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Your vehicleHome›Kia›Sorento› 2016
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Kia · Compact SUV

2016 Kia Sorento

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
55 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 8
Complaints29 crash · 49 fire · 19 injured reported 1,258
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 24 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Kia Sorento is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sorento FWD, is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1258 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Kia Sorento — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Kia Sorento · Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Sorento FWDGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl212824$2,800
Sorento FWDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,900
Sorento AWDGasAWD2.4L 4-cyl212522$3,050
Sorento AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192521$3,200
Sorento FE AWDGasAWD3.3L 6-cyl182521$3,200
Sorento FWDGasFWD3.3L 6-cyl182520$3,350
Sorento AWDGasAWD3.3L 6-cyl172319$3,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 35986, 35985, 35991, 35990, 35984, 35987, 35992.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Sorento AWD, Sorento FWD5–7 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-III ULEV70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Sorento AWD, Sorento FE AWD, Sorento FWD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)

Engine Basics

Displacement2.4 L

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: EX, L / LX, SX / SX Limited). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length187.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)74.4 in
Height67.3 in
Wheelbase109.4 in
Track, front64.2 in
Track, rear64.6 in
Curb weight3,704–4,101 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear56/44

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 6 configurations: Ex/Limited AWD, Ex/Limited FWD, L/Lx FWD, LX AWD, V6 AWD, V6 FWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Sorento
Other years The 2027 Sorento Recalls Kia recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Kia Sorento is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (8)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Trailer Hitches

SC249
Park outside 70,887 vehicles 30% reported repaired
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 reported Sep 19, 2022 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

SC246
28,065 vehicles 65% reported repaired
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V612000 reported Aug 10, 2022 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

SC172
71,653 vehicles 66% reported repaired built Apr 19, 2011 – Nov 23, 2016
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 reported Dec 19, 2018 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

SC142
10,212 vehicles 65% reported repaired built Oct 27, 2014 – Aug 25, 2016
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V862000 reported Nov 30, 2016 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

SC140
1,408 vehicles 73% reported repaired built Mar 5, 2016 – Mar 15, 2016
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V770000 reported Oct 24, 2016 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

SC137
7,901 vehicles 86% reported repaired
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V480000 reported Jun 29, 2016 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

SC123
2,587 vehicles 84% reported repaired built Oct 23, 2014 – Dec 10, 2014
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V446000 reported Jul 14, 2015 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Vehicle Speed Control

SC115
12,361 vehicles 97% reported repaired built Oct 27, 2014 – Jan 29, 2015
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V089000 reported Feb 13, 2015 Kia Motors America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine — Loss of Motive Power closed

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

Opened Nov 13, 2023 · closed Jul 23, 2024 · action PE23019 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Loss of Motive Power closed

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

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023 · action DP22003 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak closed

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.

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · closed Jun 26, 2023 · action DP21002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Sorento

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Kia publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Kia’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Kia Sorento, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Kia Sorento

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Sorento →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1258complaints filed

29 involved a crash · 49 a fire · 19 injuries · 0 deaths reported

79 per 10,000 built · Kia reported 159,157 Sorento built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2015: 17 · 2016: 20 · 2017: 38 · 2018: 53 · 2019: 71 · 2020: 90 · 2021: 132 · 2022: 220 · 2023: 250 · 2024: 183 · 2025: 113 · 2026: 71

Most-cited components

Engine → 728
Unspecified 166
Power Train → 127
Structure 112
Electrical System → 107
Steering → 80

In depth: engine problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems → · steering problems → · exterior lighting problems → · cruise control problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

My name is reason im putting this complaint now cuz I have been taking my 2016 Sorento Kia 5times to local dealers to fix speed pedal cuz its not working last friday 07/8/2016 I was on the freeway and a big truck was behind me well I press gas pedal dint work on me truck almost hit me I took my Kia Sorento for the 5 time to santa ana Kia…
Vehicle Speed Control Jul 11, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10884095
2016 Kia Sorento lx (7800 miles) - both left and right rear doors won't lock or unlock with either the fob or the button on the drivers' door
Electrical System May 28, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10871359
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the suspension brackets were not welded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Suspension at 5,000 miles May 16, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10865192
When opening the (front passenger & driver) doors from outside, door does not open each time when handle is pulled. When door is opened from the inside, door does not properly latch, thus, operator cannot secure the door to close or lock vehicle. Cannot secure occupant safely inside vehicle for operation.
Structure at 10,540 miles Apr 7, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10854091
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle could be shut off while it was engaged in any gear. On several occasions, the contact shut off the vehicle without it being parked and the vehicle rolled away. The last time the failure occurred, the contact fell to the ground while attempting to get in the vehicle.
Power Train at 10,300 miles Feb 10, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10825373
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. While driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the low beam head lamps were activated, but the interior dome light, head lamps, rear lamps, and instrument panel failed to illuminate.
Steering at 4,000 miles Dec 7, 2015 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10808874

