2016 Kia Sorento Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Started Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Went to head out to take kids to school and go to work but wouldn’t accelerate much over 20mph. No indicators came on or anything. I turned around and went back home. Friday, we got a dealership to look at it and they said it was burning oil and smoking a little. Didn’t drive it any where outside of those times. Monday called the dealer that looked at it on Friday and they told us to bring it up there and they would look at it to try and figure out the problem. Drove about 10 minutes and everything shut off. Pulled over, tried to crank, and indicators came on-battery/flashing engine/car with key, and heard rattling then quickly shut it off. Dealer said motor is done.

While driving with my family of 4 on the interstate the cars engine stopped running without warning. All the dashboard lights illuminated and the car quit running. This almost caused me to lose control of the car and cause a major accident with injury and possible loss of life. This was a traumatic event for me and my family. The car was towed to the shop and we were told that the motor blew and it’s $15K to replace it. I also just found out that KIA issued a service bulletin to modify the computer so that the engine goes to limp mode and does not just blow up. Had there been something on a carfax or a notification to other shops this traumatic event would not have happened. There should be a safety recall and not just a bulletin only known to KIA dealers on all of these motors. This car was serviced regularly outside of KIA dealership and oil was just changed about 1 weak ago. KIA has refused to cover the repairs. We never got notification of the bulletin.

111k mile car engine has had oil changed how it's suppose to going down the road an engine just lost power an now knocking from rod bairings almost causing a wreck on the highway

Literally overnight large pieces of paint began peeling off of my hood and roof. Within days I took it to a body shop and they immediately identified it as a factory defect. The pearl white paint is separating in sheets. If not repaired it will rust the metal underneath.

Motor siezed while driving in the freeway

Engine locks up (blown) with no check engine light warning lights of any kid while driving down the highway I have read this over 1,000 time on the internet from different sorento owners this needs to be recalled I could have been hit by a semi this is a manufacturer defect

This 2016 Kia Sorento is burning a LOT of oil. Every month we are adding 4 quarts of oil. The oil light is not coming on to indicate that the oil is low. Because of the oil burning, it's causing things to get dirty and clogged. We've had to replace plugs and coils twice already and we are experiencing the same problem again now. The car is having (and previously had) trouble accelerating and runs rough (happened in both prior incidents as well). The problem accelerating can be put us in danger, potentially other vehicles hitting us, in heavy traffic situations, when making turns etc.

While driving on Souther State Parkway on 04/23/2023 I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. The Vehicle suddenly slowed down while in motion front end dipped then returned to original position. The knocking sound got louder I signaled exit the highway vehicle loss power on the ramp. Tow truck called to tow vehicle. Mechanic shop informed me vehicle engine is no good the engine seized up and malfunctioned. This vehicle almost killed me on the highway. It's very sad that KIA is not being held responsible for these defective vehicles. I need KIA to pay for engine replacement and labor cost. As a healthcare worker I cannot afford to purchase another vehicle. I just finish paying off the car note on this vehicle. 2016 Kia Sorento.

On my way home from work I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine while on the highway the vehicle slowed down at 40 miles per hour then the from end dipped then return in an upright position. The vehicle suddenly lost power the engine would not turn over. There were no warning engine lights or anything before hand to indicate there was a problem before the engine power loss. I had to pay the highway tow truck to get me off he highway and then my insurance tow transported my vehicle to Queens. Galaxy Auto completed diagnostic test and informed me the engine is no good, basically the engine seized. I reached out to KIA headquarters via email no response to the situation at hand. On 05/12/2023 received notice from KIA recall for tow hinge on vehicle. KIA did not address the engine failure on the 2016 KIA Sorentia GDI which I just finish paying off. My vehicle is parked up no monetary funds to purchase an engine or to pay for labor cost. Not having a vehicle is causing undue hardship for me and my children. Getting to work and my doctors appointment for chemo treatments is financially difficulty. It is a shame that KIA is allowed to duped consumers and put our lives at risk for profit without any consequences. I would never purchase another KIA vehicle and I warned my friends and family to stay away from KIA brands. Shame on you KIA. Shame on you KIA.

