2016 Kia Sorento complaints

Timing chain broke, destroyed the engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed, causing the Auto Park, the electronic parking brake, the Adaptive Cruise Control, and the automatic emergency braking system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the rear brakes to activate, and the vehicle became immovable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed and informed the contact that he could not repair the vehicle. The mechanic disabled the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System, and the vehicle operated as needed while driving; however, the Electronic Parking Brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Engine just stop and it was maintance monthly

Paint chipping/peeling severely from hood and top of car

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, the vehicle lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine had recently been replaced due to the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.

There is a problem with the engine in my Kia. I believe that this is a similar problem to other recalled Kia vehicles from the same production year, 2016, that caused metal to be present in the engine. My local Kia dealership informed me that I need a new engine due to this issue, after other issues had been ruled out as the cause of continued check engine light warnings were fixed.

I had a catastrophic engine failure on the interstate right before rush hour traffic WITHOUT ANY warning. I was driving on [XXX] and heard a noise (sounded like something fell). Steering was a little wobbly then seemed ok for about 1min. Went to accelerate and could hear engine trying but could not accelerate. Shortly after the check engine light was flashing, oil light and battery light was on. I lost power. Thankfully I had started to move over to the farthest right lane and was able to get over to side of road before car stopped. This was around 2:50pm on a Tues right before Chicago rush hour traffic. Had to tow car to my mechanic who said a rod blew through engine and there is a piston in the oil pan. My mechanic recommended I have it towed to dealership for engine warranty. It's currently at Castle Kia in McHenry IL. They agreed a rod went through engine and there is a piston in the oil pan. Now dealership wants me to pay $1500 for diagnostics and to tear down the engine to see if it qualifies for an engine replacement. (said I wouldn't have to pay if under warranty, but they claim they can't determine unless engine is broken down). It was at my mechanic 1 week prior for an oil change. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

In our experience, roughly 1 quart of oil is displaced per 500 miles. Kia corporate stated that the vehicle does not display any safety concerns and would not honor the recent 150k warranty. After speaking with the service manager and consulting with the Kia dealership mechanics for proper diagnosis, the manager shared that there are several premature failures with engine components. They will not honor a repair. It is obvious that Kia has significant issues with their GDI engines. A simple search on the internet provides overwhelming evidence of this. Who is holding Kia accountable?

ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD SOUNDS AFTER OIL CHANGE AT 128, 000 MILES AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING HAVING A HARD TIME ENGAGING TO NEXT GEAR. ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ONE And STOP AT CLOSES ATUO PARTS STORE TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR ENGINE LIGHT TEST. SAFETY RISK TO DRIVE AND PASSAGERS IF CAR FALL TO MOVE ON HIGHWAY CAUSING ACCIDENT. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO KIA AND WE WERE TOLD TO BRING IT IN AND IT WOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR 200 DOLLARS.

We purchased our 2016 Kia Sorento brand new in 2015. From the start, we had problems with the car burning oil at a rapid rate. We would get an oil change and less than 2,000 miles later the oil would be very low. After one year oil was low after 1,000 miles or less. No oil light warning would ever come on and there were times when the dipstick had no oil on it. I called Kia customer care several times over the years regarding this issue and was told there was nothing Kia could do unless the engine blew due to the connecting rod and the engine needed to be replaced. We are now well past the 100k warranty and have dealt with this problem for the last 9 years. 2 weeks ago the engine started making a knocking noise and would not accelerate. We checked the oil and it was low and the coolant was also empty. We took it into the Kia dealership and we were told the radiator was empty and burning and that the coolant was leaking into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. Never once did an engine light, oil light or coolant light come on. There were no visible leaks. The car never overheated and the temperature gauge never changed from the middle. This engine has had constant problems with burning oil from the start. I have done my part to reach out to Kia customer care numerous times. This model Kia has had known problems with oil consumption and coolant leaks. I know there is a reported problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento V6 regarding coolant leaking into the cylinder

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.

I was driving down the interstate and my car made a loud noise and then it lost power. I was able to steer it off the exit. Tried to start it it turned over but wouldn't start . Before this happened my car was using up oil like crazy I took it to a mechanic and he said it wasn't leaking it and it isn't burning it so where is it going? I paid 10,000 cash for this vehicle and was only able to drive it 2 months the engine is gone. No warning, nothing... Kia needs to replace my engine along with all the other people that are having this problem, it's obviously kias fault too many of these 2016 serentos are having the same issue. I found out about all the other cars when I put it on the market place trying to sell it as is two different people told me that Kia had a recall and replaced their engines . How do you fix some and not all that are having the same issue?

