2016 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 748 engine complaints for the 2016 Kia Sorento, 60% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles. Two related recalls exist, covering engine replacement/fuel pipe issues and an accelerator pedal defect.
- Engine complaints
- 748
- 60% of 1,250
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 34
- Injuries reported
- 8
- Median mileage
- 80,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report engine fires starting under the hood, sometimes preceded by smoke, a burning smell, or a knocking noise while driving.
- Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration or the vehicle lunging forward without warning, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Some drivers heard abnormal engine noises or knocking at highway speed followed by loss of power or stalling.
- Multiple fires occurred after the vehicle was parked and shut off, with smoke or flames appearing minutes later.
- A few owners noted the check engine light illuminating along with smoke or overheating before a fire started.
When 2016 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 26, 2015, latest Sep 20, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Kia Sorento
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V089000Feb 13, 2015Engine12,361 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
Risk: If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
Engine complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA lists 748 engine complaints for the 2016 Kia Sorento, which is 60% of the 1,250 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento engine?
- Yes. Recall 18V907000 covers engine replacement and fuel pipe issues on certain 2012-2017 Sorento vehicles, and recall 15V089000 covers an accelerator pedal defect specific to 2016 Sorento vehicles built between October 27, 2014 and January 29, 2015.
- At what mileage do 2016 Sorento engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 80,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.
- Do the 2016 Sorento engine complaints involve fires or crashes?
- Yes. NHTSA records 34 fires and 8 crashes tied to engine-related complaints on the 2016 Sorento, along with 8 injuries.
- Is the 2016 Sorento worse than other model years for engine problems?
- Among Sorento model years listed, 2016 has the highest complaint count at 748 and the highest share of total complaints at 60%, compared to other years ranging from 15% to 56%.