On my way home from work I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine while on the highway the vehicle slowed down at 40 miles per hour then the from end dipped then return in an upright position. The vehicle suddenly lost power the engine would not turn over. There were no warning engine lights or anything before hand to indicate there was a problem before the engine power loss. I had to pay All County Auto Body $135.78 to two vehicle off the highway and then my insurance tow transported my vehicle to Queens. Galaxy Auto completed diagnostic test and informed me the engine is no good, basically the engine seized. I reached out to KIA headquarters via email no response to the situation at hand. On 05/12/2023 received notice from KIA recall for tow hinge on vehicle. KIA did not address the engine failure on the 2016 KIA Sorentia GDI which I just finish paying off. My vehicle is parked up no monetary funds to purchase an engine or to pay for labor cost. On 5/26/2023 vehicle towed KIA dealership service area for diagnostic test and I was informed by a representative that the vehicle has life time warranty on the engine. After the diagnostic test I was informed on June 1,2023 "that I can eliminate the $2000 core charge on there however there is a $2500 installation cost on top of the parts. The power-train warranty had expired May 8th of 2020." Also, there was an engine recall on this model no one can give me a date or year of the recall. Basically, KIA is not going to honor their mistake and failed to make necessary repairs on the engine. The entire situation is terrible and KIA is not being held responsible for their negligence . Upon close review of the engine failure posted on NHTSA. gov website there are over 300 plus vehicles reported on this site with the same engine failure. what is being done to help us the consumer from being duped by manufactures who preyed on hardworking consumers who purchased vehicles that are defective?

Car is overheating, mechanic stated head gasket bolts are stripped and it's a defect in these Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 engines. I am the 2nd owner even though it was purchased in the same year it became available (2016). On November 14th, 2023 it will be 7 years old, with 110,000 miles. It's regularly serviced with no issues until the overheating which started on April 22, 2023. My portfolio warranty ended on 100,000 miles. There are hundreds of complaints on various websites with this exact issue. Please help me as I'm a disabled retiree on a fixed income pension and cannot afford 7,000.00 to replace the engine.

I was backing up a residential driveway. My backup camera showed my wheels were in line. My steering wheel turned and my car had a sudden unintended acceleration. My car destroyed a double steel garage door. Pushed a parked vehicle forward approximately 10-12”. The vehicle crushed a riding lawn mower, pushing the mower through a sheet rock wall. If anyone had been in this area of the garage, they could have possibly suffered serious injury or even fatality. I am trying to arrange to have my vehicle taken to local Kia dealership for diagnostic testing. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning signs that appeared and I did not hear my backup camera alert.

I became the proud owner of a 2016 Kia Sorento, which I got from Jerry Smith KIA in Burlington, Washington, in February 2020. This car has received prompt service for every maintenance item at the dealership where I bought it. Other than the expected wear and tear, I have never experienced any unneeded problems with the car. It's driven 143,928 miles. I had no warning what so ever that there was an issue with the motor. I had the car inspected and had the regular oil changed on April 20th, 2023, and everything was fine. On April 22, 2023, I drove the Kia while out to dinner with my daughter and her friends. On the way home, however, after dropping the girls off, the car cut out and died, but I was still able to make it to the side of the road. The engine knocked like a rod and wouldn't stay turned over for more than ten seconds when I tried to start the car again. All the dash lights lit up and engine sounded like a rattle can. I had the car towed the following morning to the dealership where I have it serviced. After a week, they were able to identify the problem. It appears that the engine's bearings failed. They estimated that a replacement engine would cost $18,000. The vehicle has a negative equity of $13,000, which is too high for me to trade in. Spending that much money on it is not worthwhile. It is currently yard art in my driveway. Despite my attempts to rectify the situation, I am still left with a sense of dissatisfaction and regret over this purchase. It's a lesson learned, but one that comes at a steep cost. After doing some extensive research I have found numerous owners of the same type of vehicle have similar issues.

