CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,256 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Sorento, and the engine group leads them[1][2]. The car also has 8 recalls on file, so check each one before you buy[3].

1,256owner complaints[1]
8recalls[3]
19–24MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 1,256 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Sorento[1]. Of those, 29 mention a crash, 49 a fire and 19 an injury, and no deaths are reported[1]. Keep the sentences and drop the[1] after the sales sentence, or leave as is.

The engine group stands far above the rest.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 719 84,497
Unknown or other[6] 166 55,568
Power train[7] 126 73,000
Structure[8] 111 47,000
Electrical system[9] 107 51,747
Steering[10] 80 47,500
Exterior lighting[11] 67 43,594
Speed control[12] 62 63,122

Engine. The engine group lists 4 crashes, 33 fires and 5 injuries[2]. In a sample of 12 complaint texts we read, 6 describe the car stalling or shutting off, sometimes with no warning light[2]. Four describe limp mode or a car that would not accelerate normally, and two of those texts are identical[2]. Three involve an engine failure linked to a recall repair or a warranty dispute[2].

Power train. This group lists 6 crashes, 4 fires and 5 injuries[7]. In a sample of 12 texts, 4 describe the car rolling or moving when the owner did not expect it, such as shifting out of park or shutting off while in gear[7]. Another 4 describe power loss or the car shutting off while driving, and 3 mention odd shifting or a delayed, then sudden, response to the gas pedal[7].

Structure. In a sample of 12 texts, 5 describe glass breaking, either a sunroof pane shattering at highway speed or a cracked windshield[8]. Three of those sunroof texts read like repeat reports of the same event[8]. Two texts describe door latch or door edge problems[8].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 texts, 4 mention dashboard warning lights coming on and several describe stalling or shutting off along with electrical symptoms[9]. Six mention headlights or other lights going out, or power locks and windows failing[9].

These samples are small. They show what owners describe, not how often any one problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first:

Several of these cover only certain build dates or equipment, so one car may be covered and another not[13][15][16][17][19][20].

Fuel economy

EPA lists seven engine and drive combinations for this model year. Combined mileage runs from 19 to 24 MPG[21][4], and the estimated annual fuel cost from $2,800 to $3,550[4][21]. The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and drive City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, front-wheel drive[4] 21 / 28 / 24 $2,800
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, front-wheel drive[22] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2.4L 4-cyl, all-wheel drive[23] 21 / 25 / 22 $3,050
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, all-wheel drive[24] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,200
3.3L 6-cyl, all-wheel drive (FE AWD)[25] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
3.3L 6-cyl, front-wheel drive[26] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
3.3L 6-cyl, all-wheel drive[21] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550

All of these are automatic (S6) and use regular fuel[25][22][4][26][24][23][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel drive Sorento 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars for rollover[5]. Its rollover risk is 15.0%[5]. The front-wheel drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 15.8%[27].

Engine and size

EPA test vehicles carry these power ratings[28][29][30]:

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every variant listed is 188 in long, 74 in wide and 67 in tall, with a 109 in wheelbase[31][32][33][34][35][36]. Only curb weight changes.

Variant Curb weight
L/LX FWD[33] 3,704 lb
LX AWD[34] 3,840 lb
EX/Limited FWD[32] 3,878 lb
V6 FWD[36] 3,968 lb
EX/Limited AWD[31] 4,004 lb
V6 AWD[35] 4,101 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2003: 305 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 220 complaints, 0 recalls2005: 307 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 242 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 154 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 55 complaints, 2 recalls20092011: 1,520 complaints, 7 recalls2012: 880 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 982 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 988 complaints, 6 recalls20142015: 754 complaints, 3 recalls2016: 1,256 complaints, 8 recalls1,25620162017: 807 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 255 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 431 complaints, 2 recalls2020: 138 complaints, 1 recalls20202021: 275 complaints, 5 recalls2022: 227 complaints, 9 recalls20222023: 164 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 51 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 134 complaints, 4 recalls2026: 9 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sorento model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20033051
20042200
20053070
20062421
20071544
20082173
2009552
20111,5207
20128805
20139825
20149886
20157543
20161,2568
20178074
20182553
20194312
20201381
20212755
20222279
20231644
2024512
20251344
202692

Among the Sorento model years on file, 2016 has the second-highest complaint count at 1,256[3]. Only 2011 is higher, at 1,520[3]. The next highest are 2014 with 988 and 2013 with 982[3].

Its 8 recalls are also second[3]. Only 2022 has more, with 9[3]. The 2011 model year has 7[3].

Neighboring years look different. The 2015 model year has 754 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2017 has 807 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are best used to compare years of the same model[3].

Should you buy a used 2016 Sorento?

The record is mixed. The safety ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall[5][27]. The complaint record is heavy, though, especially for the engine, where owners in our sample describe stalling and power loss[2]. There are also 8 recalls, and some involve fire, rollaway or crash risk[3][13][14][15][18].

Before buying, ask which recalls apply to the exact car and whether the repairs were done. Ask for the engine history too, since one recall applies to cars that had an engine replaced[15]. If a car has a tow hitch harness, ask whether recall 22V703 was handled[13]. Our data does not cover oil capacity, towing or tire size, so check those elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 719 of 1,256[1][2]. In a sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe stalling, shutting off and limp mode[2].
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[3]. They cover areas such as the tow hitch, shift lever, fuel pipe, seats, rear suspension and accelerator pedal[13][14][15][17][18][20].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Kia Sorento?
EPA combined ratings run from 19 to 24 MPG, depending on engine and drive[21][4]. The 2.4L front-wheel drive model rates 21 city and 28 highway[4].
How safe is the 2016 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[5][27].
Is 2016 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
It has the second-highest complaint count (1,256) and second-highest recall count (8) of the years on file[3]. Years such as 2015 and 2017 show fewer of both[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,256 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Sorento (29 mention a crash, 49 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 719 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 33 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,497). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sorento model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 166 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 10 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,568). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 126 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 4 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 111 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 107 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,747). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 80 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 67 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,594). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 62 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,122). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 22V703, filed September 19, 2022: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 22V612, filed August 10, 2022: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V907, filed December 19, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V862, filed November 30, 2016: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V770, filed October 24, 2016: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V480, filed June 29, 2016: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 15V446, filed July 14, 2015: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 15V089, filed February 13, 2015: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
  21. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Sorento FE AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Sorento with 3.3L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO EX/LIMITED AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,004 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO EX/LIMITED FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,878 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO L/LX FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,704 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,840 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO V6 AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO V6 FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,968 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.