2016 Kia Sorento complaints

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 contact stated that the dealer declined to service the vehicle because the knock sensor was not installed by the previous owner. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

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 truck. I cannot get this issue fixed because my warranty ran out. So what am I to do. It's terribly scary. I Haven't had it checked put i had a paper from Kia headquarters for it to be fixed free of charge within the warranty date but it has expired and I can't get it done. Something to do with the electric power steering

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 it in for a $200 diagnoses fee, but it would not be covered as it was replaced already. I was made to feel like I was the one that was causing it to fail. I have the paperwork but am not sure on the accurate date.

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 back and forth with Kia Corporate. I was quoted over $8,000 for replacement. Kia has declined assistance. This appears consistent with known oil consumption and bearing failure issues in the 2.4L Theta II engines. This failure occurred without warning and creates a safety concern due to potential engine stall while driving.

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 transmission. Although the engine and transmission were replaced at no cost to me, the extent of these major repairs within such a short period raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s overall safety and reliability. In mid-January, shortly after picking up the vehicle from the dealership following the transmission replacement, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving through an intersection. The engine lost power without warning, leaving me stopped in active traffic. To get the vehicle moving again, I had to shift into park, turn the engine completely off, and then restart it before it would drive again. This unexpected loss of power in the middle of an intersection created a dangerous situation with oncoming traffic approaching. Thankfully, my children were not in the vehicle at the time. After repeated major component failures and this stalling incident, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. A vehicle that loses power without warning poses a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into this matter, including whether there are known defects, recalls, or related complaints involving this model. I am prepared to provide repair

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, and the engine stalled again causing her to have to navigate the car, with no engine power, to the side of the highway and wait for myself and a tow truck. Both times were very dangerous. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who said the crank shaft & rods and bearings for the engine look like they failed and seized up, causing the engine to complete lock up and stall, requiring a full engine replacement. Kia is refusing replacement saying we are not covered by the previous complaints and concerns, stating our vehicle is not covered specifically, stating that the 3.3L engines were not covered under the previous recall/extended warranty offered on engines in the same yr/make/model as our vehicle. The check engine light came on, and there was a slight knocking sound as the car was idling just before the engine stall, and as the engine stalled, the oil lamp and the battery light came on. This happened both times. The symptoms appeared just before complete engine failure. We get the vehicle serviced at Kia, and had the oil changed by Strickland Brothers the day of. We were concerned that the engine light came on due to potential of the oil needing to be changed. We do not have any electronic files or re

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 resistance and then release with oversteering again. So it constantly goes back and forth. There is a string of posts on [XXX] " with owners of the Kia Sorento having this same issue. Not only is this annoying but also unsafe. This has been going on since about summer of 2025. I do not driver this vehicle very often or I would have gotten on this issue sooner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 at NHTSA my 8 recalls went from 8 to 0 recalls all of a sudden. I'm pretty sure the young lady went updated they website to read just that. I still have some proof that the 8 recalls pertain to my car and needs to be repaired.the dealership had me to bring my car in due to the recalls but because it had a motor failure now they're saying it's my fault for going over the approximate mileage of getting an oil change which is not true. The recalls were due way before my time and should have been taken care of before the car was sold to me. I purchased the car in March of 2025 and the car just failed on me in November of 2025. Within that time frame of me purchasing the car, I took good care of the car getting and oil change as well. Providing all oils where needed replacing tires that were needed, keeping gas tank clean. Changing air filters, and just keeping up with the maintenance. The car had no accidents no losses perfectly good car other than the recalls that were pointed out. When I brought the car in they told me everything was fine and that they would take care of those for me. My car has been there for like three weeks now and now they're telling me that the car is showing that the car was drive

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 2/12/2026, when it died while driving it to the auto shop, won't turn on, had it tow to auto shop. It has been burning oil for quite a while, keep putting engine oil very often. Auto shop confirmed vehicle found no codes, inspect engine oil, engine oil is very dark, manually rotated engine crankshaft, found engine seized. Vehicle has internal engine damage, possible connecting to the rods and bearings damage. Estimated repair is 9k. It is available for inspection.

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 contact waited for the engine to cool down before driving to the residence. The coolant reservoir was extremely low, and coolant was added; however, the engine continued to smoke, and the coolant reservoir was empty after an hour. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking from the coolant reservoir. The coolant reservoir was replaced; however, the failure returned within 5 minutes of restarting the vehicle. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact requested information on a Limited Extended Warranty Extension and a recall; however, there was no coverage for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 is a major safety risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Pearl white paint has begun flaking, and peeling.

The shifter is not working have to use shift lock release

I was leaving my home and was pulling out of my driveway when my vehicle suddenly caught fire. I was able to exit the vehicle with no injuries and called the fire department to put out the fire. the vehicle was a total loss. There were no warning signs, the car just caught on fire in the engine and spread fast.

