2016 Kia Sorento problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1249 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Engine (694), Unknown Or Other (165), Power Train (124).
Key takeaways
- 1249 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 29 involve a crash, 49 a fire, 19 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 694 | 56% |
| Unknown Or Other | 165 | 13% |
| Power Train | 124 | 10% |
| Structure | 110 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 107 | 9% |
| Steering | 80 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 67 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 62 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 30 | 2% |
| Service Brakes | 23 | 2% |
| Air Bags | 16 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train,engine - filed 2026-09-20
Upon a catastrophic engine failure Tasca Kia replaced engine under Theta II settlement. I picked up my kia on 9/12. Engine is not running properly. It’s jerking and there is loud mechanical knocking. I don’t feel safe driving. I’ve contacted Kia corporate beginning 9/16 who contacted Tasca to arrange for tow and loaner...
Engine - filed 2026-09-08
I am filing this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly broke down while my [XXX] daughter was driving in [XXX] and was taken to Sooner Kia in [XXX]. The dealership diagnosed the engine as seized and stated that it failed because there was no oil, requiring engine replacement. We disp...
Power Train,electrical System - filed 2026-09-08
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a severe, sudden electronic and mechanical failure of the shift interlock system and the Body Control Module (BCM) that compromises vehicle control and leaves the vehicle stranded in active traffic conditions. While attempting to operate the vehicle, the shifter lever suddenly b...
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More for the 2016 Kia Sorento
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.