2016 Kia Sorento powertrain problems
severe 119 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 119 powertrain 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.
Among the 19 model years of Kia Sorento in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 119 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 27,093 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 71,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,093; a quarter make it past 97,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.