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

Fire at the rear bumper of car

NHTSA ODI 11741030

Vehicle: 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] Incident Date: November 13, 2025 Incident Location: Durham, NC (3828 Guess Rd) Cause of Loss: Engine Fire, confirmed by Durham Fire Department Report (Incident #253663) as "originated from under the hood." TECHNICAL NARRATIVE & SYMPTOMS (CRITICAL FOR LIABILITY): I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic vehicle fire that I believe is directly linked to multiple acknowledged manufacturing defects that create a fire risk in Kia vehicles. ABS/Traction Control Light Warning (Direct Fire Risk Symptom): Immediately prior to the loss, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights were constantly illuminated. This is a known precursor symptom for the defective Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) or ABS Module short-circuit, which has been cited in numerous Kia fire recalls (e.g., NHTSA 20V019, 20V519). The fire's origin under the hood is consistent with this component failure. Prior Engine Failures (Systemic Defect History): This vehicle has a history of catastrophic manufacturing defects: The engine assembly was replaced in 2023 due to the known Theta II Rod Bearing Failure. The knock sensor was replaced in September 2025 as part of the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign, demonstrating the vehicle was still under active service for critical engine monitoring defects just weeks before the fire. Potential Tow Hitch Wiring Fire Risk: The vehicle was fully engulfed, but the fire may also be linked to the defect cited in NHTSA Recall 22V703 (tow hitch wiring harness short circuit, which also poses a fire risk). I require a full investigation into this defect leading to compensation for the total loss of the vehicle and consequential damages. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11703758

This scenerio happened and fire resulted with total loss. Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings Recall date 2018-12-18 Recall no. 18V907000 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. Hide details Recall consequence A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall action Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

NHTSA ODI 11679556

We were driving on the [XXX] on [XXX] with a speed of around 70 miles per hour. We started to see a small amount of white smoke coming from under the hood and at the same time the truck started to slow down by itself unexpectedly and then started to jerk back and forth. No indicators showed up on the dashboard. The speed reduced quickly and hitting the gas pedal did nothing to accelerate our speed. The white smoke started to increase and it became difficult to see. We then saw the temperature gauge go all the way up to hot out of nowhere. There were vehicles all around us and the passengers in the car started to yell to try to get to the shoulder. We had to maneuver very quickly through traffic with the car continuing to jerk at a very slow speed, which was very scary and dangerous. We were finally able to slowly get over to the shoulder. We turned off the truck. When we opened the hood, white smoke was everywhere coming from the engine and the coolant in the plastic receptacle was bubbling. The coolant looked like it was about to explode and the driver got burned trying to remove the cap. There was significant heat coming from the engine. The coolant then drained out of the receptacle. When we tried to start the truck again it would not start. We spend hours trying to get a tow to a shop in NJ miles from where we live in NY. Several days later, the mechanic in NJ took a look at the car and he reported this week that the head gasket is blown and that we need a new engine. We plan to tow the truck back to NY to KIA where we have the car serviced normally to have it looked at. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11572483

Car got caught on fire while driving with my 5kids

NHTSA ODI 11547542

I was traveling on the interstate, I heard a slight tapping noise, after about 5 miles, there was no warning light indicators, the car just died, I lost all power, there were no brakes, I was able to get pulled off the highway to the warning track that helped slow the vehicle down, smoke was coming from under the hood & into the cabin, then I saw flames, at about 20mph I knew I had to get out so I put it in park & it finally stopped. I had just enough time to grab my purse & suitcase out of the back & it was in engulfed in flames immediately. I had just had the car serviced 1 month prior for oil change & Anti theft recall but was advised that recall wasn't being done at this time. The engine light had came on the day before I took it in for the oil change, they reset it stating it was a CO2 sensor & if it came back on to let them know. It did not. It has been reported to my insurance& deemed total loss, I filed a claim with Kia & have not heard back, the Kia service dept. where it was taken said there was nothing they can do, that it will have to be investigated by insurance.

