What 1,236 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sorento

I change my oil regularly and driving my car started knocking and I let a mechanic checked it and he said the engine was blown and I didn't understand why that happened. it was not out of oil and I still don't know why it happened

NHTSA ODI 11596079

Was driving down the street no lights on the dashboard no overheating no warnings whatsoever and I heard a click and the engine just went out and the Dashboard lit up if this had happened on the expressway, it could’ve been very dangerous It appears the engine is seized, but it had oil . Apparently, this is become a common problem with this vehicle. Once they hit over 100,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11595479

I was burning oil in my car. I had put oil in my sorento every 1000 miles. I had ask the service dept about when I had 92000 miles. She then informed me that was normal and if I had put more oil in there that I might have a problem. I thought I was under warranty at that time through Kia but was informed that I didn’t have warranty unless I bought it extra. I gave over 109783 miles on it now and blown a rod. I got a tune up about 2 weeks ago and they told me I burning oil and they thought I might have a leak inside the motor possibly in one my rods. A week after I got a tune I blew a rod. I have read that sorento are known to have these problems. What they said they built the engines and never fixed the problem they had on blowing there engine. They’d said they don’t drill there heads properly. They don’t allow enough oil into cylinders and the engine blows. I have put oil in the car every 1000 miles . I should not have replace that much oil all the time.

NHTSA ODI 11595263

Engine lost power while driving at normal speed(45 mph). Car will not start after stalling after coming to stop. This is after three years of massive oil usage and dozens of spark plug failures. Dealer and manufacturer were made aware of situation. They couldn't or wouldn't replace engine unless it completely failed or caught fire. Now that it has failed, it is beyond the "warranty". Researching this model year, it is obvious they have an issue that needs to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11595303

Engine overheating, no warning lights. Changed thermostat, no change, new radiator- some improvement but still getting hot. Oil and coolant levels were fine. Got it tested and they told us we needed a new engine. We just had purchased the car and we just barely missed it being covered under warranty. This leading us to search forums for others that have had this issue with Kia Sorento 3.3 engine. Turns out there are quite a a few due to the head bolts coming loose, leaking head gasket, and ultimately ruining the engine. We are paying for a vehicle that is not drivable due to faulty parts by design. We were not made aware of this issue or that it may need to be repaired otherwise we would have steered clear of KIA. Will not be buying a KIA ever again. So many issues and no accountability for their mistakes.

NHTSA ODI 11594655

Shortly after purchasing the vehicle in February of this year, we started to notice that oil was burning off quickly. We took it to be looked at and was notified that there was no signs of a leak. After that incident all of the warning lights came on on the dashboard. We took it again to be seen where we were told that it was burning oil again and that the oil was low. We had the oil refilled and on our way home the car completely seats and shut down loosing all power on the highway. We lost all control of the power steering, braking system, and the power to the whole car shut off. We had the car towed to a repairman who looked over the car and said that the engine is completely seized with no notable signs of damage but that it would require an entire engine replacement. We notified Kia about the problem and that it was something that was known to happen with the engine and they refused to cover it or do any type of repair. The car is now non-functionable with a complete seizure of the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11594481

The engine seized without any warning. There was no sounds no smoke no anything that would indicate a issue with the engine. After engine failure come to find out that there is a little over three quarts of oil missing with no leak and no warning light came up on the dash, which if it had it would have saved me from having this happened where they now want me to replace the engine. There are many different recalls and complaints about this same problem with the 3.3 l V6 and I don't think owners should have to take on the large cost of repairs due to a manufacturer's defect. We tried to get to a mechanic shop fast enough where they stated that the car was missing that much oil and we tried adding the oil back but it was already too late. The car is currently at a Kia dealership with a seized motor.

NHTSA ODI 11593756

My engine made a loud knocking sound and started shaking I tried to start after car was cut off but noise was worse. I then called for roadside assistance from my insurance policy. My 100,00 mile warranty is not in effect. My car was towed to my home at an out of pocket cost of$269.07 on May 20, 2024 I have not driven the car since and have been carless. I have spent approximately $1200 dollars on car rentals. I had a mechanic come by my house and he said it sounded like I would need a new engine. I checked on the price and it is out of my reach. I am retired senior citizen and really don't have $2000-$3000 to purchase an engine. I have done all recalls as, my car does not have a trailer hitch. What can be done to help.

NHTSA ODI 11593488

I was driving to work going about 40 and out of nowhere my 2016 Kia Sorento started slowing down. I could not accelerate and no warning lights came on. There was a sudden loss of power.The car slowed to a stop near a busy intersection. I was in the road and almost hit by multiple cars. I could not start it again. I noticed white smoke coming out from under the hood. There was an awful smell to it. It would not start back up. It was eventually towed to a dealership and they said the engine was locked up and the starter was burned. The engine is a 2.0L Turbo GDI engine.

NHTSA ODI 11593266

I was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled would not start again had it towed to local repair shop where I was told the engine was blown due to no oil in the car

NHTSA ODI 11593020

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the timing chain had failed causing severe damages to the engine. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the timing chain failure had occurred and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and was later towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the timing chain was previously replaced but the failure had reoccurred. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593035

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact’s place of employment. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11592860

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A) The engine died while driving. Yes, it is. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A) While driving on the both the highway and in town on the streets, the engine failing could have resulted in death or harm to myself, my children and those on the road driving around me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A) No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A) No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A) Check engine light came on after vehicle stopped working.

NHTSA ODI 11591871

My 2016 kia Sorento has had oil consumption issues, I have got regularly services, i have had a tune-up, fixed leaky valves and still needed to add oil to my car 3 weeks after an oil change. 4/28/2024 I was traveling down a busy highway and suddenly my car shut off at 65 mph, that could have killed others and myself had I not been in the far right lane. My mechanic said my engine was gone. Now I am stuck with a payment for a car I do not even have.

NHTSA ODI 11591113

My wife was driving down the road when all of a sudden the motor shuts off and wont start again... the engine had zero oil in it. Looking online, I see this is a big issue with other Kia owners.

NHTSA ODI 11590172

The contact's son owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that her son had not noticed any warning lights, and pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband then drove the vehicle back to the residence and noticed that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590207

On 12/15/2023 I was driving and my Car stalled as I was pulling in to my father’s RV Park and would not start again I went back next day and it started Then a Month later and I was on my way home from Costco and my car just stopped I had to have it Toed to my house it started the next day then on 04/01/2024 I went to the store and on the way home my Car just started making a loud noise like a rod is knocking I think my Engine is gone

NHTSA ODI 11589580

My 2016 Kia seronto was fine wasn’t throwing any codes not even the code that tells me my oil is low. But always kept it changed and maintained never had a problem with it only the code that says 02 sensor then I started having an exhaust leak near my engine it was getting so hot to the point it was catching my carpet inside my car on fire so I had to pull up the carpet that never bother me or made an issue for the car I was driving and it started knocking like a rod knock I check the oil and there’s oil in it with no metal shavings or a creamy color to it. Car still starts gets louder when the rpms go up so I’m just a bit confused to what happened when I kept my oil changed and my car never warned me of any problems and only thru a code for the o2 sensor I seen the recall for different Kia for the rod knock sensor detection so could that have happened to my Kia since it just messed up without any time of warning please let me know at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11589005

Cylinder head gasket of my 2016 Kia Sorento is going bad due to a manufacturing issue. One of Kia representatives informed me of this issue and created a case. She stated that the company would make sure that the head gasket sealants were my issue by a mechanic at the dealer, and my car would be covered by KIA. Now they are saying they don’t have any knowledge of a cylinder head gasket issue. I would like this to be investigated by someone that can help me

NHTSA ODI 11588788

Going 70 on the interstate luckily I was in the right hand lane when my motor just died!now my motor is fried knocking had it at the shop two weeks prior for oil problems said it was the valve head gasket took it to get fixed now a few weeks later I now longer have a warranty I'm 5 thousand Over it I still owe money for something I have to put more money into!

NHTSA ODI 11588447

i was driving and the car stopped working, was able to steer it and get it stopped in a safe spot. Would not start again. Towed to the local Kia dealership where I bought the car and they said the battery died. Replaced the battery, car still doesn't start. They take another look and say actually the engine is completely dead because there was not oil. There was no light on saying oil was low and I had been getting regular oil changes through the same shop. They tell me it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11588520

Engine failure related to oil burning, no oil left in engine. Car became nonfunctional on state highway at highway speed, had to be pushed out of road and towed to mechanic. Last oil change <5000 miles prior to engine failure, 1000 miles and 2 months remained prior to recommended next oil change. Occasional flickering of oil light when stopping but no additional messages prior to engine failure. Confirmed by independent mechanic, engine entirely nonfunctional, would require replacement of entire engine worth more than estimated trade-in value of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11588320

6/23 the oil light started to flickering, in particular to coming to a stop or turning. This was even after just having an oil change the month before. I checked the oil & it was low already so, of course I put a couple quarts in. I continued to monitor my oil as this was happening. I did not see any oil leaking onto our driveway or from anywhere. I called our mechanic to schedule an appointment. By appointment day 7/17/23, the engine light came on. Mechanic could not perform a diagnostic until a software update was done by Kia. 8/16/23 Kia does software updates & takes care of any recalls. I returned to our mechanic 8/21/23 so he could now do the diagnostic test & make repairs. He replaced the intake manifold, valve cover gasket & changed the oil with new filter. 9/23/23 the oil light starts flickering again & oil is low. Called our mechanic & he asked us to monitor it another month. So, we added oil & the oil light stayed off for another month. 10/26/23 oil light is flickering AGAIN! On the phone AGAIN with our mechanic, who tells us he sees Kia has a "tab" on Sorento's burning oil. 11/14/23 diagnostic performed by my other mechanic who also previously worked at Kia. Diagnostic test shows #3 cyl misfire. 11/16/23 #3 cylinder ignition coil & spark plug replaced. 11/22/23 car starts riding rough. 11/25/23 diagnostic shows #1 cyl spark plug. 11/30/23 replaced remaining #1,2 & 4 cyl spark plugs. 1/10/24 I was driving on a 4 lane hgwy in traffic & the car suddenly went into limp mode & stalled. Luckily it started again & I was close to the exit. I was able to catch a break in traffic to get over as I could only go about 15 mph. 1/11/24 had the car towed to Kia after my mechanic ran a diagnostic & got p1326 knock sensor code. 1/12/24 Kia replaced the knock sensor, saying the car is good now. 2/4/24 car is riding rough. Mechanic changes remaining coils. 4/27/24 car goes into limp mode while going through an intersection. Dash & headlights remain on but won't start=tow

NHTSA ODI 11587166

Check engine coming on intermittently. Took to Kia dealership for service and diagnosis. Was told the code came up for “Camshaft timing issue” and the recommendation was to replace engine completely! Only 79,000 miles and regular service and maintenance has occurred over the 7 years I’ve had the car. Engine could just cut out at any time.

NHTSA ODI 11586818

We are the second owners of a 2016 Kia Sorento, which we purchased at a KIA Dealership when it was under warranty. The car worked well and we maintained it with regular oil changes and tune ups, until one day the engine began making a loud sound and begin stalling. The car doesn't feel safe to drive, as we know the engine could shut down at any moment. I had two mechanics check the car and they both said that we need a new engine. I reached out to the KIA dealership, but they said they cannot do anything about it. It seems like a manufacturing problem, which may God forbid could put families in danger.

NHTSA ODI 11585723