Engine trouble and fires remain
The 2016 Sorento has the most complaints of any recent Sorento. Engine failures continue, some cars caught fire while driving, and an engine timing pin defect is reported.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,262 owner complaints and 8 recalls
1,100 1.9x the Sorento average
8 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sorento year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 Sorento
Top problems and what they cost
Engine failure
Bearing failure, knocking and loss of power, with a high number of fire reports.
Fix: Check recall and warranty coverage; engine $5,000 to $8,000.
Engine
Engine computer faults
The ECM fails, causing stumbling and no acceleration.
Fix: ECM $800 to $1,500.
Electrical
Peeling white paint
Common on white Sorentos.
Fix: Repainting $1,000 to $3,000.
Body
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Show all 8 recalls
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Kia Sorento
- Confirm every recall shows as repaired, including fuel line (18V907), seat (16V770) and suspension (16V480).A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Sorento has 8 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check for knock sensor update and remaining engine warranty with a Kia dealer.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 327 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2016 Sorento, one of the worst years for it.
- Look for burnt smells or oil leaks around the engine.Fresh oil or fuel under or around the engine means a leak. Small leaks are cheap to fix, but fuel and oil near hot parts are a fire risk.Owners filed 327 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2016 Sorento, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?
Engine trouble and fires remain. The 2016 Sorento has the most complaints of any recent Sorento. Engine failures continue, some cars caught fire while driving, and an engine timing pin defect is reported.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
8 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Sorento problems?
Engine failure; Engine computer faults; Peeling white paint.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.