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.
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2021
Instrument Panel and Alternator. My KIA Sorento continues to have alternator failures that shut down the engine while in operation without warning. I had to replace one at 48,000 miles and again at 97,500 miles. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by two separate KIA dealers and they cannot identify why this continues to happen. The first time everything on the instrument panel lite up at one time and then suddenly the engine failed and stopped running in motion, while I was driving on a highway. Luckily, I was in the right lane and coasted to shoulder. The second most recent time, the instrument panel flashed a battery so I replaced the battery and then had KIA test for alternator problems and their equipment showed no issues although I brought it back numerous times. Then two months later it died AGAIN and they said it is the ALTERNATOR. In addition, there is an electrical problem with the radio and backup cameras. To resolve this they showed me a reset button. Clearly, there are electrical shortages or issues. I have had on-going issues with the KIA Sorento engines stalling and not accelerating and now this with the Alternator. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! NONE OF THE ISSUES are being addressed yet, they are listed all over the internet. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED???
Engine, Jul 1, 2021
Vehicle shut down unexpectedly in the middle of street. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop per request of dealership vehicle was purchased at. Mechanic later found metal shavings scattered through out engine. I’m currently without vehicle for transportation of my family of four incase of any emergency.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
I was driving down the highway no warning lights displayed loud sound came from engine and died immediately. Car would not restart. Had it towed to a Kia dealership and they said there was a hole in the back of the engine and it needs to be replaced.
Engine, Jun 23, 2021
Months ago car just struggled to run while driving. Flatbed picked it up on roadside and brought to garage. Mechanic thought easy fix (a belt). Replaced belt. Still same issues. It was not due for an oil change, but mechanic decided to change oil even though he has done it every 3000 miles since brand new. He found flakes in oil and suggested not to drive it and it needed a new motor. Flatbed brought car home and it has been parked ever since.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2021
2016 Kia Sorento has had problems with fuel pump and probably that fuel line so I had to have it replaced and then now see a recall for those so is this newer recall or what and also what could i do if i had private ASE certified mechanic fix this and the Kia has a little over 84k miles on it. Does Kia have to reimburse me for this and for the labor work done to or can you please tell me what I can do. Thankyou kc
Engine, Jun 21, 2021
The vehicle stopped in highway traffic with no previous warning lights. Then the car was making a ticking sound & shut off after a restart attempt. Then it had to be towed to a Kia dealership & they stated it needed a engine after a thorough inspection. The engine failure is under warranty due to recalls on this model KIA Sorento from 2016. It was unknown to me at the time of purchase in 2019 from a DriveTime dealership. The dealership affirmed it had no recalls or previous accidents at the time of purchase (which is untrue). Now I have no vehicle. DriveTime is refusing to help & KIA has refused to repair the recalled engine. Please help.
Engine, Jun 18, 2021
My engine keeps burning oil at an extremely fast rate and the oil is very dark. Every time I take it in to get an oil change or top off, the mechanics tell me that my care has excessive oil consumption and something is wrong with the engine. My car also hesitates to start. I’ve taken it to get checked out twice stating my concerns, and the mechanics are not able to find anything wrong with it. Also, the indicator light does not come on when my oil is low, which has led to me driving my car with no oil In it.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2021
Paint of my 2016 is chipping off
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 10, 2021
I purchased a new 2016 KIA Sorento Tow Package that stated on the invoice it included a Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9 (Tow Hitch Harness) –Sorento. They part failed June 2019 and was reported to the KIA Kearny Mesa dealership. They initiated a request for the part and it was not received to date. The KIA Customer Care Irvine center said the vehicle was not listed as having the part and therefore I was not entitled to the KIA internal recall SC142. (Google search C6061 ADUS9) Their explanation was the VIN didn't include the Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9. I emailed a copy of the purchase invoice that showed otherwise. Please force KIA to update their build database to include purchased options. This is the second time I have submitted this Safety Recall. Consumer would like to provide an update complaint number 11390630 with 11420441. Essentially the PROBLEM is KIA customer service will not honor its INTERNAL RECALL SC142 with consumer's vehicle and suspect they won't honor others with the same issue. The sell their new vehicles in California without a Trailer Brake controller and defective CLASS III tow hitch harness. Mobius part is C6061 ADUS9 (Tow Hitch Harness) – Sorento
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
I parked the car to wait for my daughter and after she got in the car I couldn't shift out of park.
