TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPAIR (WTY031) - 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/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, sta
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Kia Sorento electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Kia Sorento have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 55,650 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Sorento | 110 |
| 2013 Sorento | 101 |
| 2014 Sorento | 133 |
| 2015 Sorento | 52 |
| 2016 Sorento (this page) | 83 |
| 2017 Sorento | 81 |
| 2018 Sorento | 28 |
| 2019 Sorento | 62 |
| 2020 Sorento | 19 |
1crash
7fires
When does it fail?
Of the 83 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 83 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - 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 upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SC340_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Kia Sorento shows a pattern of serious electrical and engine failures that dealerships and Kia cannot permanently fix. Shift lock failures are the most common complaint—the Body Control Module loses signal to the shift solenoid, trapping owners in Park and requiring a screwdriver to operate manually. Repair costs exceed $1,000 and fall outside warranty coverage.
Alternators fail catastrophically, killing the engine without warning at highway speeds. Owners report replacing them at 48,000 and 97,500 miles; dealerships confirm the problem but cannot identify why it repeats.
Brake lights malfunction consistently after oil changes, and bulb replacement does not fix the issue, suggesting a defect triggered by service. One owner reports this happens "every single oil change."
Engine seizure and knock are widespread. Owners maintain regular oil changes but the engine runs dry with no warning light, then seizes or develops rod-knock symptoms. Some cases are covered under a class-action settlement for "faulty engines"; others are denied.
Headlights fail individually or flicker when turn signals activate, creating night-driving hazards. Replacement of an entire assembly costs $600–$2,600 and is not covered under warranty.
Fire risk is documented: one vehicle caught fire under the hood after service; others cite tow-hitch wiring (recall SC142) and high-pressure fuel-line defects. Kia issued recall notices but service communication on safety is inconsistent.
Multiple electrical gremlins recur: instrument clusters black out, windows fail, backup cameras degrade, and the radio needs reset buttons as a workaround. These suggest deeper electrical shorts or power-distribution failures that dealers cannot resolve permanently.
Same Kia Sorento electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Body Control Module (BCM) Failure
BCM loses signal to shift interlock solenoid, rendering vehicle stuck in Park. Requires manual override with screwdriver and shift lock release procedure. Multiple owners report identical symptoms across forums and NHTSA complaints.
When: Typically 4–7 years of ownership or 70,000+ miles; some earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in Park; unable to move to Drive without manual override; Brake pedal depressed but no signal sent to solenoid; Vehicle immobilized until manual shift lock override engaged; Brake lights may also fail simultaneously
Codes mentioned: BCM no-signal condition to shifter
Repairs/costs cited: $1,050–$3,000+ for BCM replacement and wiring harness; not covered under warranty in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owners report Kia acknowledges issue is known but unresolved
Alternator Failure
Alternator stops charging, causing complete electrical loss and engine shutdown without warning while driving. Failures repeat; multiple replacements at different mileages on same vehicle.
When: 48,000 miles (first failure), 97,500 miles (second failure); intermittent on some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel lights illuminate simultaneously; Engine dies suddenly while driving; no restart capability; Instrument panel flashes battery warning before loss of power; Loss of electrical system mid-drive on highway at speed
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $varies; dealer testing may show no issues before failure repeats
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; issue reproducible by multiple Kia dealers but unresolved
Headlight Failure
Headlights fail individually (usually driver-side first) or both simultaneously. Bulb replacement does not fix; indicates connector or wiring issue. Occurs at low mileage with auto-on feature implicated.
When: Low mileage (31,000 reported); intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Headlamp(s) stop illuminating despite bulb being intact; Replaced bulb found undamaged; Connector/wiring fault suspected by owners; Occurs spontaneously, especially on vehicles with auto-on headlights
Repairs/costs cited: Entire headlight assembly replacement ~$600; not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealers advise expensive assembly replacement
Brake Light Failure and Stuck-On Condition
Brake lights fail intermittently or malfunction after routine oil changes. Bulb replacement does not resolve; lights may become stuck illuminated, suggesting brake light switch or electrical defect.
When: Recurs immediately after each oil change; 20,000+ miles observed
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stop working entirely after service; Lights stuck on continuously (not responding to brake input); Bulb replaced but problem persists; Pattern is consistent—happens every single oil change for some owners
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replacement; exact cost not stated by owners; recurring issue suggests design defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; some owners compare to known Kia brake light recalls
Engine Seizure and Mechanical Failure
Engine seizes or loses power abruptly while driving at highway speed. No warning lights precede failure. Regular maintenance and fresh oil do not prevent it. Owners report this is a known issue with 2016 Sorento and cite availability of class-action warranty coverage, suggesting systemic defect.