On [XXX], our 2016 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while being driven on a public highway in Houston, Texas. The vehicle had been operating normally and displayed no warning lights, alerts, or diagnostic trouble codes prior to the incident. The driver was forced to pull over immediately for safety. The fire caused catastrophic damage and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Law enforcement authorized towing and impound. Photographs and third-party documentation confirm extensive fire damage. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had a clean title with no accident, fire, or salvage history. The 2016 Kia Sorento model year has been subject to multiple safety recalls, including recalls that acknowledge fire risk related to electrical and fuel system components. A vehicle igniting during normal operation without warning presents a serious safety risk and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicles is showing all this codes P0340, P0365, P0780, PO010.

I have a white pearl 2016 Sorento and Paint started peeling around windshield. Now paint is peeling all over. Recently had windy day and sheets of paint are laying on ground. I take care of my car and this is embarrassing. Kia should be embarrassed as well. Not good for sales I’m sure.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, the temperature gauge went from the normal engine temperature to HOT. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down, and the gauge returned to normal. The contact continued to drive. The following morning the contact inspected the vehicle while parked at the residence and while checking the radiator cap, there were no noticeable issues found with the cooling fluid. The dealer was contacted and informed that the thermostat had fluctuated; however, there were issues found regarding the fluid. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that Stop Leak might have been used in the radiator to prevent a leak. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with head gasket and radiator failure and stated that both parts needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was copper in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 86k miles on it, loud knocking began and days later catastrophic engine failure. Rods and bearings are busted on my 3.3 Liter, V6 GDI engine. It died while my wife was driving it to the dealership. Estimated repair is 19k, metal shavings in the oil. It is available for inspection. My wife was driving it on the highway when the engine failed. Dealer confirmed the rods and bearings were broken.

Failed oil pressure switch and now my engine is no good

Head gasket leaking, yes Causes engine to overheat. Radiator looses coolant and backs up into overflow. Makes heat and ac flow coolant fumes into vehicle. No longer clear air. Not yet. Still researching. Independent Mechanics shop. No There was no warning when the vehicle overheated

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed decreased. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot safely. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart as intended. An independent mechanic and a dealer were contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

The vehicle is a 2016 Kia Sorento equipped with a 2.0L Turbo Theta II engine subject to the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) safety recall. The original engine was replaced at approximately 70,000 miles under Kia’s engine service program. The replacement engine currently has approximately 32,000 miles. The vehicle developed internal engine damage diagnosed by a Kia dealership as a burnt exhaust valve. A burnt exhaust valve indicates abnormal combustion conditions such as lean operation, pre-ignition, detonation, timing deviation, injector malfunction, or lubrication failure. These are conditions the KSDS recall was intended to detect and mitigate. Kia Consumer Affairs denied warranty coverage, stating that the extended warranty applies only to rod bearing failure and that no further escalation would be pursued. Kia Consumer Affairs declined to escalate the matter for District Parts & Service Manager review and directed the owner back to the dealership. During the prior engine replacement, the dipstick was observed to be glued in place, raising concerns regarding oil level accuracy and lubrication integrity on the replacement engine. This complaint is submitted due to concern that a KSDS safety recall-related engine failure involving abnormal combustion was not properly reviewed or escalated, and that recall procedures were not administered in accordance with their intent.

Paint is bubbling and peeling off. Been to the dealership and they don’t seem to want to help. I have an extended warranty on the paint until 12/29/2025. They’re giving me the runaround.

Engine suddenly started making a lot of clattering noise. Oil consumption has been extremely high! Mechanic stated engine needs replaced.

Vehicle: 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] Incident Date: November 13, 2025 Incident Location: Durham, NC (3828 Guess Rd) Cause of Loss: Engine Fire, confirmed by Durham Fire Department Report (Incident #253663) as "originated from under the hood." TECHNICAL NARRATIVE & SYMPTOMS (CRITICAL FOR LIABILITY): I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic vehicle fire that I believe is directly linked to multiple acknowledged manufacturing defects that create a fire risk in Kia vehicles. ABS/Traction Control Light Warning (Direct Fire Risk Symptom): Immediately prior to the loss, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights were constantly illuminated. This is a known precursor symptom for the defective Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) or ABS Module short-circuit, which has been cited in numerous Kia fire recalls (e.g., NHTSA 20V019, 20V519). The fire's origin under the hood is consistent with this component failure. Prior Engine Failures (Systemic Defect History): This vehicle has a history of catastrophic manufacturing defects: The engine assembly was replaced in 2023 due to the known Theta II Rod Bearing Failure. The knock sensor was replaced in September 2025 as part of the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign, demonstrating the vehicle was still under active service for critical engine monitoring defects just weeks before the fire. Potential Tow Hitch Wiring Fire Risk: The vehicle was fully engulfed, but the fire may also be linked to the defect cited in NHTSA Recall 22V70

