The 2016 Kia Sorento is associated with 1245 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 8 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 508 reports (41% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.3l 6-cyl, 2.4l 4-cyl, and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 24 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 1245 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 8 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (508 / 41%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 29 crash / 49 fire / 17 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–24 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Sorento FE AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15.8% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 15% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Kia Sorento models.
View complete 2016 Kia Sorento crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Kia Sorento problems & component breakdown (122 categories) →
Affected Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2016 Kia Sorento recalls & campaign history (8 campaigns) →