2016 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Kia Sorento ranks 2nd-worst among 21 model years, with a complaint index of 95 and 1,250 complaints, most tied to the Engine (60% of complaints, median 80,000 miles). Eight recalls apply, including engine, transmission shift lever, and structural fixes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,250
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 29
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 49
- Injuries
- 19
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
Top 2016 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine748 (60%)
- Other165 (13%)
- Electrical System159 (13%)
- Structure & Body129 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain125 (10%)
- Steering80 (6%)
- Fuel System56 (4%)
- Brakes33 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers23 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires18 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine reportedly revs or lunges forward unexpectedly during acceleration or parking maneuvers, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Owners describe engine fires occurring while driving or after the vehicle was parked and turned off.
- Some vehicles reportedly rolled away on an incline minutes after being parked, despite being left in park.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy or failed to inflate fully in low-speed and higher-speed collisions.
- Electrical system complaints include a vehicle catching fire and exploding while parked in a garage.
- Structure and body complaints describe a power liftgate opening unexpectedly while parked on a slope.
2016 Kia Sorento recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022Structure & Body70,887 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
- NHTSA 22V612000Aug 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain28,065 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
2016 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2016 Sorento has a complaint index of 95, the second-highest among the 21 model years tracked, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Sorento years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 60% of complaints (748 total) with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles, including reports of fires and unintended acceleration.
- Does the 2016 Kia Sorento have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 18V907000 covering fuel pipe replacement after prior engine replacements and recall 15V089000 for an improperly soldered accelerator pedal assembly.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2016 Sorento, covering the engine, transmission shift lever, structure/body, suspension welds, and seat belts, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2016 Sorento compare to other Sorento years?
- Only the 2011 model year scores worse, with a complaint index of 100 versus 95 for 2016; both carry Avoid verdicts, while years like 2024 (index 15, Best) rank far lower in complaints.