2016 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2016 KIA SORENTO Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Kia Sorento
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Kia Sorento. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1212) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 74 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Kia Sorento with 21 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Kia Sorento before buying across this generation. |
Kia Sorento Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Sorento years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Sorento | 766 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Kia Sorento | 736 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 240 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Kia Sorento | 394 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Sorento | 121 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Sorento | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Kia Sorento Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Kia Sorento, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
498 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
84 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyStructure
81 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Kia onlySteering
55 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Kia onlyPower Train
46 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting
40 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2016 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 84 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Kia Sorento
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Kia Sorento
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Kia Sorento:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Issues Engine problems include excessive oil consumption and coolant temperature gauge issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Problems Automatic transmission lever and linkage issues have been reported, requiring recalls. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structural Integrity Structural issues have been reported, though less frequently. |
Low | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Exterior Lighting Random malfunctions of tail lights have been reported. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Kia Sorento:
Engine issues are the most common problem, with 23% of reported issues.
Power train issues, including transmission problems, are the second most common issue.
Steering issues, such as locking up, are a significant concern.
Suspension problems, particularly in the rear, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Kia Sorento
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Kia Sorento by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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 Veh...
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and replace the driver seatback frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 9, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC140.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Consequence: The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC137.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Kia Sorento
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Kia Sorento with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 3 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 previou...
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 ha...
All tail lights of suv go in an out randomly.
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 t...
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 con...
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 ...
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 an...
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 ...
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 f...
Gear shifter gets stuck. Car jerks back when trying to speed up
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 websit...
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...
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 enforcem...
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.
Showing 20 of 1212 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Kia Sorento
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Seals/Gaskets
Opened 2023-11-13 · Closed 2024-07-23
On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine. When the investigation was opened, ODI had received 13 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) related to reports of loss of motive power. In an information request letter dated November 30, 2023, ODI requ...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pressure/Temperature Sensor
Opened 2021-11-12 · Closed 2023-06-26
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitio...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Kia Sorento
Has the 2016 KIA SORENTO been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 KIA SORENTO has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 KIA SORENTO have?
The 2016 KIA SORENTO has 1,212 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 28 involved crashes. 18 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
The 2016 KIA SORENTO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 KIA SORENTO involve engine (498 complaints), unknown or other (84 complaints), structure (81 complaints). Other affected components include steering, power train, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2016 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 28 crash reports associated with the 2016 KIA SORENTO out of 1,212 total complaints (2.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 46 fire reports for the 2016 KIA SORENTO out of 1,212 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA SORENTO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
18 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA SORENTO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 KIA SORENTO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 KIA SORENTO is extreme caution advised. It has 1,212 complaints, 8 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 KIA SORENTO are: 1. ENGINE (498 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (84 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (81 complaints), 4. STEERING (55 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (46 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 498 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 KIA SORENTO?
Consider the specific issues and recalls when purchasing a 2016 KIA Sorento, as engine and power train problems are common. The 2016 KIA SORENTO has 1,212 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
The 2016 KIA SORENTO receives a reliability score of 84/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,212 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 74 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Issues and Power Train Problems.
What are the known issues with the 2016 KIA SORENTO?
Known issues with the 2016 KIA SORENTO include: Engine Issues, Power Train Problems, Structural Integrity, Exterior Lighting. These are based on patterns found across 1,212 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 KIA Sorento?
Yes, there are recalls for engine, power train, and trailer hitches.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 KIA Sorento?
Engine issues, power train problems, steering, and suspension problems are the most common.
Can the exterior lighting of the 2016 KIA Sorento malfunction?
Yes, there have been reports of random malfunctions of tail lights.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the specific issues and recalls when purchasing a 2016 KIA Sorento, as engine and power train problems are common.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Kia Sorento
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Kia Sorento. The data includes 1212 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 28 reported crashes, 46 fire incidents, 18 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Kia Sorento an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16