Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2016 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2016 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 9926
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Recalls (8)
⚠ Park outside — urgent recall
NHTSA has flagged a recall on this vehicle as severe (fire risk — park away from structures). Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.
- TRAILER HITCHESCampaign 22V703000 · 19/09/2022Park outside
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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
- TRAILER HITCHESCampaign 16V862000 · 30/11/2016
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 Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
- SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 16V480000 · 29/06/2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Risk: The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
- SEATSCampaign 16V770000 · 24/10/2016
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 18V907000 · 19/12/2018
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYCampaign 15V446000 · 14/07/2015
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALCampaign 15V089000 · 13/02/2015
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.
Risk: If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFTCampaign 22V612000 · 10/08/2022
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.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE268
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER67
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- STRUCTURE49
- POWER TRAIN45
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING38
- STEERING31
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM29
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
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.
- 12/31/2023· STEERING
Has a steering control issue. I am now on my 3rd steering columm replacement. They do not correct the sticky on center steering control issues. Kia has not come up with a workable solution for this. I have had it to 3 dealers so far. They all say the steering column needs to be replaced. Now out of warranty. This car is difficult to drive and control . I have had this problem since I bought it brand new. It now has 118000 miles on it with a lot of misery driving it.
- 12/31/2022· ENGINE
We have to constant add oil to the engine in between our 3000 mile oil changes, at least a quart or more. There are no oil leaks anywhere on the engine. The engine makes a loud "ticking" noise and doesn't have the power. The transmission also has issues shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. We have even noticed from time to time a smell of gasoline from what seems to be coming from under the vehicle, but no signs of it leaking anywhere. Also the gas pedal doesn't always have the same "feel" when pushing it
- 12/31/2021· ENGINE
Driving on highway, vehicle lost power. Ultimate diagnosed as a seized engine. Car was towed to our mechanic. After contacting Kia, they had us tow it to a local Kia dealer. After they diagnosed the same seized engine, they said they would not pay for repair, despite their being a class action suit settled by them. Car was brought back to our mechanic and a used engine was put in.
- 12/31/2019· STEERING
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL GO TO THE LEFT AND STICK ,THEN I WILL HAVE TO BRING BACK TO RIGHT OR THE STEERING WILL STAY TO THE LEFT.THIS HAS HAPPEN MANY TIMES.THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATION.THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS ON THIS SITUATION.I AM CONCERNED...
- 12/31/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, ON BOTH CITY STREETS AND INTERSTATES, AND AT BOTH LOW OR HIGHER SPEEDS THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTING WILL TURN OFF ON THEIR OWN. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SPECIFICALLY AFTER SUNSET WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY DARK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR AT MY LOCAL KIA DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY SAID THERE IS AN "OPEN CIRCUIT IN IPM (FUSE BLOCK)." I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND MAKE ALL THE VEHICLES SAFE FOR MY FAMILY, MYSELF AND FOR OTHER DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS ON THE ROAD WHO COULD END UP IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
- 12/30/2024· ENGINE
I was driving on the Thruway and suddenly my check engine light came on and a large plume of black smoke came from the exhaust. The car was misfiring badly. I nursed it home and the next day took it to my mechanic, hoping it was a coil or plug. I had almost zero compression in cylinder #2. I then took vehicle to his engine repair shop. The owner told me the next day that I needed a new engine. I picked it up the next day and took it to my dealer, and they also told me I needed a new engine as well as a new intake manifold. Cost was $10,550.00. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident. There was a 1" X 1" hole in my intake manifold.
- 12/30/2024· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove the vehicle for a mile to the workplace. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket and upper radiator hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on 8 occasions. The contact stated that the engine overheating had persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
- 12/30/2024· ENGINE
Vehicle check engine light came on, vehicle lost power, sputtered and died. Will not run. Towed to dealer.
- 12/30/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2016 Kia Sorento with Pearl White Paint. My paint started chipping/pilling off. I would really call it pilling because it comes off while going down the road. It’s start with a small spot on the driver side with part that goes up the windshield. At first we thought it was from a rock but later that day more paint was missing. I just noticed that now a huge section on my roof right above the windshield is now doing the same thing. The spots are growing rapidly and more of them are happening.
