{"id":"2016_kia_sorento","make":"Kia","make_slug":"kia","model":"Sorento","model_slug":"sorento","year":2016,"url":"/kia/sorento/2016/","pts":["gas"],"configs":[{"id":35986,"model":"Sorento FWD","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.4,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":21,"hwy":28,"comb":24,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":377,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2600,"save_spend":-1750,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35985,"model":"Sorento FWD","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":20,"hwy":27,"comb":23,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":396,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2700,"save_spend":-2250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35991,"model":"Sorento AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.4,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":21,"hwy":25,"comb":22,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":397,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2850,"save_spend":-3000,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35990,"model":"Sorento AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":19,"hwy":25,"comb":21,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":418,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2950,"save_spend":-3500,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35984,"model":"Sorento FE AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.3,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":18,"hwy":25,"comb":21,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":434,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2950,"save_spend":-3500,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35987,"model":"Sorento FWD","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.3,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":18,"hwy":25,"comb":20,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":436,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":3100,"save_spend":-4250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":35992,"model":"Sorento AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.3,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":17,"hwy":23,"comb":19,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":466,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3300,"save_spend":-5250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"KMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"}],"vclass":"Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","segment":"Compact SUV","epa_certified":true,"recalls":[{"campaign":"22V703000","component":"TRAILER HITCHES","mfr":"Kia America, Inc.","reported":"2022-09-19","owner_notified":"2023-07-27","units":70887,"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.","consequence":"A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.","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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":true,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC249","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"22V612000","component":"POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT","mfr":"Kia America, Inc.","reported":"2022-08-10","owner_notified":"2022-10-07","units":28065,"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.","consequence":"A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.","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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC246","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"18V907000","component":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2018-12-19","owner_notified":"2019-01-17","units":71653,"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.","consequence":"A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.","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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC172","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"16V862000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2016-11-30","owner_notified":"2017-01-19","units":10212,"summary":"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.\"","consequence":"If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.","remedy":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC142","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"16V770000","component":"SEATS","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2016-10-24","owner_notified":"2016-12-09","units":1408,"summary":"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.","consequence":"In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.","remedy":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC140","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"16V480000","component":"SUSPENSION:REAR","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2016-06-29","owner_notified":"2016-07-27","units":7901,"summary":"Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles.  A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.","consequence":"The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.","remedy":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC137","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"15V446000","component":"SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2015-07-14","owner_notified":"2015-08-18","units":2587,"summary":"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.","consequence":"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.","remedy":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC123","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"15V089000","component":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL","mfr":"Kia Motors America","reported":"2015-02-13","owner_notified":"2015-02-20","units":12361,"summary":"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.","consequence":"If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.","remedy":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"SC115","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"}],"recall_count":8,"critical_count":2,"park_outside":true,"do_not_drive":false,"score":35,"grade":"F","complaints":{"count":1248,"crash":29,"fire":49,"injured":19,"deaths":0,"comps":[["Engine",693],["Unspecified",165],["Power Train",124],["Structure",111],["Electrical System",107],["Steering",80]],"by_year":{"2015":17,"2016":20,"2017":38,"2018":53,"2019":71,"2020":90,"2021":132,"2022":220,"2023":250,"2024":183,"2025":113,"2026":61},"excerpts":[["2021-07-13","Engine","Car started to \"chug\" during start, took to repair shop and was told the engine failed and blew the head gaskets. Final recommendation was new engine. Car has 90,000 miles and is out of warranty. Was bought at a dealer used, but it was not Kia certified, even though it was bought at Kia of Old Saybrook. Currently car i\u2026"],["2021-07-13","Engine","My Sorento began to make a small knocking noise while I was driving to an appointment with my 3 year old on 7/12/21. I pulled over at a gas station to check the oil and it was not low. I turned the car on and still NO lights on the dash although there was a smell like burning gas. It has 86,328 miles on it. I continued\u2026"],["2021-07-13","Lane Departure","The Pearl White paint is chipping off the hood. It looks horrible and needs to be fixed ASAP! The sunroof, back latch and BSD have all been \u00e2\u20ac\u0153fixed\u00e2\u20ac\ufffd by Master Mechanics but they are still not working correctly. The sunroof is slow closing and won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t close all the way. The back latch won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t open most of time withou\u2026"]]},"investigations":[{"action":"PE23019","component":"ENGINE","opened":"2023-11-13","closed":"2024-07-23","campaign":"","subject":"Loss of Motive Power","summary":"On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine. When the investigation was opened, ODI had received 13 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) related to reports of loss of motive power. In an information request letter dated November 30, 2023, ODI requested technical information and failure data relating to the alleged defect in the subject MY 2016-2017 Kia Sorento as well as several peer vehicle populations which share the 3.3 L engine. In its Feb"},{"action":"DP22003","component":"ENGINE","opened":"2022-09-12","closed":"2023-12-12","campaign":"","subject":"Loss of Motive Power","summary":"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are "},{"action":"DP21002","component":"ENGINE","opened":"2021-11-12","closed":"2023-06-26","campaign":"","subject":"Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak","summary":"In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. O"}],"ncap":[{"desc":"SUV AWD","overall":5,"frontal":5,"side":5,"rollover":4,"rollover_risk":0.15,"seats":null,"fcw":"Optional","ldw":"Optional","aeb":"No","esc":"","backup_cam":"Optional","variant":null},{"desc":"SUV FWD","overall":5,"frontal":5,"side":5,"rollover":4,"rollover_risk":0.158,"seats":null,"fcw":"Optional","ldw":"Optional","aeb":"No","esc":"","backup_cam":"","variant":null}],"popularity":25,"headline":{"range":null,"mpg":24,"ncap":5,"complaints":1248},"presskit_trims":[],"generated_at":"2026-09-11 06:27 UTC","sources":["EPA fueleconomy.gov","NHTSA recalls","NHTSA complaints","NHTSA NCAP","NHTSA investigations"]}