Power train, Jun 3, 2021
leaks oil like crazy and constantly adding oil but no obvious leak engine shaking very bad, idling very hard and not shifting properly
Engine, Jun 1, 2021
I get my car serviced every month or so because I commute quite a ways from my home to my job recently after my car engine check light came on I got my fuel injection system flushed spark plugs changed and brake pads done at the same time also Wheel alignment And my first day back to work once getting my car serviced I don’t feel the same I feel like my car struggling and then getting on the freeway my complete engine shut off but then turned back on and continue to drive I didn’t even have to stop it I almost crashed but luckily I was on the far right lane I also received a recall a year and a half ago for my car but now they’re stating on the NHTS that there isn’t one I filled out the forms never heard back but I also Took it into a Kia dealership in Perris ca and had my car checked for a recall the guy said there was no recall but I had the forms from Kia myself showing him that my car had a recall but because he said I didn’t have one and I didn’t think or hear back from Kia I figured it was OK I’ve never followed up but I should have follow up which I should have done because I didn’t think it was serious but now my life being flash before my eyes it’s serious and I don’t know what to do because when I take it back to the mechanic there’s no diagnostic code that’s coming up but my car is messing up and I’m really afraid I have attached copies of my recent recent receipts and luckily I made a plank copy and my copy of my original that I mailed back off for the original recall on my car that I received
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2021
Engine started “knocking” while driving. Checked the oil, there was no oil, added oil, and car wouldn’t start back up. Engine smelled like something was burning (electrical burning smell) now I’ve been informed my engine will need to be replaced
Other or unspecified, May 26, 2021
The driver's side rear exterior door handle fell off in my hand. In the event of an emergency, this prevents me from accessing the backseat without going to the opposite side of the vehicle. Upon a google search, there are countless others who have experienced this same issue. I have contacted my local Kia dealership to have this replaced, pending the part is in stock.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2021
For about a week my car had a terrible smell of fumes, nor air or heat. It then started over heating. I parked it and had it towed go the dealer. It was still under warranty and we were told it was a head gasket issue. Then they tried moving the car and the entire engine blew. The dealer has already had my car a month and told me they have no received a new engine and don't know when they will. After looking into I see many cases where 2016 kia Sorentos are over heating catching fire and blowing up
Engine, May 22, 2021
I AM 70 YEAR OLD WOMAN. NOT A SPEEDSTER . wHILE DRIVING ENGINE BLEW ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65 MPH. CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH 124,000 MILES ON IT. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ENGINE BLOWING UP. OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3000 TO 5000 MILES.
Engine, May 20, 2021
My 2016 Kia Sorento that I purchased used which had 80,000 miles on it at time of purchase on 11/6/2020. I didn’t drive it daily because I had a company car I used for work. Well on 4/28/2021 I am driving my vehicle home and I started smelling coolant so I am 1 1/2 miles from my house so drive it in and the temp gauge is now at Hot. I call towing company and have it towed to a KIA dealership 90 miles from me because no one in my town services KIA not has the equipment to put on the KIA to run report. The Kia dealership tells me that the bolts has backed out and and caused a head gasket to blow . They recommend a new engine which none are available because all being refurbished so all they can do is redo the bolts and rehex but they do not warrant their work because it’s not recommended approach . I am not original owner so the 10 yr:/100,000 mile power train does not apply and the 5/60,000 does not apply because it has 80,000mikes. I had purchased Carshield but they refuse to cover the cost because they say the head and gasket plus the reboring the holes and rebolting not part of the internal mechanism so they refuse to pay. So issues with the 3.3L V6 GDI are faulty and KIA is aware. I wAnt someone to make KIA put this on a emergency recall and need engine replaced with a new one and KIA needs to make it right immediately while it’s still in shop and been there over 3 weeks because I have been arguing with KiaCustomer Affairs, Carshield and all the other levels . We need to file a class action lawsuit . All Kia says we report the the issues but nothing gets done . I will never purchase another foreign vehicle or definitely not a KIA because any company that won’t stand behind the piece of crap power train needs to be put out of business . If they can cover 100,000 miles for original owner then they could make it a standard regardless if someone is 2nd or 3rd owner. 100,000 miles should be 100,000 miles regardless but KIA makes another excuse to avoid responsibility. Dealer said the new engines to fit vehicle which 3.1 liter V6 mid because all are being refurbished so that proves that a problem with this size Engine. Consumer is letting bank repo the vehicle.