When: Varies: 83,000 miles to 125,000 miles; some within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power mid-drive on interstate; RPM jumps erratically then drops to zero; Engine stalls without restart capability; Oil and battery lights illuminate just before or not at all; No oil warning light despite low/no oil in engine; Knocking or grinding sound heard before shutdown
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (inconsistent/late illumination)
Repairs/costs cited: $7,000+ for engine replacement; some cases covered under class-action warranty due to 'faulty engines'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class-action warranty exists for certain engine failures; coverage disputed/denied in some cases; seven unresolved recalls on one vehicle
Tow Hitch Electrical Harness Fire Risk
Tow hitch wiring harness (Mobius part C6061-ADUS9) poses fire risk due to short-circuit fault. Kia issued recall notice (SC142/22V703) requiring interim fuse fix, but dealer communication inconsistent on parking/driving safety.
When: Defect present at time of purchase (tow package); recall notice issued November 2022; interim fix available May 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Fire risk when hitch electrical system energized; Warning notice sent by Kia citing fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Interim fuse fix; permanent repair status unknown by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC142 (NHTSA 22V703); interim notice dated May 8, 2023; dealership gives conflicting guidance on vehicle safety
Engine Fire Under Hood
Vehicle caught fire while parked or immediately after service. Fire Department confirmed origin under hood. Multiple manufacturing defects documented on vehicle (prior engine replacement, knock sensor replaced, possible ABS/HECU short-circuit). Links to known Kia fire recalls.
When: One case November 2025 at 6,600 miles; others without specific dates
Symptoms owners cite: Blue/white smoke from under hood; Flames visible within minutes of discovery; ABS and Traction Control lights constantly illuminated (fire precursor); Fire spreads rapidly to total loss
Codes mentioned: ABS/Traction Control illumination (HECU/ABS short-circuit indicator)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; investigation ongoing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: References to Kia fire recalls 20V019, 20V519 (HECU), and 22V703 (tow hitch); investigation/claim response pending
Electrical Stalling (Loss of Power Mid-Drive)
Vehicle loses all electrical power and engine stalls while driving, including loss of brakes. No warning lights. Engine restarts minutes later or on second attempt. Occurs at low speed (25–65 mph) at stop signs or traffic lights.
When: Occurs sporadically; documented at 35 mph and 50 mph; approximately 65,000–98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine stalls without warning or diagnostic light; Brake pedal becomes rigid; brakes fail to respond; Vehicle coasts to stop with no steering power or braking; Engine restarts independently seconds/minutes later; Vehicle jerks during and after power loss event
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired; dealer testing found no issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; manufacturer not notified in some cases
Instrument Cluster Blackout
Instrument cluster goes dark during driving or fails to illuminate at startup, rendering all warning lights and speedometer inoperative. Intermittent malfunction; defect re-occurs after periods of working normally.
When: Approximately 6 months after purchase (one case); intermittent thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard display blacks out mid-drive; No display at ignition on; Flickering and horizontal lines (broken TV effect) initially; Speedometer reads incorrectly (60 mph at standstill; 0 mph while moving); All warning system visibility lost
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner concerned about cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised no recall available; owner pays out of pocket
Oil Pressure Switch Failure and Oil Leakage
Oil pressure switch fails and leaks, allowing oil to travel through wiring harnesses and into electrical connectors and engine control unit (ECM). Results in smoke and electrical system contamination.
When: Low mileage reported (46,681 miles on one vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from pressure switch onto exhaust manifold; Smoke from manifold area; Oil fills electrical connectors and ECM pin connections; Multiple wiring harnesses saturated with oil
Repairs/costs cited: Repair by Kia dealership; oil pressure switch replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall despite multiple owner reports online of same issue in various Kia models
High Oil Consumption and Low Oil (No Warning Light)
Engine consumes oil rapidly without illuminating oil-level warning light. Owners maintain regular oil changes but engine runs dry without notification, causing engine knock/noise and potential seizure.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; 20,000–135,000 miles documented
Symptoms owners cite: No oil warning light despite empty engine; Engine knock or knocking sound (rod knock appearance); Engine performance degradation; Metal shards in oil (one case) indicating internal damage; Engine failure/seizure if continued unchecked
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (inconsistent/late)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement or major rebuild; $7,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class-action lawsuit settlement for faulty engines; KSDS Product Improvement Campaign (knock sensor); some repairs covered, some denied
Fuel Leak from High-Pressure Fuel Pipe (Post-Engine Replacement)
High-pressure fuel pipe damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during engine replacement procedure. Causes fuel leak and fire risk. Recall issued after confirmed fire loss.
