Car Yearsto Avoid

2016 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2016 Kia Sorento?

718 owners have reported engine problems on the 2016 Kia Sorento, 57% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 63,000–114,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

718 complaints 57% of all 2016 complaints 84,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Oil / lubrication 3
Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe 1
Exhaust system 1
Seals / gaskets 1
Turbo / supercharger 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (196 of 718). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Sorento year

2008 Sorento 43
2009 Sorento 4
2016 Sorento 718
2020 Sorento 68
2021 Sorento 69
2022 Sorento 53
2023 Sorento 32
2024 Sorento 6
2025 Sorento 19

Related recalls

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Other 2016 Kia Sorento problems

Common questions

What are common 2016 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Complaints most often name the oil / lubrication, manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe and exhaust system.

At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sorento engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 63,000–114,000 miles. The middle value is about 84,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Yes: 18V907000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Sorento year has the most engine complaints?

The 2016 Sorento, with 718 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.