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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-KIA-SORENTO
2016 · kia

kia Sorento problems

4 safety recalls. 1,215 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
539 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
116 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
99 reports · avg $1,500
severe
electrical
81 reports · avg $850
severe
steering
79 reports · avg $700
moderate
cruise control
47 reports · avg $600
severe
lighting
45 reports · avg $250
moderate
airbags
13 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Sorento · electrical
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed decreased. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot safely. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to…
12/31/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11708052.0
2016 Sorento · steering
Has a steering control issue. I am now on my 3rd steering columm replacement. They do not correct the sticky on center steering control issues. Kia has not come up with a workable solution for this. I have had it to 3 dealers so far. They all say the steering column needs to be…
12/31/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562809.0
2016 Sorento · engine
We have to constant add oil to the engine in between our 3000 mile oil changes, at least a quart or more. There are no oil leaks anywhere on the engine. The engine makes a loud "ticking" noise and doesn't have the power. The transmission also has issues shifting from 1st to 2nd…
12/31/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499617.0
2016 Sorento · engine
Driving on highway, vehicle lost power. Ultimate diagnosed as a seized engine. Car was towed to our mechanic. After contacting Kia, they had us tow it to a local Kia dealer. After they diagnosed the same seized engine, they said they would not pay for repair, despite their being…
12/31/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445755.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 16V480000 29/06/2016

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles

The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 16V770000 24/10/2016

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016

In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 15V446000 14/07/2015

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014

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.

Fix: 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.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 1,215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Kia Sorento has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Kia Sorento?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 539 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sorento has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Kia Sorento?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,215 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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