Worst 2016 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Body Structure
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Sorento.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 670 | 4 | 30 | 89,828 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 113 | 5 | 4 | 67,560 mi | |
| Body Structure | 102 | 2 | 4 | 45,071 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 100 | 2 | 7 | 52,330 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 78 | 2 | — | 43,173 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 61 | 1 | — | 45,760 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 56 | 5 | 2 | 59,785 mi | |
| Fuel System | 49 | — | 8 | 59,423 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 1 | 1 | 59,891 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 20 | — | 1 | 99,331 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 16 | — | — | 33,866 mi | |
| Airbags | 14 | 9 | — | 47,641 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | — | 1 | 45,417 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 10 | 4 | — | 28,282 mi | |
| Trailer Hitches | 10 | — | — | 41,017 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 9 | 1 | 1 | 36,564 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | 1 | 11,255 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 6 | — | — | 35,220 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | 32,207 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Bulbs | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | 1 | — | — |
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.
Recalls for 2016 Kia Sorento
8 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~205,074 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
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.
Other Kia Sorento Years
2016 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
How safe is the 2016 Kia Sorento?
Does the 2016 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Sorento?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Kia Sorento
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