We were driving down [XXX] near Toledo Ohio during rush hour on our to Michigan, when the car, with no warning at all, stopped running. There were no lights on the dash, no warning at all. The car just stopped. We were able to steer it to the shoulder and stop. There was no indication of what was wrong. After having it towed to the Kia dealership I was informed the engineer blew. There was no knocking, no oil use, no indication at all that there was anything wrong with the car. I had to rent a hotel until my son could come and get me and then the next day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On [XXX] was driving home approx. 30mph all of a sudden my 2016 Kia Sorento EX loss power! Vehicle went into limp mode and no lights came up on the display at all. I was only 2 miles from home and got it home. It is now making a knocking noise and I was told by two mechanics that the engine is blown. The car was bought new and has had regular oil changes by dealer in Prince Frederick, MD except for the last change was done by a local mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was pulled over by the state police. He said I had a few lights out including a brake light out. I got out to check. This was correct. I had just had my vehicle inspected so i was surprised. I went to leave I couldn't put it in gear at all. I had to over ride the shifter and use a pen to push in the tow button everytime I want to use my vehicle. I have to check my lights and make sure no bulbs are blown out again. This is a $1200 fix. It's recalled on certain 2016 kia sorentos but not on all of them when it is happening to all of us. Also I went to open my rear hatch and that to is now not opening at all. So that is also not a recall. I have a back hatch that won't open and i have to climb through my back seats and open it from the lever in the door frame and the shifter doesn't work. Please help us!! We need these recalls! If there is an accident it would be nice to open the back up from the key to grab things and run. Or to shift fast and hurry to get away from a robber. Or to just have my vehicle back again and stop doing this when there are recalls for vehicles south different Vin numbers but not mine so i have to pay so some one else can get it for free that's not fair kia corporate

This is an ongoing issue, from the day I purchased the car used. The steering sticks and binds when turning to the left; not on an ordinary sharp turn at an intersection, but at highway speeds. Sometimes the steering sticks and must be corrected to avoid going into the opposite lane. Several diagnostic attempts have been made including alignment, recalibration, and replacement of the 4wd coupling. Car still wavers and sticks at speed when turning left. Unknown cause. No codes show. However, at one time, on the display (not the dashboard symbol display, the camera/radio display) a message appeared saying: Mechanism Failure.

I am having an issue with my Kia headlights when on dim. The lights are so dim I am afraid to drive the car at night because I am scared I will hit a person, animal or object. I am replacing light bulbs frequently. Cars are flashing their lights at me (when I need to drive at night) because of the dimness. I took my car to a Kia dealer and they could not diagnosis the problem. They advised to replace the entire headlight assembly with a cost of $2,600.00. I am on Social Security and can't afford to have the repair made. I have read a lot of complaints of other Kia lighting issues. I feel a recall should be made immediately due to the seriousness of the issue.

Driving @ nite on[XXX] [XXX] doing 70mph on cruise control all of a sudden my 2016 kia sorento loss power! then the instrument cluster lit up like a x-mas tree. check oil, check engine, and everything else in between was blinking on and off. very lucky there was an exit ramp up ahead and no vehicles on the right lane. safely got off the freeway and parked on the side of the road. very fortunate it was late nite because the area is usually busy during the day and vehicles usually be going 10 to 20+ above the 70 speed limit and my whole family was with. we waited about 10 min. to see if the vehicle would start back- up but no luck. called for a tow truck and a family friend came and pick up the wife and kids. kia service guy @ the dealership says the engine ceased and is waiting to here from kia hq. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the oil warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine was consuming oil at an excessive rate. The contact was informed that an oil consumption test would have to be performed to determine the extent of the failure which may result in the need for an engine replacement. The contact stated that the engine was replaced before under an unknown recall and was instructed to contact the dealer who performed the repair. The dealer was notified and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car is completely in good working order but i want to send it to tyro and they say i have a problem with it SC249F TOW HH INSPECT/REPLACE +FUSE: DIO (NHTSA #22V703)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the temperature gauge was fluctuating from Normal(N) to Hot(H) very quickly. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact had received a notification regarding an Extended Warranty coverage for the engine overheating and oil consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to leave the residence, the vehicle hesitated and shifted out of gear independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Headlights turn off by themselves at night

White paint chipping fast

ABS light and Traction Control light are coming on intermittently-noticed that when vehicle is in park the needle on the mph will jump-nothing has really happened yet-it’s just intermittent. I have researched and noticed quite a few others have had the same instances

I purchased a used 2016 Kia Sorento during the used vehicle rise in pricing back in 2021. I owned a 2012 Hyundai sonata (which also required an engine replacement), but I my grandmother's car died, and I needed a better vehicle for a new job. June 16th I was driving with my daughter at around 9am and suddenly the vehicle started to shake and loss of power with the radio system beeping all dash lights flashing "engine system component" and check engine light remained on. (very similar to how my sonata died before engine replacement). I pulled over got the vehicle towed to my house due to it being a weekend and unable to reach a shop. I have a code reader, which I read the codes. Upon getting it to the dealer they said it was the Cam Shaft Phaser and new spark plugs, costing about $4800. As a single mother and one income I need a vehicle to survive (and still owing over $6,000) and pay my bills. Now here I am September 15, and I get an "engine system component" and check engine light back on. Now I have read so many similar issues on Kia blogs and nothing is being done to fix these issue and I am stuck with a vehicle that I still owe money on and overpaid because of COVID, and continues to break down. I'm disgusted with Kia as they could care less.