The safety hazard began with a pattern of ignored warnings by the authorized dealer network. On Aug 15, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Luther Kia of Bloomington for a Check Engine Light. The dealer simply cleared the code without diagnosis, failing to catch early signs of engine trouble. On Sept 22, 2025, the engine failed again. I drove the vehicle in unsafe "limp mode" to Luther Nissan Kia [XXX] ). They found the engine was "4 quarts low on oil" (severe starvation just 37 days after a dealer oil change). Despite this catastrophic finding, they failed to diagnose the root cause and released the unsafe vehicle to me after selling only a spark plug replacement. On Sept 26, when I attempted to pick up the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was flashing immediately at handover. I refused to take the unsafe vehicle. The dealer then replaced an Oil Control Valve (OCV) and released the vehicle to me again later that day. After this second "repair," I drove the vehicle for only a few miles before the engine failed again with a Check Engine Light. The dealer has since admitted in writing (BBB complaint #XXX) that the engine was "deprived of lubrication" due to the initial low oil condition. By ignoring early warnings and releasing a vehicle with a dying engine twice, the dealer put me and other motorists at risk of a sudden loss of power at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

For about 23,000 miles our mechanic has mentioned that the engine is burning oil. The exhaust pipe is covered in black soot. I monitor the oil level and it is always low even after oil changes with no oil leak. This has been provided to Kia with no remedy. Recently our Sorento was in a busy highway and the check engine, oil and battery lights came on and the car went into limp mode. We had the vehicle towed to Kia Chula Vista and the engine will be replaced by them. My concern is that the catalytic converter will soon fail and the engine issues need to be addressed for all of these makes/models before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.

The top padded dash of the instrument panel and the lower crash panel of the instrument panel, which the mechanic identified, have been developing cracks since the car was three years old. I made 3 calls to corporate customer service after the dealership said that the warranty had expired. I was told by the manufacturer that as long as I did not get hurt or cause an accident that they could not do anything about replacing the parts. Since then, numerous additional cracks have developed in the padding, showing deep cracks through the padding to the surface below. The airbags are in the area of the damage. I tried many times to submit photos and a statement from the mechanic who was assigned to my car at the dealership, but each time it failed to load the 8 pictures on this form. If you would like, I could mail them to you if you give me the mailing information. I feel that in time, the pieces will become loose while driving the car and cause a distraction, or the airbags could fail. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The car was running as normal and then randomly it started kind of rough and seemed like maybe just cold. But I had my mechanic take a look, and he said that when he started it, which was the next day that it made a loud knocking sound upon start. On the 30th I had it towed out to West Hills Kia in Bremerton. And they reported back that the engine needed full repair. I only owned this car one year and before me it was reportedly well maintained. I maintained it well also! Kia is denying all recall, but it’s a 2016 Kia sorento. It’s within the one or two years that the recall doesn’t cover??? The brake lights also work and always one of them is not working. It is not exclusively one or the other but the bulbs keep burning out. I need to know what to do to get this engine fixed, and it should fall under the bad engines that Kia’s have!

Engine failed. Took car to Johnson City Kia dealership as advised by Kia of north America. The dealership said the engine failed due to carbon build up which is a problem with the engines, that it was not covered under warranty. I paid over $6,400 to have the engine replaced. When I was driving the car home the engine light came on and I lost power on the interstate causing me to almost get hit by a semi-truck. I took the car back to Kia of Johnson City Tn. the next day. Kia stated that the high-pressure fuel pump had went bad from the time I left the dealership and got home. I paid over $1,350 to replace a High-Pressure Fuel Pump. On the way home engine light and loss of power. I returned to Kia. They stated that gas had gotten into my oil. They changed the oil and I headed home, same issue engine light and loss of power. I told Kia of Johnson City I wanted a refund, and they could put the old part back on. Kia of Johnson City told me to take the car to another dealership that I was not getting a refund, and they would not fix my car. The engine codes and problems were the same as when I picked the car up from Kia. I have tried twice to have Kia of North America buy the car back due to it not being fixed and I do not feel safe in the car. I have taken the car to a Hyundai dealership in Johnson City Tn. and asked them to check the engine code and loss of power. Another $223.05. They stated the high-pressure fuel pump was defective. Fixing same issue multiple times.

Lost motor power while driving. No warning light before engine failure.

Mixing coolant with oil engine failure

My 2016 KIA SORRENTO consumed all oil resulting in engine (3.3L Lambda II) failure within 72 days (3,442 miles driven) of Kia dealer service department complete inspection and service (including oil).

Around 140k miles the engine started to randomly overheat. We changed the serpentine belt as well as all hoses. The engine then started to burn large quantities of oil. At 142k miles it failed all together and we are now looking at having to purchase a new engine or a new vehicle. After doing some research I read that this was a common issue with the 3.3L V6 Motors and felt the need to provide my case as well.

