hood. The Kia abruptly shut down and I was able to cost off the highway. The vehicle was towed to Dar Cars Kia of Frederick. After 10 + days on the dealer's lot, a technician said the engine had failed. Kia has refused to acknowledge any responsibility for the engine failure, stating because the car was not brought in to have a recalled engine component repaired. according to a search, there are no open recall statements for this vehicle. In addition, we never received any notification of any problem with the Kia Sorento
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2021
I'm not sure I've had my vehicle serviced but nobody seems to know the problem. Every since my headlight was replaced my electrical system has been wacky. All of my doors keep locking and unlocking on its own. When I try to accelerate my vehicle seems to be more stagnant as if it's no longer increasing speed and the steering wheel does not appear to be in alignment with my tires when turning. My son has never been able to open the door while in motion but since the locks have started clicking there's been some close calls.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2021
In the past year my vehicle has exhibited a high consumption of oil. At present it has 92000 miles. At last check it consumed 1.7 quarts of oil in 750 miles. I have done as request by Kia. They request I do an oil change at the dealer followed up by checks at 1000 miles ( 2 quarts low). At the check at 2000 miles it was again 2 quarts low. They performed what they called a combustion chamber cleaning that was again followed by a check at 1000 miles (1.1 quarts low). After the next check it was at the 1.7 quarts used in 750 miles. Although Kia advertises a 10 year 100000 mile warranty they are excluding me from repair because I am the second owner. I did purchase an extended warranty for 4 years and up to 100000 total miles but I didn’t find the problem until March / April of this year. Kia admits this was caused by soft, improperly heated rings but will not offer any assistance to alleviate the problem. Do I have any recourse with Kia on this and can you help?
Power train, Aug 17, 2021
Shifter cannot be moved out of PARK without pushing down on the SHIFT LOCK RELEASE. I must do this every time I want to go forward or backward. A reliable service center informed me this is a frequent problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento and he suggested a recall may be forthcoming. Owners manual states that when using the RELEASE, depress the brake pedal so vehicles does not lurch forward or back. The additional step to move the car may be hazardous when attempting to get out of the way. Service center isolated the problem to Body Control Module which is expensive and OEM only. This happened without warning when I parked briefly in the road adjacent to a friend's driveway. I blocked the road until I discovered how to use the RELEASE button.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2021
I have always had my car serviced regularly for oil changes. starting in July 2021 my mechanic told me that I was EXTREMELY “dangerously” low in oil, without low oil warning ever turning on. Researched and saw this is a common problem leading to engine failure/ needing replacement. Called local Kia dealership about the issue was told to come in for an oil consumption test, left today and was told oil consumption is not covered in the extended coverage for my engine. I was basically told in order for the repairs to be covered my engine would have to blow up while driving. So every day I’m putting my self and others at risk while driving for my engine to fail at any given time. After seeing other complaints on this site of very similar problems, why has there not been a recall on this engine? It is obviously a very well known problem!! Why am I like a sitting duck every time I drive praying my engine doesn’t blow? Kia dealership told me they have a $500 fix that “might” work but with no guarantee and no refund will be given if it doesn’t work.
Exterior lighting, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 40 mph at dawn, the headlights, side marker lights, and turn signals became inoperable. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front light module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 5, 2021
My Kia recently stopped and cut off on me and my engine started shaking and making a knocking noise I’m up to date with all my oil changes and I had just got one when I checked the oil it was barely any and I didn’t have any check engine light on I had my car towed to the Kia dealership to see what’s wrong I only had the car since 2019 February and it’s never gave me any problems til now the dealership claims they can’t help because the recall was from 2018 I didn’t have the car yet and I didn’t receive anything in the mail my engine is basically not good
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 5, 2021
1ST problem a year ago the rear latch to door wouldn't lock and I had to use bungee cords to keep it shut. 2nd problem, the engine was knocking after I returned from a recent road trip. I took it to local (trustworthy) mechanic and they noticed metal shards in the oil pan. They refused to open the engine because it would void the warranty. I had it towed to KIA of Smithtown and they said it was total engine failure. I said impossible, since I have kept up with all timely oil changes and maintenance and I have the records. There was no warning light of low oil or that the engine was running hot or smoke. Dealer refused to fix and so am in dialogue with an attorney. Kia has yet to send me a bill or approximate charge for engine replacement and has held the SUV for 13 days now.