I want to report the incident occurred on July 30, 2024 when I turned on the ignition. I pressed the brake to shift the transmission to the drive/reverse mode from Park mode. The shift stick was stuck at one position Park and did not move. I searched on line and found that I could manually shift the car and get the car moving at least by removing the cap next to the shift stick and insert a screw driver to press it inside. This allowed me to change the gear and move the car temporarily. Since, my car is parked and I am not driving it fearing it would stop instantly on my putting my life and others in danger. The vehicle has not been troubleshooted by Kia dealership or mechanic. I would like NHTSA that this vehicles be recalled for safety concerns and fix the issue without any charge to the owners.

In April 2022, I received a letter dated April 7, 2022, informing me of an extended warranty coverage for the Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2014-2018 Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3L GDI Engine, extending from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles. Additionally, I was notified of an Important Safety Recall (NHTSA Recall Number: 22V612) indicating a defect that could lead to vehicle rollaway, significantly increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The letter assured me that Kia would inspect and, if necessary, replace the shift lock lever and holder at no cost. I took the vehicle in for inspection in May and the vehicle has not been returned to me yet. the vehicle has been at the dealership with no indication on when the issues would be remedied. The vehicle is used for services to minority and low income youth and it appears that the company does not care about BIPOC safety.

On [XXX], I was on my way to the Orlando airport to pick up my daughter in her car (Kia Sorento 2.4L GDI). At about the halfway point to the airport, I increased my speed so I could go around a slow moving truck on the turnpike. After I passed the truck, I guess maybe a few 10ths of a mile give or take. The car just died. I looked at the dash and I see it's lit up like a Christmas tree. I pulled over to the side of the road and onto the shoulder. I put the car in park, turn off the car, and then try to start it. It didn't start so I popped the hood and first thing I checked was under the car to make sure there was no oil or coolant leaks. Then I checked the oil dipstick and there was plenty of oil and the coolant tank was at the full mark. I called my insurance agency to get roadside assistance and the car was towed to the city of Clermont in Florida. We charged the battery due to it being low from trying to start the car. After the battery was placed back in the car we tried again to start the car. I was told to stop because there was smoke coming from the front of the engine. No fire, but it may have been the starter smoking trying to start the car. After trying several times, I gave up and filled out paperwork for the Christian Bros Auto group to check the car to see what is wrong with it. After a few days we were told that the motor was seized up and needs to be replaced. We have all the documentation of all oil changes and repairs since my daughter got that SUV. Vehicle

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal loud cracking sound and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the freeway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a safe location. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir had exploded, causing coolant to splash underneath the hood and to leak out on the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine was taken apart. The dealer diagnosed that there was oil intrusion in the coolant, and that the engine had overheated excessively, causing the engine block to become distorted. The Extended Warranty field technician later informed the contact that the repair could not be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

My SUV is having all of the problems associated with a bad engine. This started a week ago and on Thursday, [XXX] my SUV completely stopped running and I had to get it towed to my residence. I had an ASE certified mechanic to check it out and he said your engine is BAD. I have had all of my required oil changes as well as servicing as recommended. I got this SUV in 2020. It has a little over 100,000 miles. I cannot afford a engine repair at this time. Please advice. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear sway bar link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The paint is bubbling up and peeling/chipping off on the hood and roof. Color is snow white pearl

I have the Pearl White paint on my 2016 Sorrento and the top front ,hood and pillars are all delaminating. I have tried to touch up paint some areas but it has gotten too bad to keep up. The paint is peelin g now all over the car.