- 12/30/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine is failing with the light on. It is not getting enough power and is a safety risk. I only have had the car for a year and a half and the dealership I have gotten it from won't do anything. It has had a air compression test, new spark plugs, and has been reviewed by multiply parties saying it is not deem road safety. I called the Kia dealership and it says all the recalls were done but it doesn't seem like it. They are saying i pretty much need a new engine, I have not even had the car that long.
- 12/30/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED RANDOM EVENTS WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT FOR 5-10 SECONDS. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY SCARY SITUATION FOR ME AND MY FAMILY WHEN DRIVING IN THE EVENING AND IT ALL GETS DARK. WE NOTICE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY, WE COULD BE IN THE CAR FOR SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME OR LONGER AMOUNT OF TIME, WARM AND COLD WEATHER, WET AND DRY WEATHER, HAVEN'T NOTICED WHILE TURNING BUT HAVE ON STRAIGHT ROADS, DASHBOARD GOES DARK TOO WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE SINCE IT IS VERY RANDOM IN NATURE. THIS HAS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES DUE TO THIS YET.
- 12/30/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I OPENED THE LEFT REAR DOOR AND THE HANDLE CAME OFF. I OPENED THE RIGHT REAR DOOR AND THE HANDLE CAME OFF ALSO. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I PUT THEM BACK ON WHICH WAS DIFFICULT AND UPON ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION WHICH WAS 20 MINUTES AWAY THE SMALLER PART OF THE HANDLE CAME OFF.
- 12/30/2015· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
2016 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. *SMD THE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY INTAKE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB
- 12/29/2022· AIR BAGSCrash
October 19,2022 I was driving (cruise control about 70 mph) and hit a deer. The impact and damage was quite a bit however no airbags deployed. The car is still being repaired at Blakely Chevrolet in Blakely GA and they are having issues with airbag sensors.
- 12/29/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
2016 KIA SORENTO V6 LX FWD AUTOMATIC -- ONE DAY, SUDDENLY, THE WIPER FLUID LEAKED ALMOST THE ENTIRE TANK ON OUR GARAGE FLOOR IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILLING. NO OTHER SMALL LEAKS WERE NOTICED BEFORE THIS MAJOR FAIL. I FOUND KIA BLOGS IN ABUNDANCE AND A LARGE NUMBER OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. THERE WAS EVEN SPECULATION IN SEVERAL KIA FORUMS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SO PREVALENT KIA SHOULD, AT A MINIMUM, PUBLISH A SERVICE BULLETIN, AND SOME URGED FOR A BONA FIDE RECALL. I CHECKED THE POINT OF FAILURE AS SUGGESTED IN SEVERAL VIDEOS AND BLOGS, AND INDEED IT WAS A CRACK IN THE WASHER PUMP MECHANISM, APPARENTLY AROUND THE WHITE BULBOUS PIECE THAT BIFURCATES ON OPPOSITE SIDES WHERE RUBBER TUBES ARE ATTACHED TO PLASTIC PROTRUSIONS, AND FROM THERE THE FLUID IS DISPENSED TO EACH OF TWO NOZZLES NEAR THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT RELEASE THE FLUID ON DEMAND.
- 12/29/2017· STRUCTURE
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE SUNROOF OVER THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPLODED. GLASS SHOWERED INTO THE CAR (2016 KIA SORENTO XLS). WE DROVE THE CAR A LOWER SPEEDS TO THE DEALERSHIP IN BELLINGHAM, WA (SMITH KIA).
- 12/29/2017· VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITH A LOUD BOOMING NOISE. THE GLASS SHATTERED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED IN AN OUTWARD DIRECTION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SMITH KIA, 1804 IOWA STREET, BELLINGHAM, WA). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 12, 2018. *TR
- 12/29/2017· STRUCTURE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE SUNROOF OVER THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPLODED SENDING GLASS INTO THE VEHICLE. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE AT LOWER SPEEDS TO THE SMITH KIA DEALERSHIP IN BELLINGHAM, WA AND ARE AWAITING REPAIRS.