Visibility, Aug 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while she was at the red light a day after purchasing the vehicle, the sunroof failed to close properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the sunroof had a faulty tilt lever. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred a year later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer who informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the cost of the repair as the vehicle had been out of warranty for two days. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
2016 Kia Sorento-First I would like to comment on the warning lamps. I had no warnings, no lights for my oil. I checked the dip stick and it was dry. I was still good in my timeframe from my last oil change. Luckily I made it to the store to buy oil to put in it. It’s now in the shop being looked at and having its oil changed. Second, my blind spot sensor goes off at times when there’s not even a car near me.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2021
Paint is rapidly peeling
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2021
My check engine light came on back in 2018 or 19 I have since been going to the Kia dealership with this issue making multiple attempts to resolve. I have had them replace oxygen sensors flushed fuel induction system and other things that they recommended. This did not resolve the issue at one point back in 2019 Kia had my vehicle for over 45 days almost 60 days to return it to me without knowing what the issue is and making recommendations to replace very expensive parts. I have since taken the vehicle back for regular repairs and services. No I have come to the place where my vehicle is in need of an engine as a result of this ongoing issue that seems to be an issue with the same make and model for other individuals. A check engine light fuel issues and now a shot engine
Power train, Engine, Jul 20, 2021
We had issues with the TPMS in 2020. Took it to Tempe Kia on 7/30/2020. The following was done on vehicle. 1. Installed 37110 H7A00U 2. Complete Transmission service W/BG Cleaner installed Um013, KBG3020-Cooling system kit, UM040 antifreeze/coolant, 58101 C6A00 Pad kit- Front disc b, Replaced air filter 28113 A9100 Total amount paid $1,019.96. At that time oil was checked off as green. 11/25/2020 four new tires from Costco were put on. TPMS issue came back in May of 2021 when vehicle was parked outside. We live in AZ so the temperatures get hot but when the TPMS light come on it shuts the car down where it could not go into gear until it cooled down. Moving forward to July the TPMS light stayed on and the check engine light came on and vehicle began to sputter. We took it to our mechanic and he diagnosed that we needed a new engine. There was sludge build up, knock sensor codes came up, miss fires on bank 1, and internal engine noise. We had the vehicle towed to our dealer Tempe Kia. They concurred that a new engine would be necessary. Many codes were found P0300, P0306; P0304; P0302; P0018. Had a conversation with Debby 10:00 a.m. for 55 minutes 7/20/21from Kia and was told that due to lack of maintenance on the vehicle that Kia would not cover this engine under warranty. We were told that our oil changes were out of the time frame that Kia specifies in the owners manual that the 2016 Kia Sorento should have an oil change every 7,500 miles. We had oil changes every year from purchase to failure. Some at 8,000 miles to 15,000 miles. There are MANY complaints and cases open for the 2016 Kia Sorento engine failure. We have a 2012 Kia Sorento that the engine failed but a recall was issued for finding metal shavings in the engine. We purchased a 2021 Telluride in June but, moving forward we will not be purchasing anymore Kia vehicles. We are truly disappointed that Kia found a way out of our case and will not warranty our engine.
Steering, Jul 17, 2021
Progressing problem with power steering failure since 05/2020. This month was more frequent occurrences. When driving straight and steady power steering stiffens and losses power, red warning light steering lights which forces the driver to steer hard limiting short turns. Almost got into accident multiple times. Must restart engine in order to restart steering function.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2021
My 2016 Kia Sorento is pearl white and the paint is chipping. All over the engine hood and roof of my car. Paint bubbles, cracks and peels off. It’s getting worse rapidly.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2021, fire
NOT SURE !!! We were on the Interstate and all of sudden smoke starting coming out of rear end of our vehicle.Our Car started sounding slow and not sounding good, It was me and my husband in the Car. My husband was driving, I started panicking and told my husband about the smoke coming out of the back of our vehicle. Suddenly we saw "Good People "who were on the Interstate right behind our vehicle. They immediately drove passing our car and shouting loud "Get out, Your Car is on Fire". They stopped ahead of us and started calling 911. We both jumped out in a shock. God was with us on this day!!!
