Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sorento, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine696
- Unknown or other166
- Power train126
- Structure111
- Electrical system107
- Steering80
- Exterior lighting67
- Vehicle speed control62
- Fuel/propulsion system53
- Engine and engine cooling31
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 19 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 82 2016 Sorento vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 39 people died inside them, and 7 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Kia Sorento failed the safety check 2.42% of the time — 23% more often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 90,366 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
14,916 new Kia Sorento cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Germany (4,492), the United Kingdom (3,325), Sweden (1,141).
- Average mass
- 1,941 kg
- Average power
- 146 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
33 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 52% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €67,489.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde41
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld7
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm6
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling4
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage4
- Mistlicht voor onjuist afgesteld4
- Band onvoldoende profiel4
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft3
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
3,045 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 40 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 3,153 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 78% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 5.9% | 4.3% |
| Suspension | 5.4% | 4.9% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.3% | 6.1% |
| Visibility | 2.8% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.6% | 1.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
241 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 207,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
486 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 3% arrived as used imports, 95% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 15.0 % |
| 2016 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 15.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 9.8–11.6 L/100 km (about 20–24 mpg US), CO₂ 233–275 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.1 | 8.2 | 9.8 |
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 8.6 | 10.3 |
| Sorento AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.4 | 9.2 | 10.4 |
| Sorento AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 12.3 | 9.3 | 10.9 |
| Sorento AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 9.4 | 11.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Kia Sorento.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2023449 11 Aug 2023 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain vehicles, wear inside the multi-function switch could cause the headlights to turn off suddenly when the switch is in the AUTO mode. Saf… |
| 2022453 10 Aug 2022 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the transmission shifter assembly may allow you to shift out of the Park position (P) without pressing the brake pe… |
| 2021680 5 Nov 2021 | Electrical Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness that could fail. Over time, water could leak into the control module and caus… |
| 2019143 18 Mar 2019 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2019098 27 Feb 2019 | Fuel System Issue: When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly i… |
| 2016540 1 Nov 2016 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles, the driver’s seatback may have been incorrectly welded at time of assembly. This could cause the seatback to fail in a rear-end collision, … |
| 2016346 5 Jul 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, the rear crossmember assist arm bracket may not have been properly welded during the manufacturing process. This could cause the welds to b… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2016 Kia Sorento: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010704 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (WTY031) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the multi-function switch assembly on 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. The contact points in the multi-function switch in your vehicle may become worn, and it could result in intermittent headlamp flickering. |
| 11010124 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the left or right margin areas. This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Lambda II produced from October 27, 2014 through April 13, 2017. Under certain severe |
| 11006551 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Lambda II produced from October 27, 2014 through April 13, 2017. Under |
| 11001605 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Lambda II produced from October 27, 2014 through April 13, 2017. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the subject vehicles may develop a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area. If t |
| 11001595 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10252085 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the s |
| 10248084 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch. |
| 10248083 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY035). |
| 10248082 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle's engine in 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the vehicle may develop a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area. If the vehicle continues to |
| 10248080 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle's engine in 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the vehicle may develop a coolant leak from the cylinde |
| 10248079 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle' engine in 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the vehicle may develop a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area. If the veh |
| 10248078 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPAIR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the "Multifunction Switch Warranty Extension Program" (WTY031) to repair the multifunction switch knob on 2016-2018MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced at Kia Georgia from October 27, 2014 through March 7, 2018, which may exhibit an intermittent headlamp flickering. The vehicle's warranty for this issue will be extended from 5 years/60, |
| 10244787 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the multi-function switch assembly on 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. The contact points in the multi-function switch in your vehicle may become worn, and it could result in intermittent headlamp flickering. |
| 10243924 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10242913 | PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause. |
| 10240563 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 7. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated |
| 10240558 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10240267 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10239714 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10239108 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 6. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) may experience five (5) inadvertent honks after starting the vehicle with the remote start feature. |
| 10237138 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Multifunction Switch Warranty Extension Program' (WTY031) to repair the multifunction switch knob on 2016-2018MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced at Kia Georgia from October 27, 2014 through March 7, 2018, which may exhibit an intermittent headlamp flickering. The vehicles warranty for this issue will be extended from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. |
| 10237027 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the multi-function switch assembly on 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. The contact points in the multi-function switch in your vehicle may become worn, and it could result in intermittent headlamp flickering. |
| 10236650 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10236078 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
Loss of Motive Power
Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation