Owner complaint record
2016 Kia Sorento Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2016 Kia Sorento owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,244 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 2, 20261,244 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
+67% vs 2015
690 complaints, 55% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
17 mention an injury, 49 a fire
The engine leads the 2016 Kia Sorento record at 55%, with powertrain next at 10%. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 83,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the door lock actuator, $116 to $155 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
More than half the complaints name the engine, mostly warning lights and engine noise, and a quarter of the engine reports mention stalling.
2016 Kia Sorento overview
The 2016 Sorento came with a 2.4-liter four, a 2.0-liter turbo four or a 3.3-liter six-cylinder, all with a six-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Owners filed 67% more complaints about the 2016 than the 2015 (747), and the engine leads both years. The 2017 drew 797, with engine named most.
- Power
- 290 hp at 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 252 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 185 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 178 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 240 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 260 lb-ft at 1,450 to 3,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Kia's 2016 Sorento specifications.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2016 Kia Sorento than about any other Sorento year except 2011, and most of them are about the engine. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 2ndCompared with other Sorento years1,244 complaints, the 2nd most of 15 model years (2011 has 1,517).By model year
- 55%The system named mostEngine, in 690 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 83,000 miles.Problems by system
- 8Recalls8 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Kia Sorento.Recalls
- 29Crashes, injuries, fires29 complaints mention a crash, 17 an injury and 49 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2016 Kia Sorento problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,244 complaints about the 2016 Kia Sorento that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine55%690 complaintsEngine noise, warning lights, stalling
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What owners describe
Vehicle stalled while driving with speed on normandie ave in torrance call triple for them to tow it to kia dealer. Received a called from dealer saying the engine blown out. At 50000 miles. Technician from kia mentioned it's a recall.
A part which was replaced during a recall, failed. The kia dealership wants to charge me $800 to replace that part. Plus, not cover a car rental. I feel the charge is unjustified. The car hesitated and cut off 300 miles from my home. The check engine light came on, and I feared continuing to drive the car
MTNJNJCARead 4 more owner reports+4
Driving home late evening february 2018. Engine quit running had seized up. Had owned for only 7000 miles. Dealership( missoula billion kia) has had the car since june 8, 2018, for repairs. They now say no replacement engine until september at the earliest.
2nd engine failure in less than 1 year. Dealership replaced 1st engine in february 2018 which then failed in january 2019. Dealership (kia of cherry hill nj 1803 marlton pike w, cherry hill, nj 08002) unable to determine cause. Dealership unsure when new engine would be available. Driving loaner vehicle since january 2019.
"takata recall" kia sorento 2016 model sx-awd it started making weird noises from the engine and felt little thumps when I press on the accelerator and binding noise from the rear of the vehicle from the beginning of 2019. The car does not exceed over 90mph.
The engine in this vehicle is malfunctioning. Radiator leak caused issues with engine which then caused overheating and a $10,000 repair. No extended warranty. Kia stopped making these engines because they were so bad. Not fair as the consumer to have to pay and clean up a mess that kia created.
When it starts
Usually starts around 83,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 57,182 and 110,000.
What to do
Listen for a knock at idle and ask for any engine work by VIN.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoPowertrain10%119 complaintsRough shifts
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What owners describe
The entire vehicle shakes on the transition from 1st to 2nd gear. It previously would only do this once at the beginning of every drive, but now it happens during every acceleration from a stop. In other words, after every stop sign or light, the suv will kick with a significant jolt as it shifts from 1st up to 2nd gear.
This 2016 kia sorento (mfg 10/27/14) will lose power/traction in a parking lot when trying to pull out into cross traffic, creating a serious safety problem. The dealer says he is unable to replicate the problem and therefore cannot fix it. I cannot sell/give this unsafe vehicle to a family member until it is corrected. Very dangerous.
MNGAFLCARead 4 more owner reports+4
My transmission failed while driving, stopping and picking up became unsafe. I took it into a kia dealership since it became dangerous to drive. I was then told that there was a tsb sa292 patch that was intended to prevent this exact issue. Kia is only willing to cover part of the cost. I feel this issue should be a recall since it makes the vehicle dangerous to drive.
Two oil change stations told me I need a new power train. I know power train is covered under 100,000 miles for kia. Want to see if I need your help in the process for defect or anything else to assist me at nearest kia dealership?
Car kicks when driving. Oil burns out after oil change. Every week or 2 I have to put oil in. Problem still continues after kicking problem was somewhat fixed. Car still kicks but not as hard today. Engine oil is still burning up quickly
Total engine failure on highway with no warning. Kia dealership says a piston broke and a valve is stuck open. Total engine replacement required with a cost of $12,000. Kia refused to help with cost due to car being at 101,000 miles. Only 1,000 miles over the powertrain warranty.
When it starts
Usually starts around 71,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 25,546 and 99,000.
What to do
Drive through the low gears and feel for a rough shift.
Our guideBad Transmission Symptoms: Seven Causes Ranked by CostBody8%105 complaintsDoors and latches, some broken sunroofs
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What owners describe
When driving on the highway at 55 mph the sunroof over the driver and front passenger compartment exploded. Glass showered into the car (2016 kia sorento xls). We drove the car a lower speeds to the dealership in bellingham, wa (smith kia).
While driving on the highway at 55 mph the sunroof over the driver and front passenger compartment exploded sending glass into the vehicle. We drove the vehicle at lower speeds to the smith kia dealership in bellingham, wa and are awaiting repairs.
GAGASCWARead 4 more owner reports+4
My kia sorento 2016 hatch door will not open. I have to get in and crawl over two row to get unlock from the inside. Since this started happening I have found numerous complaints about this happing to other people.