Engine, Jul 14, 2021
Two weeks ago, my 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 AWD just all of a sudden sounded like something was breaking under the hood. There were no symptoms prior to the failure, and no warning messages or lights. Luckily, I was able to safely get off the main highway as soon as I heard the noise. After having it towed to the local Kia dealership, the Kia service advisor later indicated an engine rod broke, there are bits of metal everywhere, and a total engine replacement is needed. My experience and this diagnosis seem to align with what the Kia engine failure class action settlement just addressed earlier this year in a range of vehicles including the 2016 Kia Sorento 4 cylinder engines. My vehicle is still inoperable and located at the local Kia dealership with no resolution in sight. I have owned the vehicle for ~4500 miles / 7 months and purchased it from a Kia dealership as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with a dealership-provided extended warranty. It has ~85000 miles total on it.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jul 13, 2021
The Pearl White paint is chipping off the hood. It looks horrible and needs to be fixed ASAP! The sunroof, back latch and BSD have all been “fixed” by Master Mechanics but they are still not working correctly. The sunroof is slow closing and won’t close all the way. The back latch won’t open most of time without you getting it started. It also makes a horrible noise when it closes. The BSD doesn’t work at all.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
My Sorento began to make a small knocking noise while I was driving to an appointment with my 3 year old on 7/12/21. I pulled over at a gas station to check the oil and it was not low. I turned the car on and still NO lights on the dash although there was a smell like burning gas. It has 86,328 miles on it. I continued to drive to the appt since I was 8 minutes away. While driving at 40 mph the entire vehicle turned off with no warning. It simply lost all power. I was in the middle of a 6 lane intersection with my 3 year old (who has special needs) and was only able maneuver the truck 3 lanes over to the turning lane before it stopped rolling. I turned the car off and then tried to crank it and the only sound was a squeal, but no start up. I crossed the remaining 3 lanes on foot while carrying my son since it quickly got up to 95+ degrees in the car and we had to wait for a ride. I attempted to start the car again and battery was dead. After getting a jump, it started up with a squeal and clanking sound. I called to get a tow truck. My Sorento is currently sitting in the parking lot at home and when started it makes a terrible squeal and when the accelerator is pushed there is a terribly loud clanking sound as if something is loose banging around on the inside. It gets worse as the game is pushed. This was a very hectic and unsafe situation for us both, not to mention we missed the therapy appt for my son and we also missed leaving for vacation the following day because we currently have no automobile. I have cancer and next week I am scheduled to have a major surgery to hopefully remove it and now I have no transportation. I am contacting a KIA dealership to see what my options are. They claim no recalls in it, but we previously received a recall notice mailed, so I’m unsure what is going on and if there will be any assistance from KIA.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
Car started to "chug" during start, took to repair shop and was told the engine failed and blew the head gaskets. Final recommendation was new engine. Car has 90,000 miles and is out of warranty. Was bought at a dealer used, but it was not Kia certified, even though it was bought at Kia of Old Saybrook. Currently car is at Bozrah Auto in CT and the engine is 3 weeks from delivery because there is a waiting list for the engine, which makes me wonder how many engines are being replaced on these SUV's?
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2021
Vehicle displayed intermittent overheating on temp gauge. Fans would run for extended period on shutdown. White smoke from exhaust on first start up in the morning. No check engine light. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Failed hydrocarbon test, meaning seal between combustion and coolant compromised. Many complaints online regarding stripped threads in engine block causing bolts to loosen and and seal to fail. Kia is aware of issue and fixes or replaces engine for original owners. Company is knowingly defrauding the public by not issuing service bulletin or recall to original owners to have problem corrected before subsequent ownership. Subsequent owners are left with a $7000 liability on the purchase of a used $15,000-25,000 car, along with an uneasy feeling the same thing may happen to the replacement engine. I am starting a class action law suit in Indiana.