Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sorento 2.1/10 — Approach with caution. It has 8 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,240 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?

The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?

The 2016 Kia Sorento has 8 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sorento?

A used 2016 Kia Sorento typically sells for $10,000–$15,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2016 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?

Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sorento?

A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Kia Sorento

Third-gen debut — 2.4L is the reliability sweet spot; 3.3L V6 is smooth but costly.

Typical price: $10,000–$15,000
Recalls: 8
Owner complaints: 1,240

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NHTSA Recalls

8 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#18V907000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly#15V446000
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seats#16V770000
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Trailer Hitches#16V862000
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension:Rear#16V480000
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal#15V089000
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift#22V612000
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Trailer Hitches#22V703000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(1,240 total)

Engine507
Unknown Or Other87
Structure81
Steering55
Transmission & Drivetrain48
Exterior Lighting40
Power Train,Engine30
Speed Control26

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II 2.4L GDI engine defect — metal debris causing rod bearing failure. Over 1,400 NHTSA complaints. Extended 15yr/150k warranty program. Verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sorento 2.1/10 — Approach with caution. It has 8 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,240 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?: The 2016 Kia Sorento has 8 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sorento?: A used 2016 Kia Sorento typically sells for $10,000–$15,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sorento?: A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2016 Kia Sorento for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Suspension & performance

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2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Kia Sorento

Third-gen debut — 2.4L is the reliability sweet spot; 3.3L V6 is smooth but costly.

Typical price: $10,000–$15,000
Recalls: 8
Owner complaints: 1,240

ShareX f

Have a specific 2016 Kia Sorento to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

8 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#18V907000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly#15V446000
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seats#16V770000
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Trailer Hitches#16V862000
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension:Rear#16V480000
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal#15V089000
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift#22V612000
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Trailer Hitches#22V703000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(1,240 total)

Engine507
Unknown Or Other87
Structure81
Steering55
Transmission & Drivetrain48
Exterior Lighting40
Power Train,Engine30
Speed Control26

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II 2.4L GDI engine defect — metal debris causing rod bearing failure. Over 1,400 NHTSA complaints. Extended 15yr/150k warranty program. Verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Kia Sorento 2.1/10 — Approach with caution. It has 8 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,240 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sorento?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?: The 2016 Kia Sorento has 8 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Kia Sorento?: A used 2016 Kia Sorento typically sells for $10,000–$15,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Kia Sorento?: A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2016 Kia Sorento for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2016 Kia Sorento

Featured in

Also consider

2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free