I bought my 2016 kia sorento on 06/17/2020. By 06/20/2020 when I got home and tried locking my car, my trunk door would not lock. It will open and close but anybody can access my vehicle through the trunk. And because it will not lock its keepin my dashboard flashing.
The vehicle was being driven straight on a 4 lane road at slow speeds due to traffic. The rear pane of the panoramic sunroof imploded without being struck by any object. Luckily the shade was closed up to the front pane of glass which prevented the glass from showering the occupants.
When driving on the highway at 55 mph the sunroof over the driver and front passenger compartment exploded and sent glass into the vehicle. We drove the vehicle at lower speeds to the smith kia dealership in bellingham, wa and are awaiting repairs. We found an article from consumer reports that details how there glass roof fail and found a link to how to file the ntsb report.
When it starts
Usually starts around 46,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 30,000 and 66,250.
What to do
Work every door and look over the sunroof glass.
Electrical system8%103 complaintsWarning lights, headlights going out, door locks
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What owners describe
The headlights went out while I was driving on the highway going 70 miles per hour. I was getting ready to brake and turn and was unable to see anything outside of the vehicle. The lights were off for approximately 10 seconds.
2016 kia sorento lx (7800 miles) - both left and right rear doors won't lock or unlock with either the fob or the button on the drivers' door.
MEMIRead 2 more owner reports+2
While driving at night while my headlights are in auto position they will randomly turn off for a few seconds and then click back on. This has happened twice in one week. The last time, was while driving 70 mph down the interstate and my headlights went out without warning.
Vehicle will accelerate and then lose power. Took it in they said not covered under warranty. 450.00 to fix tailghts and headlights all went out within a week of each other. Wheels sensors keep saying low tires even after new tires out on.
When it starts
Usually starts around 51,747 miles. Half of owners reported it between 25,319 and 78,166.
What to do
Test the headlights and the door locks.
Steering6%80 complaintsA wheel that locks or goes unresponsive at highway speed
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What owners describe
I do alot of highway driving. While at speeds of 65mph and in turns, the steering wheel sticks. And feels like it pulls even harder. So I have to give it a tug in the turn or stop it from crossing into another lane. Trying the dealership again.
Same problem in november 2018 and february 2019 during driving on highway a least 80 mph when I notice electric power steering was not smooth steering as jerk bumping noise on my feel hands. I tried to correct to straight the lane however it keep going moving little right and left direction. I was nervous not improper to straighten lane. It seem unsafe manner in highway !.
TXMDRead 2 more owner reports+2
I have 2016 sorento when I driving on freeway and the icon to the steering wheel comes on I need to veer to the side of the freeway and struggle because the steering wheel get hard to maunuver and find somewhere to stop so I can turn off the car and turn it back on again to the icon be removed to it would unlock the steering wheel so I can drive again.it happen very often
Steering sticks causes driver to jerk the wheel left or right while in motion happens all the time at any speed on any type of road and happens while turning or straight. . Dealer stated needs whole new mdps steering column assy. This is a significant safety issue. Multiple complaints under the kia forums. Recall needs to be done asap! Has been happening for 3 + years now.
When it starts
Usually starts around 47,500 miles. Half of owners reported it between 24,250 and 63,000.
What to do
Drive at highway speed and feel for a wheel that sticks.
What repairs cost on the 2016 Kia Sorento
Part prices for the problems 2016 Sorento owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Two brands, Standard Motor Products and Dorman.
Check door lock actuatorsFive brands, from Wagner up to Sylvania.
Check headlamp bulbsPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
5 owners name P1326 (a Kia-specific code) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Body complaints start earliest, typically around 46,000 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 83,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Kia Sorento complaints by model year
2016 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 9 other Sorento years.
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2016 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 9 other Sorento years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2016 Kia Sorento have kept arriving since 2015, with peaks in 2022 and 2023. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2016 Kia Sorento recalls
8 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Kia Sorento. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2016 Kia Sorento crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2016 Kia Sorento five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened three investigations into two problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2016 Kia Sorento’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 15% to 16%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2016 Kia Sorento
These checks follow what 2016 Sorento owners reported most: engine noise, warning lights and stalling. Ask for the service history by VIN, because it shows engine work and whether the recall repairs were done.
- 1Listen to the engine at idle
Engine noise and warning lights lead the complaints.
- 2Ask for the engine records
The VIN history shows any engine replacement or recall work.
- 3Drive through the low gears
Rough shifts lead the powertrain complaints.
- 4Look over the sunroof glass
Some body complaints describe a sunroof that broke while driving.
- 5Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.
Oil and service for the 2016 Kia Sorento
This is what Kia's manual says the 2016 Sorento needs: which oil to use and how much, the transmission and cooling system fluids, and when each job is due. Kia sets fixed miles and months, and the oil change and spark plug timing differ for the turbo engine.
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 6.02 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- ATF SP-IV, or equivalent
- Coolant
- Ethylene glycol coolant for aluminum radiators, mixed with distilled water
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 5.07 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- ATF SP-IV, or equivalent
- Coolant
- Ethylene glycol coolant for aluminum radiators, mixed with distilled water
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 5.07 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- ATF SP-IV, or equivalent
- Coolant
- Ethylene glycol coolant for aluminum radiators, mixed with distilled water
Service schedule
From the Kia 2016 Sorento Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
Owners name the engine most (690 complaints), then powertrain (119) and body (105).
Is 2016 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Sorento: fuel pump, seat belts, seats, trailer hitches (2), suspension, vehicle speed control, power train. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sorento problems start?
Body complaints start earliest, around 46,000 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 83,000 miles.
Which Sorento years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2011 and 2016 model years have the most in the file, and the 2024 and 2025 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2016 SUVs to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 6 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.