NHTSA ODI 11526501

In March of 2023, my 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen in Shorewood, Wisconsin as several teenagers broke the window and ripped open the ignition system. Due to a design flaw in the ignition system and no immobilizer in Kia vehicles that were created from 2011-2022, theft became very easy and a widespread problem ensued in the Milwaukee area as well as other cities in the Midwest. The vehicle was stolen by these teenagers and ultimately crashed and totaled. Law enforcement officials in Milwaukee, WI were able to apprehend the teenagers but this was after they had crashed and totaled the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11515656

THERE ARE NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES I HAVE FOUND WITH THIS CAR I JUST FINANCED. FIRST, AT RANDOM MANY DIFFERENT LIGHTS JUST BLOW, THEN ON MY DASH VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS WILL GO ON AND OFF, ON TOP OF THAT MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF FOR NO REASON AND SO ARE MY PASSENGER AIR BAGS. MY BRAKES SCREAM SOMEDAYS AND ARE TOUCHY OTHERS IVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND ONLY OWNED IT 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BRAND NEW TIRES YET THE SUSPENSION IS AWFUL THE FUEL IS GOING FAST AND MY OIL NEEDS CHANGING VERY OFTEN AND IT IS UNDER 100000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI 11406983

MY WIFE AND I HAD JUST BEEN HOME FOR AN HOUR AFTER A 20 MIN IN TOWN DRIVE. SOMETHING HAD MADE ME LOOK OUT SIDE OF OUR SECOND STORY APARTMENT AND I ASKED MY WIFE IS YOUR CAR RUNNING? THE ENTIRE REAR END WAS ENGULFED IN BLUE SMOKE. SHE SAID NO! SO THEN BEGAN PANIC MODE! I RAN DOWNSTAIRS TO THE SMELL OF ELECTRIC FIRE. SO I INSTANTLY WHEN TO MY PICKUP TRUCK GRABBED A PAIR OF PLIERS RAN BACK TO MY WIFE'S KIA AND UNPLUGGED BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CONNECTIONS FROM THE TERMINALS WHICH INSTANTLY STOPPED THE SMOKE. I GRABBED MY FLASHLIGHT (IT WAS DUSK) AND CRAWLED UNDERNEATH THE REAR BUMPER TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. A LITTLE BLACK BOX TUCKED BEHIND THE BUMPER BETWEEN THE SPARE AND THE BUMPER. LOOKED LIKE A JUNCTION BOX OF WIRE HAD MELTED AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHAT IF WE WHERE NOT AROUND? THE CAR WOULD BE A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI 11306480

SPARKS COMING FROM BATTERY BOX, LIGHTS IN DASH GO OFF AND ON CAN NOT ACCELERATION AND BACK AXLE IS LOOSE. I BOUGHT THIS USED IN DOTHAN KIA LAST YR. THE CAR JUST WENT DOWN PAST 2 MONTHS. CAN'T DRIVE MY EXPENSIVE CAR

NHTSA ODI 11180588

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE HER HOME. AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600. UPDATED 03/02/17*LJ *AS

NHTSA ODI 10943848

MY WIFE HAD THE VEHICLE PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE IN HER MOMS DRIVE WAY MAYBE A 10 DEGREE HILL. SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND LEFT IT RUNNING WHILE MY DAUGHTER FINISHED A BIRTHDAY CARD SHE WAS MAKING IN THE BACK SEAT. MY WIFE STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO GET SOME TISSUE PAPER OUT OF THE BACK WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN SHE PRESSED THE REAR DOOR /HATCH RELEASE OR OPEN BUTTON LOCATED ON THE DASH. SHE PRESSED THE BUTTON AT THAT MOMENT THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF PARK AND WENT INTO REVERSE NEARLY RUNNING HER OVER SHE TRIED TO GET IN BUT THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF TO FAST SHE WAS KNOCKED OVER MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR ROLLING OUT OF CONTROL DOWN THE DRIVE WAY. THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED THE DRIVEWAY DOWN CROSSING THE MAIN ROAD ONLY DOING SOME LIGHT DAMAGE WHERE IT RAN OVER THE MAIL BOX AND STOPPED BY HITTING A TREE. WE CONTACTED KIA AND OUR INSURANCE. KIA OPENED A CASE #K3237787 AND THEN THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED SINCE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND LEFT IT THERE. WE HAVE STILL NO ANSWERS WHAT THEY ARE PLANNING TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED ON 7-25-2016. WE ARE REQUESTING SOME HELP DUE TO NOT HAVING A VEHICLE WE FEEL IS SAFE TO PARK AND NOT WORRYING ABOUT IT COMING OUT OF GEAR AND POTENTIALLY KILLING SOMEONE IN ITS PATH. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR VEHICLE REPAIRED AND BACK TO DRIVE SINCE WE ARE PAYING FOR IT.

NHTSA ODI 10893348