Structure, May 18, 2021
Stock paint is continuing to peel off of the car for no reason. No accidents, or anything self inflicted that would contribute to the paint chipping.
Engine, May 16, 2021
I have complained to Kia regarding excessive oil consumption. The dealership stated my head gasket needed to be replaced. 2 weeks after Kia replaced, I had a routine oil change at my local mechanic who regularly performs maintenance. He contacts me and has me come down to show me he did not want to do the oil change as he noticed that the gasket had not been changed as I had claimed it was when i dropped it off earlier in the day. He agreed to order the parts and when replaced gave me the parts which could not have possibly been new. I called Smithtown Kia reporting a complaint at paying nearly $500 and no repair was made to my car. At which, I was told there is an issue with the engine of my car as they received a “warning notice” from corporate. They explained I would likely need to replace the engine. They refused to refund my money for a repair not made. On 5/7/21, I was traveling to Delaware and on the NJ turnpike traveling at highway speed in the left lane, the engine decelerated and warning lights appear saying engine failure service required. Nearly being hit by cars traveling behind me and subsequently attempting to move to the shoulder was almost hit by 2 commercial trucks. A frightening experience and left stranded. The car was towed to a local mechanic who indicated the car needs to be towed to Kia as the engine is not performing. Having to wait until Monday, my car was towed to the nearest dealership In Delaware. I’m currently without a vehicle and waiting for the dealership to diagnose the issue. I’ve been told the service department will likely assess the car in 3-4 weeks due to all the engine failures they are addressing. The incident was traumatic for myself and my passenger, we could have been killed. My vehicle has always had oil changes, Car Fax and all my receipts can attest to my adherence to the maintenance of my vehicle. I’m praying this does not happen to anyone else and certainly not to an inexperienced driver as this would be a tragedy.
Visibility, May 11, 2021
AS WE ARE DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH A LOUD POP AND GLASS FELL ONTO US. IT WAS ALARMING AND OUR ATTENTION WAS DIVERTED FROM DRIVING TO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED. WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. WE LOOKED FOR A ROCK ETC, BUT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. THE REMAINING GLASS ON THE SUNROOF LOOKED LIKE IT WAS BLOWN FROM THE INSIDE OUT. FROM RESEARCHING ONLINE IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND IN THE MID-60S WITH THE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE IN THE 68 RANGE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!
Engine, May 10, 2021
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY 2016 KIA SORENTO SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWS CODE P1326. THIS CODE IS RELATED TO THE KNOCK SENSOR.