Vehicle was purchased used on 02-23-2023 from a dealership. One and a half months later, the temp gauge goes into the red. This was the only indication that there was an issue. The dealer found that the head gasket was blown, however upon further inspection it was discovered that the bolts were stripped inside and this was what started the problem. With no other warning other than the temp gauge, the vehicle could have seized up while driving down the highway causing a catastrophic failure and a safety hazard.

While driving on i95 the car suddenly stopped without warning. After getting the car towed twice, to find out the engine seized up after a mechanic took a look at it.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound from the engine while the vehicle was idling and upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, resulting in engine damage. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Rod bearings failed while driving down busy road had to immediately pull over. Car was just recently serviced. Even after engine failed the check engine light never came on which is highly unsafe!

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and overheated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head bolts had a gap between the head gasket and the engine block. The mechanic recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Vehicle had a slow engine oil leak which began just after 100,000 miles and mirrored symptoms of the "oil pressure switch" defect, which was replaced under warranty pursuant to a warranty extension campaign from Kia. Following the replacement of the oil pressure switch, the vehicle continued to slowly leak oil. Kia service manager took the engine apart and stated that the threads for the head bolts were stripped from the engine block, causing an oil leak from the head gasket. During a later in-person conversation, which was lawfully recorded, the service manager stated that it was a well known and established defect which Kia is refusing to officially acknowledge, and said that he has personally replaced over fifty (50) 2016 model year 3.3L V6 engines with stripped head bolts. The only solution was to replace the engine, and Kia refused to cover any repair or replacement costs. The vehicle is available for inspection (at the dealership), and although my vehicle did not have any symptoms other than the oil leak, in other instances it commonly causes engine overheating.

Car will not drive, sputters and will not accelerate at all. Car shakes and then loses power.

I was driving the car when I suddenly smelled coolant. No warning lights came on and the temperature gauge was in the normal range when I first smelled coolant. Then, steam began to come through my vents. This is when the temperature gauge began to rise. I drove the car to get it to a safe place before shutting it off. I had it towed to a service center to get the problems diagnosed. The service center told me the engine and cooling system would need to be replaced. I can provide the diagnostic assessment. This could have been extremely dangerous if the problem occurred on the highway, as I fear the engine could have caught fire. I was blessed that this happened on a city street. There was a very sudden loss of coolant, and the inspection revealed metal shavings in the oil. I have had this vehicle regularly maintained and checked the oil myself to keep it at the proper level. None of my prior service visits noted any presence of metal in the oil.

After parking and turning the car off, when restarting the vehicle the shift lock would no longer release to shift out of park. In order to shift out of park it requires the shift lock clip to be removed, a screw driver placed down and pressure applied to release the shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealership to be assessed and owner was told it was the BCM and the entire component would need to be replaced as it is not sensing that the brake is being applied. There are no service or warning lights. The BCM controls several other safety features including park assist, the heated seats, and other electrical components Serious safety concern if the computer system within the vehicle is not able to detect that the brake is being applied. It could also lead to other electrical failures throughout the vehicle.

My 2016 Kia Sorento was parked in my garage. When I went out in the morning to start the car, I turned on the ignition and the red warning light indicating a power steering failure went on and the power steering wasn't functioning. It was much harder to turn the wheel in either direction than it had been previously. I backed out of my driveway and with some difficulty drove another 2-3 blocks. At that point the power steering started functioning again and I was able to continue driving it to a nearby automotive repair place. When I dropped the Kia off they suggested that I leave it there overnight to give them as much time as possible to see if they could replicate the problem I just had. The problem didn't repeat while the car was in the shop, but I was told the power steering could go out again at any time. This is a major safety concern since I don't know if I'd be able to maintain control of the vehicle if this happened unexpectedly - particularly if I was traveling at a high rate of speed. Since then I've read reports of similar incidents with other 2016 Kia Sorentos. I've also learned that Kia has extended the warranty for the steering mechanism on my vehicle to 150,000 miles, but that is of no help if the problem doesn't present itself when it's in for repair at the dealership because if it doesn't service will be denied. To the best of my knowledge there is currently no recall for this issue. I've tried contacting the Kia Consumer Assistance Center about this, but finally gave up after being put on hold for over an hour. My vehicle is available for inspection at any time.