When: Post-engine replacement (vehicles that received replacement under recall 17V-224)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leak from pump outlet connection; Fire risk in presence of ignition source; Vehicle fire/total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pipe inspection and replacement free of charge under recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V907000 (NHTSA); SC172 (internal); recall began January 17, 2019
Transmission Shift Interlock Failure (Separate BCM Issue)
Shift interlock solenoid stops receiving signal from brake switch circuit. Vehicle cannot shift from Park even with brake pedal firmly depressed. Requires manual override; not a brake light or full BCM failure, but brake-signal circuit fault.
When: Typically 4–7 years and 70,000 miles; some earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter button will not depress; No response to brake pedal depression; Manual shift lock override required; No warning lights; system appears to work normally otherwise
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch replacement attempted (unsuccessful); local mechanic testing confirms BCM brake-signal circuit failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Headlight Flickering (Especially With Turn Signal Activation)
Headlights flicker or dim when left turn signal is activated. Occurs at highway speeds. Multiple attempted repairs at dealership have not permanently resolved the issue.
When: Persistent across years of ownership (one case since 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker when left turn signal in use; Flicker occurs at night and highway speed (unsafe condition); No warning lights or messages before malfunction; Recurs after dealership 'repair'
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs attempted but issue returns within days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges issue but fixes are temporary/ineffective
Electrical Wiring Failure in Passenger-Side Blinker/Hazard
Wiring harness for passenger-side turn signal and hazard lights becomes loose or faulty repeatedly. Prevents safe signaling and hazard light use. Issue recurs within a day of repair.
When: Persistent issue across multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger-side blinker and hazard lights inoperative; Wiring becomes loose or faulty; Defect returns within one day of repair; Safety hazard for lane changes and emergency signaling
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring repair/replacement; not permanently fixed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Stalling at Stop (Idle/Traffic Light)
Engine stalls without warning while vehicle is stopped at traffic light or idle. Vehicle restarts normally after stalling. Recurs intermittently.
When: Intermittent; January/February and later in same year documented
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely at traffic light while stopped; No warning lights before stall; Vehicle restarts normally after stall; Occurs during left-turn wait
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Knock (Rod Knock) Without Warning Light
Engine develops knock/tapping noise consistent with rod bearing failure. Occurs without prior oil warning light or check-engine light, despite owners maintaining regular oil changes.
When: Varies; one case immediately after oil change; others at higher mileage (125,000+)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking/tapping from engine on startup; Knock audible during acceleration; Check engine light may appear late or not at all; No oil warning light despite oil issues
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (late/absent)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement; some covered under class-action/KSDS; others out of pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Theta II Rod Bearing Failure recalls and KSDS Product Improvement Campaign (knock sensor detection)
Rear Liftgate Electrical Failure
Rear tailgate electric release fails to unlatch. Manual emergency release also inoperative. System shows false warning that tailgate is not fully closed.
When: Persistent after prior repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Electric release button does not open tailgate; Emergency pull handle also non-functional; Warning light shows tailgate not closed (false alarm); Vehicle does not register all doors locked
Repairs/costs cited: Prior repair by Kia dealer; issue re-occurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; warranty repair previously attempted
Loss of Engine Power Under Acceleration (Limp Mode/Forced Idle)
Vehicle enters limp mode or forced-idle condition when accelerating, preventing normal speed increase. May occur repeatedly or sporadically. Cannot be diagnosed at dealer because failure cannot be replicated during test drive.
When: Early in ownership (18,000 miles); intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Speed decreases when accelerator pedal depressed; Vehicle enters limp mode or forced idle; Failure is intermittent and difficult to replicate; Dealer cannot diagnose during test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer unable to replicate failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle excluded from manufacturer recall; technical service bulletins available but no solution provided
Starter Failure or Spark/Compression Issues
Vehicle loses ability to start or shows signs of starter/ignition failure. Engine shows compression issues in some cases. May be secondary to internal engine damage.
When: Varies; some within first few months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to restart after stall; Engine cranks but will not turn over; Loud knocking on engine (compression issue); Loss of power before inability to restart
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor fault (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement, spark plug replacement, battery replacement, compression testing; eventual engine failure diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Door Handle Failure
Exterior door handle breaks or becomes inoperable. One owner reports requiring multiple trips back to dealer to correct.
When: Early in ownership; unspecified exact timing
Symptoms owners cite: Door handle broken or inoperable; Dealer unable to correct on first visit
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; appears to have been addressed during early ownership
Radio and Backup Camera Electrical Faults
Radio and backup camera experience intermittent electrical faults. Dealers provide reset button workaround but issue recurs. Suggests underlying electrical short or power distribution issue.
When: Intermittent; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Radio intermittently loses power or signal; Backup camera malfunctions; Reset button required to restore function (temporary fix); Issue recurs; not permanently resolved
Repairs/costs cited: Reset button workaround; underlying cause not addressed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer provides workaround; no permanent fix documented
ABS Light Constantly Illuminated; Passenger Airbags Disabled
ABS and Traction Control warning lights remain on continuously. Passenger airbag system deactivated. Multiple warning lights fail to illuminate correctly, creating unreliable dashboard feedback.
When: Early in ownership; persistent
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light permanently on; Traction Control off without user input; Passenger airbag disabled; Multiple dash warning lights fail to function; Brakes 'scream' or are overly sensitive
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light (continuous)
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner reports replacing battery twice in 3 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Door Lock Failure
Door lock system malfunctions; doors fail to lock or unlock as intended.
When: Early in ownership (within first few days/weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks non-responsive; Manual lock control required as workaround
Repairs/costs cited: Apparent repair during early service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Horn Failure
Horn does not sound when button is pressed. No diagnostic light warns of failure.
When: Early in ownership; 20,000 miles documented
Symptoms owners cite: Horn button depressed but no sound; No warning light indicating horn failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced at dealership; cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Rear Camera Image Failure and Degradation
Rear backup camera image degrades over time, becoming blurry and smaller. Eventually fails completely. Dealership claims no recall notice received despite online reports of recall.
When: Progressive degradation over one year
Symptoms owners cite: Camera image blurry; Image shrinks/becomes smaller; Complete loss of camera signal; No warning of rear vehicle/obstruction detection
Repairs/costs cited: Repair status unknown; safety concern documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall reportedly exists online; dealership claims no notification
Engine Compression Failure
Engine loses compression, rendering it inoperable. Occurs shortly after purchase in some cases despite prior owner claiming good maintenance.
When: Within first 2 months of ownership (one case); higher mileage in others
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not accelerate above 25 mph; Engine shakes and makes loud noise; Loses power and dies; Compression test fails
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or scrap vehicle recommended; $7,000+ cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue per some owners; Kia unwilling to fix
Multiple Window Control Failure
All windows fail to open or close. Occurs without warning while vehicle is stopped.
When: Occurs sporadically
Symptoms owners cite: All windows inoperative at same time; No window control response from switches
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed but offered no assistance
Engine Knock Sensor Replacement (KSDS Campaign)
Knock sensor replaced as part of Kia's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. Replacement occurred just weeks before catastrophic fire event (one case), indicating vehicle was under active recall/campaign service for critical defects.
When: September 2025 (one case); ongoing campaign
Symptoms owners cite: Knock sensor failure (no user-visible symptoms; campaign-driven replacement)
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replaced under KSDS Product Improvement Campaign (not a recall but service campaign)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KSDS Product Improvement Campaign active; does not prevent other failures
Battery Drain and Repeated Battery Replacement
Battery fails prematurely or vehicle experiences excessive parasitic drain, requiring multiple replacements within short ownership period.
When: Within 3 months of ownership (one case); rapid succession
Symptoms owners cite: Battery failure despite prior replacement; Frequent battery warning lights; Multiple battery replacements in short period
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement twice in 3 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Headlight Dimness and Frequent Bulb Burnout
Headlights are extremely dim during night driving. Bulbs burn out frequently. Dealer unable to diagnose root cause; advises full headlight assembly replacement at high cost.
When: Persistent across ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights too dim to see road at night; Safety concern for driver and others; Other vehicles flash headlights at owner (alert to dimness); Bulbs replaced frequently
Repairs/costs cited: Full headlight assembly replacement ~$2,600 recommended; owner unable to afford
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealer unable to diagnose electrical/wiring issue
Engine Fire (Post-Service)
Vehicle caught fire immediately after service completion (oil change, recall work). Fire originating from engine bay. Owner unaware of active recalls at time of service.
When: 1 month post-oil change and anti-theft recall service attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Tapping noise from engine; Loss of power and acceleration; Smoke from under hood into cabin; Flames appear at low speed (~20 mph); Total vehicle loss
Codes mentioned: Engine check light (reset by dealer; CO2 sensor cited)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; fire investigation ongoing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Anti-theft recall service not completed at time of service; vehicle deemed total loss
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 restart as intended. An independent mechanic and a dealer were contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it…
The engine is failing with the light on. It is not getting enough power and is a safety risk. I only have had the car for a year and a half and the dealership I have gotten it from won't do anything. It has had a air compression test, new spark plugs, and has been reviewed by multiply parties saying it is not deem road safety. I called the Kia dealership and it says all the recalls were done but…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 30,000 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 55,650. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 83,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.