2016 KIA SORENTO Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Sorento. This model year has 1,215 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Considering a 2016 Kia Sorento?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 701 | 4 | 32 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 159 | 2 | 9 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 116 | 6 | 4 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 106 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 104 | 3 | 7 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 79 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 66 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 62 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 49 | — | 8 | — | |
| Brake System | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 9 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 10 | 4 | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,215 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my Kia Sorento and a recurring brake light failure that poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of my children. After every single oil change, without exception, my brake lights stop functionin…
My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated
My car has only 68,800 miles and the dealer is telling me I need a new engine assembly i reached out to the kia corporate because I am the 2nd owner and I have had this car for 8 years and I have taken it for all the oil changes and maintenence to the dealer and have read on the …
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were simultaneously illuminated. The driver reported hearing a low rattling sound and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The …
3 to 4 months ago my truck steering wheel light with an exclamation point will appear and my steering wheel will lock up and it is hard to steer unless I cut the truck off and back on, it is so dangerous that it went out when I was in the middle of a turn that I almost ran into a…
Shifter Lock is engaged and would not shift from park unless I bypass the lock by pressing the release. It was a recall item, I had it replaced, but if failed a few days later. I called the dealership, I told them about the problem. They told me they replaced it and I could bring…
All tail lights of suv go in an out randomly.
My 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.4L GDI Theta II engine began consuming excessive oil despite regular documented oil changes. At approximately 86,000 miles, the engine failed and requires full long block replacement. The vehicle has been at a Kia dealership for 5 months while I went ba…
Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding my Kia Sorento. Over the past six months, this vehicle has required replacement of the engine, transmission control module (TCM), and the entire transmiss…
The engine stalled while driving on the expressway. Myself and my daughter and her friend were in the car. The vehicle started right back up, and I was able to drive the car home (less than 2 miles away). The following day, my wife got an oil change, and went on the expressway, a…
Steering has a "sticky feeling". While driving, when you try to turn steering wheel a fraction to one side or the other there is resistance and then a release which results in in oversteering that has to be corrected. When trying to correct the oversteering, there is again resi…
My car totally stopped on me due to one of the 8 recalls I have undone related to my car. My insurance company verified that the recalls were open related to my car. I verified it to make sure by vin number at NHTSA.gov. up until today 2/13/2026 as I spoked with a representative…
Gear shifter gets stuck. Car jerks back when trying to speed up
Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 96k miles on it, my 2.4 Liter, V4 GDI engine. I was driving it to my house on the streets, when the vehicle it completes died on me in the middle of the streets, it won't turn on, had it tow to my house. Made an appointment to take it to body shop on 2/12…
2016 Kia Sorrento Ex paint is coming off in panels and different areas of car. I called KIa and they cant do anything about it
3 times head gasket has been replaced and repaired and every time oil is changed, they say I am losing oil
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving to the residence, the coolant temperature gauge went from COLD to HOT. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The …
On [XXX] I was in a car accident. When it happened the airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt not locking. This resulted in me hitting my head in on the dash and chest on the steering wheel multiple times and having to go to the er to receive care and be put out of work. This i…
Pearl white paint has begun flaking, and peeling.
The shifter is not working have to use shift lock release
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Kia Sorento.
Recalls for 2016 Kia Sorento
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Kia Sorento has 1,215 NHTSA owner complaints, 28 crash-related, and 8 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (701 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (701 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (159 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (116 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2016 Kia Sorento has 28 crash-related complaints and 47 fire reports out of 1,215 total NHTSA complaints. 18 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes — 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2016 Kia Sorento has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2016 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.