I was driving in fast moving traffic on a highway when my car suddenly shook and lost power. The check engine light came on. I pulled over and turned the car off for a few minutes. restarted the car, no light came on, so I continued. After a little while the car started hesitating as I would press the gas peddle then it would rev high rpm's and then take off very fast. The engine light came back on. I was able to get to a garage where they checked it. They said it was total engine failure. A spark plug broke inside the cylinder causing internal damage. I then towed it to a KIA dealership but have not heard back from them yet what their diagnosis might be. I could have been run over from behind by a semi truck or at least hit from behind when my car suddenly slowed down. I looked on line and have seen countless failures of this same engine for various reasons. It seems to me that this engine is a lemon in many ways. KIA has a settlement in place but only if the failure is caused by one certain thing. This engine as a whole is dangerous. Reports like mine are numerous, also engines catching fire. How is this engine not recalled? 1. engine failed 2. could have been hit from behind 3. automotive garage confirmed internal damage 4. still at KIA dealership with no response yet 5. engine light came on

My front driver seat slips out of recline position to another position on its own Had engine replaced, got car back, made humming noise, took back to dealer, could not find noise, car still makes noise and now there’s seems to be louder noise coming from steering or front suspension while car is driven, dealer claims with no extension of warranty and over 60,000 miles, any work for this issue with steering/suspension is not covered, this was not an issue before engine was replaced under the engine recall

I own a 2016 Sorento SXL AWD and this issue just started. I work evening shift and get off at 11pm. I always have the lights set to "auto", while driving home on a rural road at night and the headlights switch off on their own. I have to manually switch the lights off and back to auto for them to come back on. Potentially dangerous situation and Kia should issue a recall. Can find any recall but have done research and find it is an on going issue seems be be a multi function switch.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a lack of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the previous oil change was approximately three weeks before the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,990.

Body paint has started peeling. Local Kia dealership acknowledged frequency of defect however corporate denied claim due to being outside of original warranty. Advised to pay for new paint with possibility of reimbursement.

My left headlamp always goes off. The lights go off all the time. I changed the bulb but its Not it. It the faulty light cable connections. I replace higher lights 12000k and the left light cable never stays on. Cause the left light cable is crap and never probably done. So i bought a lemon new off the lot

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle failed to shift into an intended gear, and was stuck in park(P). The contact placed a screwdriver in the shifter to manually shift into the intended gear to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

I keep having problems with the brake lights and all of the back lights, have fixed or replaced them 7 to 8 times in the last 2 years, and my passenger door will not lock, know another person that has a Kia that has the same problem

While driving at night the headlights will go out. it has done so several times in the past. it is very scary when it happens on the freeway. Also the brake lights, specifically the drivers side, will stop working about every 2 weeks or so. I replace it and shortly after, it will stop working.

The problem started after a quick stop at a convenient store on the way to work. After starting the engine the vehicle would not shift from park. I was able to bypass this after a quick Internet search by removing a small cover near the stick shut and a small straw to bypass the shift control. I've had the car twice at the mechanics without a diagnosis as to a possible cause and was able to have the mechanic permanently disabled the shift lock but was warned the vehicle could be shifted to drive or neutral at any time and moved with a key. About a month later I found myself without headlights and shortly after this without wiper controls. Another visit to my mechanic would this time show the problems, shift lock, headlights and wipers were all from a faulty PCM. My mechanic has shipped my PCM out twice for repair but both time only caused the replacement part to blow. It's not suggested they use the dealer to further repair the problem. I've been 3 weeks without my vehicle and it's another week before the earliest availability from my local dealer. I'm only hoping now it's not a long backorder to gets the parts necessary to fix my vehicle. I have also read this has been a common problem and costly repair with other 2016 Kia Sorento owners.

The button on the gear shift will not push in to move the shifter out of park.

Was driving the vehicle down the highway going about 65mph. Vehicle went into limp mode, check engine light came on and started flashing. There was no warning signs prior to this! Had the vehicle towed home and threw a code reader on it, to find the code P1326 come up. Says it's a code for knock sensor. After reading other forums found that most likely I will need to replace the engine. I have only had this vehicle for 2 months!! It is the same 2.4L engine that has been recalled on several other Kia vehicle but not mine. I bought this vehicle to have a reliable vehicle for my family and now I will be out more money!

Engine rapidly burns and leaks motor oil. Can lose more that a quart a week in an engine that holds 5 quarts and has about 60k miles. Metal fragments found in every oil change while consistently topping off between each change.

While driving on the parkway, the vehicle would not accelerate and would stall. After pulling over, vehicle would restart but repeated the pattern. Made it to Advanced Auto who ran codes and had the camshaft modulator changed. Vehicle made it back onto parkway. 40 miles from home, the vehicle began to shake, loose power, made loud sound and died. Towed home. Mechanic said out of oil but I had oil changed less than 1000 miles ago when vehicle purchased. New codes showed crankshaft position sensor. Changed part. Replaced starter and a new battery. Still nothing. Stating probable engine failure. I've only owned this vehicle for 2 months!

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear brake lights became inoperable on several occasions. The contact was pulled over due to the rear lights being inoperable. The contact noticed that the sockets for the bulbs had overheated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Car will not shift, I have to manually release it. It just started happening very randomly. I constantly have to release it with a screw driver.