Rapid Delamination and paint peeling.

Excessive oil consumption. Less than 3,000 miles between changes, consuming roughly 2 quarts less than 3,000 miles. Up on reading others having same engine experiencing same problems. My car serviced religiously. Still runs, now going to dealer.

Engine Failure - 3.3L Head Bolts Backed Out of Block Emissions Seeping In to Cooling System (coolant blowing out of reservoir tank) Dealer Verified Issue and Know this to Be an Issue (with various 3.3L cars) Overheating Claimed to Be the Cause - Car Maintenance By Dealer Only on Routine Basis Vehicle Driven Around Town - Not Pushed Beyond Local Driving Internet Search Shows Others with Same Problem Reports from Mechanics of Blocks with Poor Castings and Material/Quality Issues 119,000K miles with no prior mechanical issues Dangerous Issue Repair Estimate $10000 - Unethical, Unsafe, Predadatory for those who Still paying off vehicles

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while pulling the gear shift lever to shift the vehicle into reverse, the lever then would not shift into drive or any other gear. The check engine warning light illuminated but turned off after a couple minutes. The contact noticed that the gear shift lever was locked and placed a screwdriver into the shifter lever lock and the contact was able to shift the lever to reverse and drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Blown head gasket.. needle went to H .. no warning lights came on dash.. white smoke from tail pipe.. coolant smell inside car.. about 8 months ago.. talked to Kia then.. 108000 miles.. warranty expired.. has been parked secondary Kia wanted a lot of money ..told to hang on to it cause lots of complaints about head gaskets..thank you..warranty extended.. at Kia dealership in ft smith ar.. probably be there a year cause they don’t seem to known much and have that reputation.

While daughter driving home on interstate, Sorento started losing power and slowing down, no warning lights turned on. She pulled off interstate when she noticed it was missing and cut the car off. When trying to start the vehicle again, engine light came on, but the car was missing so bad, we had it towed home. Next day had it towed to auto repair, was told it was losing compression in one and two cylinder and coming out tailpipe. The oil was checked and good and the vehicle did not have any warning lamps, even when it failed her on interstate. The vehicle never register or run hot. No lights came on until after pulled over and turned off and then on again. Had the knock sensor installed for recall when received in mail and it was updated. Vehicle has not been repaired because I can't find anyone that will work on a Kia! Making payments & Insurance on a car that cannot drive.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that there was no failure with the engine. The contact stated that the failure was ongoing. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The water pump and engine were pressure tested. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

My engine stalled while Driving, There was no warning it just cut off. The car would not turn over to start only a click. I held the key in the start position it started, the engine shook and it cut off immediately. What is wrong with my car ???? The oil is good, the coolant is good etc.

Most recently the engine burned up the oil prior to my next service date. After oil was added and the engine drove fine. The next day the engine ran fine and after driving through an intersection 1/2 mile from my house the car died. It lost complete power, putting myself and my family in danger. (Thank God we were able to get off to the side of the busy roadway safely). At that moment, a battery light came on first, then an oil and engine light illuminated at the same time. The car wouldn’t start and had to be towed off the side of the road. The mechanic that looked at it said it needed an engine. Due to lack of maintenance records, the extended warranty company chose to deny my claim. The dealer has my car and will do a diagnostic test. About a year ago I had the transmission looked at for hard shifting into first and the dealer said it needed a flush. The problem continued not too long after they flushed it. It only happens if you release the brake and push to start too quickly and put in gear too quickly. No recalls I’m being told for that issue as well. ZERO indicators on dash prior to any issues happening that would have given me the opportunity to maintenance/service my vehicle before resulting in engine failure and potentially costing my thousands I don’t have. I love my Kia and want my baby back in great working order but I’m afraid I won’t be able to have her back if the repairs are more expensive than the cars worth. I’m still financing this vehicle as well. Please KIA/Hyundai I need your grace and good faith to repair my vehicle under warranty.

The car lost power while driving and the engine caught fire.

