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

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

Fire from fuel pump engine failure catalytic converter issues from engine

NHTSA ODI 11535533

automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, fuel pipe exhaust causing fumes to come through the vent area causing fire and smoke. accelerator assembly issues when driving

NHTSA ODI 11529055

Recently, while driving on a busy multi-lane highway my 2016 Kia Sorento suddenly lost power, started shaking and slowed down causing traffic safety hazard. The engine stalled after slowing down. The car needed to be towed at my expense.my check engine light came on for my KSDS, the engine went limp mode and unable to accelerate over 50 miles and hour on the highway. My engine is blown. gasoline smell fumes came through vent causing me to have an attack car started to catch fire.

NHTSA ODI 11528170

HELLO I AM GOING TO BE BLUNT AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. YOUR $30,000 VEHICLE, FINANCED, APPROVED AND PAID FOR BY ME NEARLY STOLE MY LIFE ON JAN 16, 2021 : ON MILE POST 46 ON I-40, EAST BOUND LANES IN KINGMAN, ARIZONA AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM ON WHAT WAS A BEAUTIFUL TRIP THROUGH ROUTE 66, WHICH SOON BECAME A DEATH TRAP MY PARTNER: ANTHONY [XXX], CO-FINANCER AND SIGNER OF THIS DEATH-TRAP AS WELL AS OUR TWO INNOCENT PARSON RUSSELL TERRIERS WERE NEARLY BURNED TO DEATH IN WHAT COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXPLOSION LIKE THAT OF THE PRESS KIA & THE LIKES ARE BEING SUED FOR. NUMEROUS INNOCENT LIVES HAVE BEEN EXCRUCIATINGLY ENDED DUE TO GREED, DECITE AND BLATANT DISREGARD FOR LIFE TO ADD TO AN ALREADY GLUTTONOUS BANK ACCOUNT, AS YOU SUCK AND DRAIN ME DRY ALL THE WHILE AWARE OF THE DANGER YOU KNOWINGLY MAKE US LEGALLY PAY FOR. I FILED AN EXTENSIVE REPORT AND COMPLAINT WITH KIA AND NOW YOU. MY CASE NUMBER IS AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS LETTER, I SUGGEST B YOU GET A HOLD OF KIA CUSTOMER CARE, JUST AS I HAD TO AFTER NEARLY LOSING MY SOULMATE, DOGS AND LIFE TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A STATE WE HACE NEVER BEEN, NO MONEY, FOOD OR VEHICLE NYIU JUST CHARHED ME FOR. I HAVE PROVIDED MY CASE NUMBER AND I EXPECT ALL PAYMENT TO CEASE AND BE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID INVOLVEMENT IN THIS DISGUSTING ACT OF DISTASTE OF HONESTY. I AM NEVER PAYING A PENNY MORE FOR YOUR DIRECT, IGNORANT AND ABHORRENT YET BLATANT ACTIONS. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT REGULAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

NHTSA ODI 11390697

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FLASH THEIR LIGHTS AND BLOW THEIR HORN AT THEM. THE CONTACT STATED THEY DECIDED TO PULL OVER TO FIND OUT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE. THE FIRE CAUSED GLASS TO SHATTER AND CAUSED A LARGER FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY INJURIES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (BUCHANAN KIA 119 RAILROAD AVE, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157; (410) 876-2251) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED THE PAPERWORK FOR ALL PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION PURPOSES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11363234

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN ONCOMING MOTORIST THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ONE OF THE FIREFIGHTERS THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE FUEL LINE BY THE FIREWALL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING FACILITY. KENDALL KIA OF NAMPA (LOCATED AT 15700 N IDAHO CENTER BLVD, NAMPA, ID 83687, (208) 467-7000) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11128731

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. AFTERWARDS, FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE VEHICLE BLEW UP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,555. *TT

NHTSA ODI 11111110