2016 Kia Sorento problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,250 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Sorento, filed between 2015-03-30 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (694, 56%), power train (125, 10%) and structure (110, 9%). Owners reported 29 crashes, 49 fires and 19 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Kia Sorento complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 694 | 56% | 4 | 32 | 5 |
| Unknown or other | 165 | 13% | 2 | 10 | 1 |
| Power train | 125 | 10% | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Structure | 110 | 9% | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 107 | 9% | 3 | 8 | 2 |
| Steering | 80 | 6% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 67 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 62 | 5% | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 53 | 4% | 0 | 8 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 30 | 2% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 23 | 2% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 16 | 1% | 10 | 0 | 8 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 12 | 1% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Trailer hitches | 11 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 694 complaints
- 694 complaints of 1,250 (56%) name the engine.
- 60 of them also name the power train; owners reported 4 crashes, 32 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Power train: 125 complaints
- 125 complaints of 1,250 (10%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 60 of them also name the engine; owners reported 6 crashes, 4 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Kia Sorento; the recall, campaign 22V612000, says: “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.”
Structure: 110 complaints
- 110 complaints of 1,250 (9%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 15 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 2 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Electrical system: 107 complaints
- 107 complaints of 1,250 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 39 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 8 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Steering: 80 complaints
- 80 complaints of 1,250 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 10 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 67 complaints
- 67 complaints of 1,250 (5%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 15 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 90 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 220 |
| 2023 | 250 |
| 2024 | 183 |
| 2025 | 113 |
| 2026 | 63 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SORENTO, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Kia Sorento recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Kia Sorento's most common problem areas are the engine (694 of 1,250 complaints), power train (125 of 1,250 complaints) and structure (110 of 1,250 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA has 1,250 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Sorento, including 29 reported crashes and 49 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento's problems?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Kia Sorento; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.