2016 Kia Sorento Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2016 Kia Sorento
- Has 8 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
- Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2017 Kia Sorento earns a 83.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (gdi specific) (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2016 Kia Sorento?
The 2016 Kia Sorento represents a solid value in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a comfortable ride and good features, but it's not without its specific reliability caveats. While the V6 engine generally performs well, careful attention must be paid to the GDI engines (2.4L and 2.0L Turbo) and potential electrical quirks to ensure long-term satisfaction.
Biggest Strengths
- Strong body integrity and safety features
- Generally reliable 6-speed automatic transmission
- Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2016 Kia Sorento. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
8 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
What breaks on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2016 Kia Sorento? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Kia Sorento by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Kia Sorento. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2016 Kia Sorento
Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Kia Sorento
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2016 Kia Sorento? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Kia Sorento's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Kia Sorento
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.