Engine, May 6, 2021
MY CAR STARTED OVERHEATING ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO ALERTS OR WARNINGS. MY VEHICLE IS 2016 KIA SORENTO SX V6 WITH 3.3L ENGINE 6 CYLINDERI BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED BUT IT HAD BEEN SERVICED FAITHFULLY WITH RECORDS FROM KIA BUT BEING A SECOND OWNER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY STOPS AT 60,000 MILES INSTEAD OF 100, 000 MILES IF I WERE ORIGINAL OWNER. I BOUGHT IT FROM A RELIABLE DEALERSHIP WHICH IT HAD 81,300 MILES AT TIME I BOUGHT AND ONLY HAS 85 ,000 MILES NOW BUT WE DON'T DRIVE IT THAT MUCH AND HAVE OWNED IT FOR 6 MONTHS . NOW KAY HAS HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2016 SX AWD SORENTO BUT 111 COMPLAINTS ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE . I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THAT IT HAD BLOWN HEAD GASKET BECAUSE THE BOLTS HAD BACKED OUT. SO KIA BASICALLY SAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE I AM NOT ORIGINAL OWNER SO NO WARRANTY NOW. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME NO MOTORS AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY ALL HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK IN TO BE RETOOLED DO IT SHOWS THERE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE BUT STILL NO RECALL. I BOUGHT A COVERAGE WARRANTY WITH CAR SHIELD BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP CAN ONLY REPAIR HEAD GASKET AND CAN NOT WARRANT THE WORK BECAUSE IF IT HAVING ALUMINUM HEAD BUT I HAVE A VEHICLE ME THAT I OWE 19,000 DOLLARS ON AND HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PAY FOR MY REPAIRS NOW. KIA NEEDS HELD RESPONSIBLE AND PAY UP TO THE POWER TRAIN OF 100,000 MILES .111 COMPLAINTS ON THIS ENGINE IS ENOUGH TO SAY LET'S HELP THESE PEOPLE ... I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER KIA PRODUCT DUE TO THE POOR ATTITUDES. OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND KIA IN GENERAL. WORD OF MOUTH IS BEST ADVERTISEMENT NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE FOR KIA AND CAR SHIELD BOTH OF THEM. THIS IS HAPPENING UNDER 88,000 MILES ON MAJORITY OF THESE MOTORS. THEY NEED HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FORCED TO BRING IN A RECALL AND REPAY THE ONES THAT HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THEIR PIECE OF CRAP ENGINES WHICH THEY NO LONGER PUTTING THEM IN THE NEW KIA .
Structure, Apr 19, 2021
THE PAINT STARTED PEELING FROM THE HOOD OF MY CAR 2 YEARS AGO. IT STARTED AS SMALL CRACKS, SO I ORDERED PAINT REPAIR PENS FROM KIA AND TRIED TO REPAIR IT MYSELF, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. NOW IT HAS EXPANDED TO BIGGER AREAS. AFRAID TO WASH THE CAR BECAUSE ALL THE PAINT MAY PEEL OFF.
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
MY 2016 KIA SORENTO IS HAVING OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE ENGINES ON SEVERAL KIA MODELS. I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT KIA HAD RECOMMENDED TO MONITOR OIL LEVELS AND NOW KIA IS CLAIMING THEY ARE NO LONGER "HONORING" THAT TYPE OF TESTING. MY BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS HORRIBLE PROBLEM WHICH COULD ULTIMATELY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE YET DEATH IF ONE OF THESE KIAS ENGINES DIES OUT ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME YET BUT I WAS JUST READING PLENTY OF REVIEWS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE AND PRAY WHENEVER I GO OUT AND DRIVE. PLEASE TAKE NOTE ONCE AGAIN OF THIS CRITICAL ISSUE SURROUNDING THESE VEHICLES. I HAD A KIA BEFORE THIS BUT NEVER AGAIN WHEN THEY ARE DEFAULTING ON THEIR OBLIGATION TO FIX THIS HUGE PROBLEM. AND SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT BACKING CONSUMERS HAVING THESE ISSUES!!!! IT IS A DISGRACE THAT A FOREIGN CAR COMPANY COMES IN AND PROFITS OFF OF AMERICA AND DOESN'T BACK IT'S OWN PRODUCT. CORPORATE GREED AT ITS GREATEST. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO KEEP US SAFE ON THE ROADS WITH THESE THINGS HAPPENING ON THE ROADWAY?????????????? THANK YOU, [XXX] PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Steering, Apr 11, 2021
THE STEERING STICKS AT TIMES. ITS NOT SMOOTH AND I HAVE TO PUT EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE STEERING TO TURN. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY.