2016 Kia Sorento
Common Problems
Ranked from 439 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Excessive Oil Consumption
186complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, leading to potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Failure Due to Head Gasket Issues
172complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine frequently fails due to head gasket leaks, causing coolant loss and engine damage.
$1,400–$2,800est. head gasket replacement · 8–15 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Failure Due to Lack of Oil
47complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine lacks sufficient oil, leading to failure and potential engine seizure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine stalling and loss of power
32complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls unexpectedly and loses power without warning, often without dashboard warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine Knocking and Catastrophic Failure
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine produces knocking sounds and eventually fails catastrophically.
- 6
Engine Overheating and Limp Mode
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats and enters limp mode, reducing vehicle performance and safety.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Engine Knocking and Clattering Noise
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces a loud clattering noise, indicating possible internal damage.
- 8
Engine Seizure During Operation
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine seizes up during operation, causing the vehicle to stall and potentially leading to accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Paint Peeling and Delamination
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe exterior paint peels and delaminates, exposing bare metal and causing rust.
- 10
Vehicle Speed Control Issues - Uncontrolled Acceleration
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle can accelerate uncontrollably, even after being serviced under a recall, posing a safety risk.
- 11
Dashboard Cracking and Airbag Deployment Concerns
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe dashboard cracks in a manner that may indicate a potential airbag deployment issue.
- 12
Electrical System Issues - Engine Light On and Stalling
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe engine light may remain on and the vehicle can stall unexpectedly, affecting drivability.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Light and Warning Signs Igniting the Engine
2complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine warning lights and codes indicate issues that lead to engine failure and ignition.
- 14
Structural Issues - Door Opening and Locking Malfunctions
2complaintsMedium severityOtherDoors may fail to open or lock properly, compromising occupant safety.
- 15
Vehicle Catching Fire
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle catches fire while driving, resulting in a total loss.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.