- 12/29/2017· STRUCTURE
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE SUNROOF OVER THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPLODED AND SENT GLASS INTO THE VEHICLE. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE AT LOWER SPEEDS TO THE SMITH KIA DEALERSHIP IN BELLINGHAM, WA AND ARE AWAITING REPAIRS. WE FOUND AN ARTICLE FROM CONSUMER REPORTS THAT DETAILS HOW THERE GLASS ROOF FAIL AND FOUND A LINK TO HOW TO FILE THE NTSB REPORT.
- 12/29/2017· STRUCTURE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE SUNROOF OVER THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPLODED SENDING GLASS INTO THE VEHICLE. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE AT LOWER SPEEDS TO THE SMITH KIA DEALERSHIP IN BELLINGHAM, WA AND ARE AWAITING REPAIRS.
- 12/28/2023· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the front passenger’s side door was unintendedly unlocked, causing the door to open independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer has not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
- 12/28/2022· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
- 12/27/2023· ENGINE
Oil Consumption issue in which the oil is burning in in the engine. It's a known issue KIA acknowledges however; will not recall to replace the engine. My car has gone through the oil consumption test which they acknowledged it is consuming oil but would cost 1600 to correct a 92% success rate. I don't have the money to fix. Solution from the service dealer was to wait for the engine to go so it can be replaced in its entirety. I am having to check my oil every 1000 miles to top the oil off-quart low and change the oil every 3k. So unsafe to say wait for the engine to go. I am scared to drive my car any further than in the city limits. Is there anything that can be done. Where is the accountability on their end?
- 12/27/2023· ENGINE
I purchased this car in august of this year 2023. Since purchasing it has spent about half of the time I’ve had it at the dealership being repaired (all listed in carfax) Things that have been fixed are thermostat, car has been pressure tested multiple times due to hidden coolant leaks, Oring replaced, thermal module where coolant pipe connects & now it is having oil consumption issues & im in the process of testing. This car only has 60k miles and I’ve only put about 3500 of them on it. It has a good carfax showing it has been maintained properly. The dealership has told me that they are unsure if approval would be given for oil consumption. However this hadn’t been happening before all the coolant issues occured which leads me to believe this is somehow related. & now it is a huge concern to me as the idea that my engine could blow or catch on fire with two little kids in the car is extremely scary. Also there was no engine light on when car started having oil loss, luckily I was just checking fluids regularly and noticed & when we started this process the dealership had to put 3 qts of oil in.
- 12/27/2021· ENGINE
Total engine failure. Piston rods tore through engine block. Thankfully the vehicle did not catch on fire.
- 12/26/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE AT 50 THOUSAND MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TRANSMISSION ACTING FUNNY & SHIFTING HARD IN WEEKS PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE.
- 12/25/2021· ENGINE
The engine coolant system has failed due an inherent engine block issue resulting in the engine requiring replacement. This issue has been confirmed by dealer repair technician and manager. This appears to be a common issue with the 2016 Kia Sorento engines in particular.
- 12/24/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
- 12/24/2021· ENGINEFire
We drive, a lot. Across state. On highways. Our car engine caught fire and everything shut off. Prior to that. I kept hearing a knocking noise, it was hard to accelerate. Jerky to brake. I was advised by Kia we were in that awful theta 2 claim, but now they won’t reimburse us for this mess. Don’t they have a responsibility after putting my entire family in danger?
- 12/23/2024· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary when the engine stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted. However, the contact did not speak with anyone. The contact parked the vehicle to be not driven any longer as it was a safety concern. The contact received 3 notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (POWER TRAIN ). The failure mileage was 153,000.
- 12/22/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
- 12/22/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ARE IN THE AUTO POSITION, WHILE IN MOTION, THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS ACTIVATED AND WHEN CHANGING TO HIGH AND LOW BEAM. WHILE IN THE AUTO POSITION, THE HEADLIGHTS ALSO COME ON RANDOMLY WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING.
- 12/22/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER DESTINATION USING THE HI-BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEV SMITH KIA STUART (3131 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34994) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOW-BEAM BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,014.
- 12/21/2023· ENGINE
Daughter was traveling at highway speeds (60 mph) when engine loss all power and hard to merge over in lanes due to loss of speed and other traffic. Once to side of road found coolant blowing out of reservoir under hood. Towed to service station where they said head gasket blown on back cylinder bank. Replacement motor needed to make repairs as 7 of 8 head bolts found loose and 3 threads striped from aluminum block which they said is common issue with Kia engines.
- 12/21/2017· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE ARE SECOND OWNERS OF A 2016 KIA SORRENTO. DEC 6, 2017, I WAS DRIVING HOME AND TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON A 2LANE HWY WHEN I FELT A VERY SEVERE CLUNK IN THE FRONT AREA OF THE CAR AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I CHECKED THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING UNORDINARY. I DROVE AT DECREASED SPEED (40MPH) FOR ANOTHER 3 MILES WHEN AGAIN THE CAR DID 2 QUICK, HEAVY THUMPS AND THE ENGINE QUIT ALONG WITH ALL POWER AND ELECTRICAL. I GOT IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE RESTARTED, SO I DROVE HOME. I CALLED THE KIA DEALER IN ST. AUGUSTINE AND THE SERVICE LADY SAID THAT SHE HAD HEARD THE EXACT PROBLEM TWICE BEFORE. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND RELAYED WHAT HIS TEC HAD TOLD ME, THEN DROVE TO THEIR DEALERSHIP (40 MILES) WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT FEAR OF BEING ON HIGHWAY WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED IT OUT BUT FOUND NO PROBLEMS I CAME HOME AND READ ON THE INTERNET REVIEWS OF KIA APPARENTLY BEING UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS.. IT BECAME MORE APPARENT WHY THE YOUNG LADY I TALKED TO ON THE PHONE SEEMED UNWILLING TO REPEAT OR DISCUSS WHAT SHE HAD TOLD ME. AFTER CONSULTING WITH SEVERAL KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE, THAT IT WAS PROBABLY AN INADVERTENT DOWN-SHIFT AND GEARS THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD CAUSE A VERY DANGEROUS AND OR DEADLY SITUATION ON THE ROADWAY, AND ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR JUST QUITS AND YOU LOOSE ALL POWER. THE DEALER STATED "BRING IT DIRECTLY IN IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN." IF YOU'RE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH TRUCKS, CARS AND BUSSES BEHIND YOU, AT A HIGH SPEED AND IT HAPPENS, YOU'LL BE LUCKY TO SURVIVE IT.... DUH!
- 12/20/2023· ENGINE
On the morning of October 31st, 2022 I used my remote starter to warm the engine in my driveway for approximately 10 minutes, when I got into the car I noticed the air blowing was ice cold and when looked at the temperature gauge the needle was in the red. I allowed the engine to cool down for about an hour, checked the coolant level and found it empty. I looked all around and under the engine for signs of leaks, none were found. I purchased a gallon of coolant, topped off the system and brought the car to my local garage to check the problem. They replaced the thermostat and bled the cooling system. About a week later it started overheating again so I topped off the coolant again and took the car to the nearest Kia dealer. After keeping my car for a week they concluded that the head gaskets were leaking and the repairs would be more than the value of the car and they'd be happy to trade what's left of my car for a new Kia. I had my car towed to a reputable independent shop and ended up paying a total of $12, 274.84 for a re-manufactured engine and for labor involved in stripping down the old engine for the extended warranty who inspected the engine and denied the claim. I purchased this vehicle on 1/9/2021 with extended warranty from and authorized Kia Dealer for $20,522.78. I have since found out that this is an ongoing issue with the Kia/Huyndai V6 engines from 2016-2019. As a Mercedes-Benz employee for 30 plus years I am appalled at Kia for their unwillingness to stand by their products.
- 12/19/2021· ENGINE
On December 18, 2021, my 2016 Kia Sorento with approximately 20,100 miles, 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engine suddenly lost power on an eight lane Washington, DC area highway. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) began to blink continuously. The first opportunity for an exit navigating through the construction zone, with the vehicle rapidly failing, was taken and the dealer, Ourisman Chantilly of Virginia, was contacted immediately. This confirms that the Kia Motors America, Inc. Product Improvement Campaign for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was installed on January 12, 2019, with a mileage reading of 13,726 in the Commonwealth of Virginia at Ourisman Chantilly of Virginia. The NHTSA Recall ID: 18V907000 for the high-pressure fuel pump leakage, Kia recall number SC172, includes 2012-2017 Sorentos. This could be a major fire hazard and pose a serious threat for injury or death. This vehicle has no safety recalls with the NHTSA; the list of affected Sorento 2016 VINS excludes my vehicle. This dangerous defect of engine failure in a well-maintained, low mileage vehicle sold to me as a five-star safety rated "Pre-Delivery Inspection" (PDI) certified with no mechanical issues and examined as safe, may have had the apparent defects from the purchase date with the mileage delivery of nine (9).
- 12/19/2021· ENGINE
I own a 2016 Kia Sorento with the 2.4L that is supposed to have a lifetime warranty on the engine due to the class action law suit apparently Kia which refuses to honor. I was driving on the interstate one day when my car started to go into limp mode and started to knock really bad my car eventually shut off completely and wouldn’t crank again after that I had it towed to Kia and they informed me that I needed a new engine and that Kia will not cover it for the fact that the car never received a knock sensor update( which I never record a notice in the mail for either by the way ) so now I have a car that isn’t drivable and I have to keep making payments on Kia should be required to honor the lawsuit and recall these vehicles due to this being a safety issue because the car gives you no warning what so ever and seems like more and more of these vehicles are having the same issue this is just ridiculous and I will never buy another Kia again after this
- 12/18/2023· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car when into a low power mode,could not keep it running ,took 5 times to go thru a very busy intersection and motor was making a knocking noise,smells like burnt oil-motor ,misses out..The car was towed into a KIA dealership,3 weeks later they said it was fixed,drove off and didn’t even make it a mile until it started knocking and having the same smell like burnt motor,went into a reduce power.now it’s been 3 more weeks or more and still nothing is getting resolved. Yes the dealership knows about this issue. Yes warning messages came on when it went into low power mode. This is motor number two as the motor was replaced less than 12 months ago.
- 12/18/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MATT BLATT KIA (6211 E BLACK HORSE PIKE, EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234, (609) 573-3100) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V089000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,510.
- 12/17/2024· ENGINEFire
The engine was smoking. I had smoke coming through the vents in my car. The turbo is leaking and now it’s dangerous to drive. The dealership isn’t even recommended fixing it. The car is not safe to drive and has not been since I purchased it.
- 12/17/2023· ENGINE
Been dealing with oil issues for over a year. With a closely monitored oil level the car engine blew a hole and is now not drivable. There was never a low oil light or any warning.
- 12/17/2023· ENGINE
There is a common issue with these year model Sorentos that poses a dangerous safety hazard for those in the car as well as others on the road. This model has a manufacturers defect that causes the head bolts to strip from the block, causing overheating engine, power loss, and other symptoms. A car that overheats and has these symptoms while on the road could cause a fire, cause hot steam or coolant to burn skin, and risks lives if it happens while on a fast paced roadway. The issue is common and pretty much guaranteed to happen to these model Sorentos. There are thousands of people complaining and report the issue. KIA is aware and not concerned of the issue. The only solution offered is an engine replacement, which most people can’t afford so will more than likely keep driving the vehicle regardless of the risks. My Sorento has been at the dealership already. I’ve contacted KIA corporate as well as attorneys seeking litigation of the issue. My insurance completed a full investigation by U.S. Forensic and determined the cause to be two of my head bolts stripped the threads out of the block. I have the final report from the investigation. We had no early warnings of the issue. We first noticed something was wrong when the car started over heating. You could, then, smell coolant and there was white smoke from the exhaust. There was a loss of power and bubbling in the coolant reservoir. The car would drive without overheating as long as you kept the radiator full of coolant. In summary, this is a common issue that has been ignored by KIA. It is clearly a safety concern and could pose life threatening risks. KIA won’t care and will never do anything about this unless they are forced to.
