2016 Kia Sorento
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1516 |
| 2012 | 875 |
| 2013 | 977 |
| 2014 | 976 |
| 2015 | 745 |
| 2016 | 1236 |
| 2017 | 788 |
| 2018 | 248 |
| 2019 | 414 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 225 |
| 2022 | 181 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
56% of complaints: engine — 686 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car got caught on fire while driving with my 5kids
NHTSA ODI report, 20230930
9% of complaints: power train — 116 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE, THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL TREES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160106
8% of complaints: structure — 103 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY8% of complaints: electrical system — 103 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car got caught on fire while driving with my 5kids
NHTSA ODI report, 20230930
6% of complaints: steering — 80 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015.
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014.
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V480000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V770000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
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)...
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Loss of Motive Power
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V612000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (686 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (116 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (103 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V089000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V446000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V480000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V770000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V862000 (electrical system, trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V612000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Sorento is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.