Over heating , loss of heat in the vehicle , oil in the radiator fluid so possibly a bad head gasket car has 121000 on it

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked in the shape of an air bag on both the left and right sides, causing concerns about a potential inadvertent air bag deployment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who confirmed that the crack was cosmetic and advised the contact to reach out again if the air bag started to protrude through the crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to the manufacturer and provided photos, but received no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,711.

My 2016 Kia Sorento SX AWD shows a noticeable delay in the powertrain when shifting from Park into first gear. The car hesitates before moving, which affects drivability and feels like a transmission lag. I consider this a safety issue because the delay could cause the car to stall unexpectedly. I’m especially worried about driving with my children or merging onto highways, where a stall or hesitation could lead to loss of control and increase the risk of an accident.

The engine failed. Had a new engine put in the car. Driving the car home the car lost power on the interstate causing me to almost get hit by a semi trailer. Called Kia Dealership and was told to bring car back. They said it had a bad high pressure fuel pump. I had it replaced, same issue. They said they would not fix the engine to take it somewhere else. Called Kia of north America to report the safety issue and I didn't feel safe driving the car. I wanted the car to be bought back. They denied it and would not honor the warranty. They said i could not file a lawsuit against them? Engine is bad. I sent a written statement to Kia of American with all paperwork notarized.

Loss oil in big quantities headed to engine damage

We have a 2016 Kia Sorento that has the Snow White Pearl paint. Our vehicle has a tad over 100k miles and the paint is peeling. We take care of our car and always have it clean and do not understand why this is happening. Paint is flaking / peeling off in large amounts exposing the primer underneath. I had a body shop look at it and they say it looks like something went wrong with the painting process when vehicle was made. I have a 1997 ford ranger that has 280k miles on it without this issue so I do not believe that this is a mileage / age issue. I did reach out to kia but had no luck with this problem. Thank you so much for your time and any help is greatly appreciated.

While driving the vehicle started making loud engine noises. Contacted the extended warranty department and got the car in the shop. The engine had blown and had metal in the oil pan and oil filter. The car had a fresh oil change and showed to have a clean maintenance history. Just purchased the car a month prior. Warranty covered the replacement of the motor.

The intake valve cam Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Sprocket pin wasn't properly seated in the phaser and worked its way out. Additionally, the corresponding hole in the camshaft was machined too deep, allowing the pin to completely depart the phaser and move into the camshaft. This resulted in no control over valve timing and the Bank 2 camshaft over-advancing the intake valves to 63 degrees from standard. This is under-engineering of critical engine parts and poor quality control by Kia. It caused the engine to go into "limp home mode" with a significant reduction in power and a flashing check engine light. Had this happened towing a trailer, or in poor driving conditions, the vehicle may have been difficult to control and put occupants in danger. The pin was found completely inside the camshaft. There seems to be low quality engineering with this manufacturer, as there are many reports of these known problems.

I am receiving an engine problem on uvo. I took it to autozone to run a diagnostic test and states cam sensor engine problem. It is using excessive oil. I keep my engine oil changed consistently on time. It is not making it to the next oil change date before I have to add oil. This is my main source of transportation and I am on social security and cannot afford engine failure repair. This should not be happening since I have my oil changed consistently. Please advise.

My KIA, engine just died. I was at a stop light, the light turned green I pressed on the accelerator to go and at the middle of the intersection the engine died. Not certain what had happened or why the engine would die. After a week I had the vehicle towed to a car shop. The same shop that had just done a maintenance on the vehicle in July 2025. I have attached the copy of receipt from the work that the shop had done. When they looked at it they thought at first it was the key fob, so a new key fob was done, it still did not start. Then it was thought to believe it was the starter, so a new starter was installed, vehicle still did not start. At that time I was advised that it was the engine that had siezed. My complaint is that there was no warning signs or signals in the vehicle of anything mechanical going wrong or needing any kind of attention. No warning light displayed on the dash. I drove the vehicle not knowing why would my engine just die, my miles is between 175,000 - 178,000 so the last thing I would think to happen is my engine siezing up on me. Warning lights give you something needs to be looked at and figured out. But as a safety you get nothing displayed then your engines just dies, anything could happen when you are in the middle of traffic, highway or even if it was in the middle of the train tracks. I had spoken to KIA Dealer Service and he advised my vehicle does not have an engine recall but there were a recall in the past for engines such as mine. The KI

Just bought the car, was perfectly fine during the test drive, no lights on or engine codes present. On my way home check engine light came on showing code P0420 , catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1), saying the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Did some research and found there were certain 2016 Kia Sorentos recalled for this issue, but doesn’t show up on affected vehicles list when I look up my VIN # .