Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Kia Sorento submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 713 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 713, in the owner's own words
While I was driving, my 3.3 V6 engine on my 2016 Kia Sorento seized up with no warning. There is no visible oil on the dip stick, although I have changed my oil routinely. There has never been visible oil outside of the engine or on the ground. I never had any warning light come on. I believe the engine burns an extreme amount of oil, which is putting people in a dangerous situation and financial hardship.
On Saturday the 18th of July, the car was fine, on Sunday 07/19/2026 got ready to take car to regular scheduled oil change and it was making a blown engine noise, the rod had failed, Safety issues where the people at oil change could have had a rod thrown out the bottom of the engine, or my car could have failed in the middle of the road causing an accident. No warning signs, no limp mode, no engine light, no noted metal in oil on previous oil changes. Inspected at Kia, does not meet any recall warranties, however service manager at West Hills Kia stated this is in an internal engine failure and should not have happened with our service records and care of vehicle.
I recently took my 2016 Kia Sorento L to the Kia dealership for the Emissions update recall. The next day when I started it up and put it in drive, it started jerking hard when I was trying to speed up (going from first to second gear). I had to stop and then slowly push the gas so it wouldn't jerk so hard, then it finally switched gears and was smooth. Ever since it's happening only at the first cold start up of the day, and have sluggish acceleration throughtout the day. No lights on or codes. I took back to dealership twice and they said they couldn't replicate it and so they aren't sure, but it definitely still does it (anyone riding with me notices before I even mention it).
I took my 2016 Kia Sorento to the dealership for an emissions service update as a result of a service bulliten (SC340) After recieving the car back, the transmission acts unpredictably and the throttle is erratic. This happens when started cold and continues until the engine reaches temperature. It did not do this previous to the update. It is a safetey hazard and almost caused a collision. The throttle response was sluggish, it hunted for gears and as a result I was unable to safely merge into traffic endangering myself and other drivers.
(Transmission and motor) I had taken my car to the dealership on XXX for recalls and all the signal were fine before going there. They took my car back to do the recalls and my son and I waited . Once they were done we left closer to closing time is noticed there was a burn mark on my dash board that wasn’t there before the recalls. Going forward on the way home. We were waved down by a man stating that my signal and brake light weren’t working . So that next day we took my car back to the dealership to see what happen, why all the sudden different alerts were coming up. They had the same mechanic relook at the car and a when finish 31/2 hour latter was told I needed a new transmission, costing $7384.94 which I don’t have . They charge me $179.00 just to confirm what they said about needing a new transmission. I was devastated and confused why I wasn’t told that the day before. So a few days later I took it to another machanic to see if the could see why the lights weren’t working and he ended up putting new bulbs in and got them working but also he put it in a diagnosis machine 2 of them and couldn’t get a reading at all and said I should take it back to find out why he couldn’t get a reading. I was so frustrated at that point I just was upset! I then had a friend of the family mechanic look at it and he said it wasn’t the transmission it was a knock sensor that I needed so I ordered it. When I called him to install the knock sensor he was too busy to do it and it had already been a whole month of waiting so I reached out to a place in Cumberland RI to see if he could install the knock sensor had it towed there and he kept it for three days and said it was a transmission computer and he tried two of them and neither of them worked and charged me $150 for that I was humiliated and crying , I went there to have my car towed home seen him while waiting for the tow truck to come he said I needed a new transmission and now a motor, crying again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
Hello. I just started smelling gas fumes when my car has been running. I see no drips , etc. It happens everytime I drive it to the point where someone pointed it out to me. I had a new engine put in by KIA for my old engine "going to sleep" about 4 years ago. I have been told that this is a on going problem with the Model I have. I want to know what I should do at this point. Im [XXX] and [XXX] so I dont have the money to take it all over the place if this engine issue is covered. Could you please let me know and how to proceed? [XXX] [XXX] Cell [XXX] THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP ps....You should have record of KIA replacing the engine on file??? Is this a warranty issue since I do have a newer engine? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Took 2016 kia sorento april 22nd to kia services eastgate batavia oh 45103 to have all recalls fixed, few weeks later engine blew, kia services replaced engine then had to replace my battery because they had to for a month and my good battery was now a total loss, replaced my battery then my car started jerking and won't start unless in neutral, now they say my inhibitor switch needs replaced when I NEVER had any issues in the past with shifting and they wont fix it because they claim its not their fault
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked and turned off for approximately an hour, the vehicle was restarted and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact continued driving and the knocking sound increasing in volume and frequency. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that since the vehicle was not repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); the dealer was unable to repair the engine ffailure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and 3 quarts of oil were added every 1,000 miles. The Check Engine and Low Oil Pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The mechanic determined that the valves in the engine or the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
My husband and I got the oil changed at Walmart, one week later we took a trip to Cincinnati zoo with my children. On the way home we were driving on the interstate, car jolted and caught fire. something went through the oil pan and the oil dumped on the exhaust and caught flame. The car had to be towed to my parents and has been sitting since. We are paying on a car just for it to sit. No one will give us answers.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, abnormal engine oil consumption was noticed. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine oil consumption, but repairs could not be made until a knocking sound was heard. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer experiencing the failure but was repaired under an unknown recall. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Car completely stalled while on the freeway with no warning, no engine lights, nothing….luckily we were going downhill and were able to pull over to the side safely. Still owe 6k to the finance company but mechanic claimed I needed a new waterpump…after being changed and charged the car still wouldn’t turn on despite the new waterpump….and a bunch of new obd codes showed up & now I need a new engine. After a lot of research I’ve learned this car is notoriously known for many recalls and overall complains…..I wish I had done research before buying it, now I’m in debt for a car I can’t even drive
Was in for service on recalls 2 weeks ago may 2026...dealer did not fix shift solenoid recall..stated bcu need replaced...driving may 28 26 without warning no lights anything lost power while driving and engine and or transmission failed..lost oil...metal shavings in dipstick oil.oil on skid plate cover..3.3L V6 2016 kia sorento LX was able to get off road without crashing
At 116 miles, the engine blew and I was informed it would need to be replaced. I purchased a used engine from the same year of vehicle because Kia said it would not be covered since the vehicle had passed the 100,000 mile mark. I spend over $5,000 to get this engine and have it installed by a licensed mechanic. This second engine has now also blown leaving me without a vehicle as a single mom with a child who has a medical disability. Kia does not have a recall on this engine, which is clearly faulty. There is no way for me to come up with the funds to replace this engine for a second time and is something that should not even have to have to be figured out. I have been in touch with multiple mechanics who say the only way to repair is to replace as it would cost way more to try to rebuild. Kia should stand behind this as they know it is an issue.
The vehicle made a scraping sound and hesitated. Attempts to accelerate were not immediately successful. The car seemed to loose power.
While driving my vehicle the engine seized one day, i brought to the kia service center where they took at apart and the dealership claimed Kia should replace the engine under warranty as well as known issues with these vehicles. Corporate Kia denied the claim sent in by the dealer. And sent me a bill for the cost to replace the entire engine.
I bought this used with 113,000 miles on it. Within the first year, I had to fix AC,oil leak and alternator. I also had to replace the transmission which gave out completely. Then about 14 months into owning this vehicle, the engine light came on, and I suddenly could not maintain speed. I was lucky I was not on the main highway where I would have been hit from cars behind me. KIA refuses to fix/replace the engine because it is out of warranty. I believe this is too many things that have gone wrong to not be considered defective. I now have to cut my losses and get a different car.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle returned to normal operation after the contact added oil to the engine. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine was operating as designed. No repairs were recommended by the mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated
My car has only 68,800 miles and the dealer is telling me I need a new engine assembly i reached out to the kia corporate because I am the 2nd owner and I have had this car for 8 years and I have taken it for all the oil changes and maintenence to the dealer and have read on the website this year of car is known for it engine problems I had submitted a request for a goodwill repair for kis to replace my engine since this Cleary has to be a defect of some king with the low mileage I have on this car and I have been turned down for assistance
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were simultaneously illuminated. The driver reported hearing a low rattling sound and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the dealer declined to service the vehicle because the knock sensor was not installed by the previous owner. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
My 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.4L GDI Theta II engine began consuming excessive oil despite regular documented oil changes. At approximately 86,000 miles, the engine failed and requires full long block replacement. The vehicle has been at a Kia dealership for 5 months while I went back and forth with Kia Corporate. I was quoted over $8,000 for replacement. Kia has declined assistance. This appears consistent with known oil consumption and bearing failure issues in the 2.4L Theta II engines. This failure occurred without warning and creates a safety concern due to potential engine stall while driving.
Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding my Kia Sorento. Over the past six months, this vehicle has required replacement of the engine, transmission control module (TCM), and the entire transmission. Although the engine and transmission were replaced at no cost to me, the extent of these major repairs within such a short period raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s overall safety and reliability. In mid-January, shortly after picking up the vehicle from the dealership following the transmission replacement, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving through an intersection. The engine lost power without warning, leaving me stopped in active traffic. To get the vehicle moving again, I had to shift into park, turn the engine completely off, and then restart it before it would drive again. This unexpected loss of power in the middle of an intersection created a dangerous situation with oncoming traffic approaching. Thankfully, my children were not in the vehicle at the time. After repeated major component failures and this stalling incident, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. A vehicle that loses power without warning poses a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into this matter, including whether there are known defects, recalls, or related complaints involving this model. I am prepared to provide repair records and documentation upon request. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine stalled while driving on the expressway. Myself and my daughter and her friend were in the car. The vehicle started right back up, and I was able to drive the car home (less than 2 miles away). The following day, my wife got an oil change, and went on the expressway, and the engine stalled again causing her to have to navigate the car, with no engine power, to the side of the highway and wait for myself and a tow truck. Both times were very dangerous. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who said the crank shaft & rods and bearings for the engine look like they failed and seized up, causing the engine to complete lock up and stall, requiring a full engine replacement. Kia is refusing replacement saying we are not covered by the previous complaints and concerns, stating our vehicle is not covered specifically, stating that the 3.3L engines were not covered under the previous recall/extended warranty offered on engines in the same yr/make/model as our vehicle. The check engine light came on, and there was a slight knocking sound as the car was idling just before the engine stall, and as the engine stalled, the oil lamp and the battery light came on. This happened both times. The symptoms appeared just before complete engine failure. We get the vehicle serviced at Kia, and had the oil changed by Strickland Brothers the day of. We were concerned that the engine light came on due to potential of the oil needing to be changed. We do not have any electronic files or reports for this issue yet.
Our 2016 Kia Sorento had 96k miles on it, my 2.4 Liter, V4 GDI engine. I was driving it to my house on the streets, when the vehicle it completes died on me in the middle of the streets, it won't turn on, had it tow to my house. Made an appointment to take it to body shop on 2/12/2026, when it died while driving it to the auto shop, won't turn on, had it tow to auto shop. It has been burning oil for quite a while, keep putting engine oil very often. Auto shop confirmed vehicle found no codes, inspect engine oil, engine oil is very dark, manually rotated engine crankshaft, found engine seized. Vehicle has internal engine damage, possible connecting to the rods and bearings damage. Estimated repair is 9k. It is available for inspection.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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