2016 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Sorento years
The 2016 Kia Sorento carries a complaint index of 93, ranking it 2nd worst out of 16 model years, with 1,250 complaints and 8 recalls. Engine problems dominate, making up 60% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles, so this year rates Avoid relative to other Sorento years.
- Complaints
- 1,250
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 29 / 49
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 25 hwy
Top 2016 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine reportedly revs or surges unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers, in one case causing a crash into a storefront.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration from a stop or traffic light, with the vehicle lunging forward without warning.
- Some vehicles reportedly caught fire while parked or stationary, with smoke entering through air conditioning vents and flames emerging near the driver footwell.
- A knocking noise under the hood was reported before the engine reportedly stalled or misfired during highway driving.
- Owners report the vehicle rolled away after being parked on an incline and put in park, resulting in a crash.
- Some drivers reported the driver-side airbag deployed but failed to inflate properly during a crash, resulting in injuries.
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 93, ranking 2nd worst among 16 model years of the Sorento, making it one of the least favorable years based on owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
- Engine issues account for 60% of complaints (748 of 1,250), including reports of surging, stalling, and fires, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Kia Sorento have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Sorento, covering the engine, transmission shift lever, structure/body components including a tow hitch harness, seatback frame welds, and a seat belt buckle.
- How many fires were reported for the 2016 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 49 fire-related reports for the 2016 Sorento, with 34 of those tied to the engine problem area.
- How does the 2016 Sorento compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 93 is far higher than later years like 2018 (20) and 2023 (13), which rank as Best years for the Sorento.