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Kia itself: 22 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 4 killed, 26 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 14 per 100,000 built. Every Sorento model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 68k

miles, typically

Half the 419 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 33,000 and 96,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 29
10k–20k 28
20k–30k 24
30k–40k 38
40k–50k 21
50k–60k 37
60k–70k 39
70k–80k 45
80k–90k 38
90k–100k 25
100k–150k 79
150k + 16

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine20385,0001.37×
Vehicle Speed Control4266,0002.2×
Power Train4275,0001.44×
Exterior Lighting4049,0141.11×
Structure3848,0001.07×
Steering3450,0001.04×
Electrical System3453,4941.19×
Unspecified2457,000—

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: vehicle speed control (2.2×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 3 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Kia warranty extension (28) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 275
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-25
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 254 service bulletins, 9 emissionss, 6 service campaigns

Most often about: Electrical System, Engine, Equipment, Steering, Power Train.

  • SC330_OWNR_301 Service campaign
    2026-09-25 · Exterior Lighting
  • VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC330 Flight 301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the multi-function switch knob with improved parts on certain 2016-2018 MY Sorento vehicles.
  • WTY031_TSB_R2 Warranty extension
    2026-06-16 · Electrical System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPAIR (WTY031) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Multifunction Switch Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY031) to repair the multifunction switch kn
  • CS2312_TSB_R2 Service bulletin
    2026-06-08 · Structure — Body
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia
  • SC340_TSB_R5 Emissions
    2026-04-04 · Engine
  • VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2020MY Optima, 2016-20
  • WTY026_TSB_R2 Service bulletin
    2026-03-18 · Engine
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Pr
  • PS797 Other
    2025-12-09 · Back Over Prevention — Warnings
  • PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane
  • WTY035_TSB_R3 Warranty extension
    2025-10-08 · Engine
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the left or right margin areas.
  • TSB_TRA046_R5 Service bulletin
    2025-04-17 · Power Train
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P1326
P1326 on Kia →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine18 bulletins · 4 owner reports
P0014
P0014 on Kia →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Electronic Stability Control2 owner reports
P0300
P0300 on Kia →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →2 owner reports
P0303
P0303 on Kia →		Cylinder 3 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →2 owner reports

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Kia Sorento failed the emissions check on 4.6% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 4.6%

failed emissions

2,980 initial inspections of 2,916 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 SorentoEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check4.6%4.2%2,972
Failed the safety inspection2.1%2.2%2,980
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.20%0.27%2,980
Miles driven a year11,24410,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer115,732103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Sorento by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A* 0 0 37 mpg2026 B 2 9 37 mpg2025 C 4 134 36 mpg2024 B 2 51 37 mpg2023 D 4 165 Park outside2022 F 9 227 Park outside2021 F 5 275 Park outside2020 B 1 139 Park outside2019 B 2 433 Park outside2018 D 3 255 Park outside2017 D 4 808 Park outside2016 this page F 8 1,258 Park outside

Common questions about the 2016 Sorento

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 8 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Sorento, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 22V703000, covering Trailer Hitches. There is an active park outside advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Sorento?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Kia Sorento 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (55/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Kia Sorento?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Kia Sorento, the best EPA combined figure is 24 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Kia Sorento?

Transport Canada measured it at 187.8 in long, 74.4 in wide (body, without mirrors), 67.3 in tall, on a 109.4 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,704–4,101 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Kia Sorento?

Owners have filed 1258 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sorento, most often about engine, unspecified, power train. Of those, 29 involved a crash, 49 a fire, 19 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Kia Sorento?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Kia Sorento runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 5, LEV-II ULEV, LEV-III ULEV70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Kia Sorento?

The manufacturer has filed 275 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sorento, most often covering electrical system, engine, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-09-25. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Kia Sorento do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Kia Sorento failed the emissions check on 4.6% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls8NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints1258NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins275NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations3NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA6 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Sorento The Sorento model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Kia recall on file All campaigns filed against Kia vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Sorento by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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