The cooling system was not heating or Cooling and the car was shaking when turned on. There was also fluid leaking from under the car. The mechanic reported that the head gasket is loose and leaking coolant and engine oil. He stated this is been a common problem with Kia sorento's and it is a manufacturer defect during the installation of the engine. The bolts are loose which causes the gasket to come loose which causes the leaking. He advised me not to drive the car because it could cause the engine and the head gasket to blow completely and possibly even start a fire.

At an intersection, the vehicle’s engine died unexpectedly without warning. No lights or alarms. The vehicle would not start. Once towed to the repair shop, I was told that the engine had seized and that the engine would need to be replaced at a huge cost. The vehicle had only been driven 1500 miles since last oil change. No oil light or check engine light ever went on.

Car stopped accelerating on highway. Is unable to drive safely at this time and needed to call tow truck to tow vehicle to nearest dealership.

In March of 2023, my 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen in Shorewood, Wisconsin as several teenagers broke the window and ripped open the ignition system. Due to a design flaw in the ignition system and no immobilizer in Kia vehicles that were created from 2011-2022, theft became very easy and a widespread problem ensued in the Milwaukee area as well as other cities in the Midwest. The vehicle was stolen by these teenagers and ultimately crashed and totaled. Law enforcement officials in Milwaukee, WI were able to apprehend the teenagers but this was after they had crashed and totaled the vehicle.

The car is available for inspection and has a paint defect. It went from one day being perfectly fine and next day I took it for a car wash and a big chunk of paint just peeled/ripped off. This is definitely a paint defect. I cannot believe this was something that can happen especially considering I take very good care of the vehicle and is well maintained. I am one of many other consumers affected by this. No it had not been inspected by insurance. I have an open claim with Kia corporate and pending a reply.

The engine was built with a known defect. The bolts securing the head to block were all fine thread bolts. Fine thread bolts will strip out under torque and compression. The antifreeze will flood the compartment.

While driving on a major high my vehicle suddenly caught fire. There were no warning lights and my vehicle was not in a collision. The road was clear and I was in a steady flow of traffic.

Car will not shift out of Park

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

My vehicle is still leaking oil bad after paying over $700 to get the oil pressure switch and gasket replaced on March 1, 2023. I was promised a reimbursement of my funds spent to fix the issue and have not heard back for over a month nor have they addressed the issue with the vehicle still leaking badly. As others are having the same issue it is not fair to us costumers we are left with a defective vehicle. I have small children and this is my only vehicle which is not safe to operate. I need help just like the others who are being ignored. I have included the estimate of the other issue as well.

I own a Kia Sorento with a recurring electrical wiring failure that affects the passenger-side blinker and hazard lights. The issue has been “repaired” multiple times, but it returns within a day. This prevents me from safely signaling lane changes or using hazard lights in dangerous situations. The wiring becomes loose or faulty repeatedly, creating a persistent safety hazard. This defect has not been permanently resolved despite multiple service visits. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road.

PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE HOOD AND WINDSHELD AREAS

While driving at highway speed, the battery light and oil light came on and the throttle became unresponsive. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle had to be restarted before the throttle became responsive again. The vehicle was taken to Maguire Kia Service (Ithaca, NY), where the engine was subsequently replaced.

My car has 65,000.00. I keep the oil and filter maintained every 7,500 miles. I was driving the other day and went to exhilarate and my car starting shacking and made a loud bang, smoke came out everywhere. I was able to make it to the side of the road before it died. No check engine light, no oil heat indicator came on. I looked under the hood and there was oil everywhere. I have now been told by a Kia dealership where I had the car towed that I had a catastrophic engine failure.

Tailgate proximity sensor failed.

DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER WITH A FRIEND, WE PROCEED ON TO INTERSECTION. WE HEAR A LOUD SOUND, WE FIND OUT ONCE CAR HAS STOPPED WE NOTICE THAT THERE NO LONGER ANY OIL IN ENGINE. CALL FOR A TOW, AND FIND OUT THAT OUR ENGINE HAD BLOWN A ROD. NOTICED THAT ARE OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. CAR IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED FROM MY MECHANIC TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP.