2016 Kia SORENTO
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Kia SORENTO has 1602 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 613. The most common issue is engine problems (44% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 kia sorento. while driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection. the contact lost all power to vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 6,300.. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 63 fire reports filed.
1602
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
2.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
711 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT LOST ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300.
- • 2016 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. *SMD THE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY INTAKE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB
- • 2016 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. *SMD THE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY INTAKE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT LOST ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Kia SORENTO
Based on 551 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 65K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
LIGHTING
OTHER
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
SUSPENSION
BODY/STRUCTURE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (8)
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.
Fix: 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.
High theft risk
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Kia SORENTO
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Kia SORENTO
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Kia SORENTO Service Intervals
Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners
These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2016 SORENTO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 1602 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT LOST ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: 2016 KIA SORRENTO PURCHASED ON JUNE 30, 2015. TIME LINE 6/30/2015- PURCHASED VEHICLE AT FREDY KIA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. 7/3/15- STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH INDICATOR LIGHTS/BROUGHT IN CAR TO DEALERSHIP 7/11/15- VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND WAS UNMOVABLE. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE, THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL TREES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD SEEMED TO HAVE SUFFERED A STRESS CRACK STARTING IN THE LOWER CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE (ABOUT 1- 2" FROM THE SIDE), AND SPREAD TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD (ABOUT HALF WAY UP). THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT IMPACTED BY ANYTHING, NOR DID THE VEHICLE HIT ANY L
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Kia SORENTO — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 1602
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 63
- Crash reports
- 25
- Injury reports
- 18
- Segment avg
- 613
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Kia SORENTO