- 12/17/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A tow hatch could catch on fire when driving which is terribly dangerous and saying it could cause fire while being parked as well. How do you expect people to keep driving and be stressed about being burned? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my family and I have been put at risk by letting us know that when driving our vehicle a fire can start anytime and we have to park away from all other cars outside. We live in a community where kids are playing outside all the time so if a fire does start not only are we putting ourselves in danger when driving the car but other people live if the car goes into flames. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have contacted a Kia dealer where I live and nobody has reached back out to me about the situation and that was the first that I received the letter. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It hasn't been inspected by a dealer if the dealer will not respond back and they are not taking appointments online from the Kia Dealer. If I am not hearing anything back I will have to take this further because, someone can get hurt if it's a recall on my car. I need a new car or something. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I didn't have any warnings because I always take my car to Valvoline for an oil change and they give me a paper if something is needed done to the car and this never came up until I received the message from GEiCO and the letter in the mail about the recall.
- 12/17/2019· ENGINE
MY VEHICLE BEGAN EXCESSIVELY USING OIL, NO LEAK IN SPRING OF 2019. TOOK IT SERVICE ONCE I DOCUMENTED MY OIL CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER. NO ANSWERS, WANTING TO DO AN EVERY 1,000 MILES DOCUMENTATION AT THE DEALERSHIP. BY DECEMBER, IT IS GIVING AN ENGINE CODE P0014, MEANING THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT HAS ADVANCED TO MUCH TO GO TO A LOWER TIMING. EVENTUALLY THE PASSAGE BECOME CLOGGED AND CAUSING OIL FLOW TO THE PHASIVERS TO BE RESTRICTED - LEADING TO A LOCKED ENGINE. THE ONLY FIX, A NEW ENGINE. ALTHOUGH I AM STILL UNDER POWER TRAIN - THEY REQUEST I DRIVE THE VEHICLE 1000 MILES FOR TESTING BEFORE APPROVING HOWEVER THE ENGINE CODE TELLS US FURTHER DRIVE WILL LOCK THE ENGINE. EXACTLY WHAT OLDER MODELS WERE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR. WITH THIS KIA GIVES YOU NO PROPER SOLUTION AND NO GUARANTEE TO COVER.
- 12/16/2024· ENGINE
Kia is refusing to fix the engine. The car is supposed to have a lifetime replacement on engine. Kia is saying that I did not get a recall done, but none is listed on your website for what they said I needed done. I have been trying to reach a supervisor at Kia Corporate for 1 week without success.
- 12/16/2024· POWER TRAIN
While sitting in park the parking shift level assembly was bumped by a hand bag by someone getting in the vehicle car shifted out of park into reverse and began to roll backwards while the person was still getting in the car. At the time the driver did not have any foot on the brake Or accelerator. Further discovery show that the car could be shifted out of any gear Including park at any time without applying the brake.
- 12/16/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
After parking and turning the car off, when restarting the vehicle the shift lock would no longer release to shift out of park. In order to shift out of park it requires the shift lock clip to be removed, a screw driver placed down and pressure applied to release the shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealership to be assessed and owner was told it was the BCM and the entire component would need to be replaced as it is not sensing that the brake is being applied. There are no service or warning lights. The BCM controls several other safety features including park assist, the heated seats, and other electrical components Serious safety concern if the computer system within the vehicle is not able to detect that the brake is being applied. It could also lead to other electrical failures throughout the vehicle.
- 12/16/2021· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
I was driving my vehicle up a hill. I accelerator a little. The car picked up speed then my oil light flickered and then stayed steady, along with the battery indicator. At this point my engine shut down and the car began to slow down. I came up on a side street that I turned into, because at this point the car was slowing down and loosing power and the breaks were not functioning, I would have either stalled and rolled backwards, or myself and my child would have been rear-ended. All the lights still work and everything come on, so I know its not the battery. My oil light flickered a little when I went around a turn a few times prior to this day, but never steady. No other indicator lights came on. The car is at my mechanics, who advises me the engine has seized and the vehicle has no oil. My last oil change was 3.5 months ago and according to the counter I'm only 99 miles over, which should not have caused this. Even though I was told I had up to 4,000 miles before I needed an oil change again. All of my fluids were checked at this appointment and this is the first major issue with my vehicle.