84 complaints reported

2016 Kia Sorento UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
84
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2026

2016 Kia Sorrento Ex paint is coming off in panels and different areas of car. I called KIa and they cant do anything about it

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2026
Feb 2026

Shifter Lock is engaged and would not shift from park unless I bypass the lock by pressing the release. It was a recall item, I had it replaced, but if failed a few days later. I called the dealership, I told them about the problem. They told me they replaced it and I could bring it in for a $200 diagnoses fee, but it would not be covered as it was replaced already. I was made to feel like I was the one that was causing it to fail. I have the paperwork but am not sure on the accurate date.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2025
Jan 2026

The shifter is not working have to use shift lock release

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026 Fire

I was leaving my home and was pulling out of my driveway when my vehicle suddenly caught fire. I was able to exit the vehicle with no injuries and called the fire department to put out the fire. the vehicle was a total loss. There were no warning signs, the car just caught on fire in the engine and spread fast.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026 Fire

On [XXX], our 2016 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while being driven on a public highway in Houston, Texas. The vehicle had been operating normally and displayed no warning lights, alerts, or diagnostic trouble codes prior to the incident. The driver was forced to pull over immediately for safety. The fire caused catastrophic damage and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Law enforcement authorized towing and impound. Photographs and third-party documentation confirm extensive fire damage. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had a clean title with no accident, fire, or salvage history. The 2016 Kia Sorento model year has been subject to multiple safety recalls, including recalls that acknowledge fire risk related to electrical and fuel system components. A vehicle igniting during normal operation without warning presents a serious safety risk and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2026
Dec 2025

Paint is bubbling and peeling off. Been to the dealership and they don’t seem to want to help. I have an extended warranty on the paint until 12/29/2025. They’re giving me the runaround.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2025
Sep 2025

Car paint peeling

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Jul 2025

The top padded dash of the instrument panel and the lower crash panel of the instrument panel, which the mechanic identified, have been developing cracks since the car was three years old. I made 3 calls to corporate customer service after the dealership said that the warranty had expired. I was told by the manufacturer that as long as I did not get hurt or cause an accident that they could not do anything about replacing the parts. Since then, numerous additional cracks have developed in the padding, showing deep cracks through the padding to the surface below. The airbags are in the area of the damage. I tried many times to submit photos and a statement from the mechanic who was assigned to my car at the dealership, but each time it failed to load the 8 pictures on this form. If you would like, I could mail them to you if you give me the mailing information. I feel that in time, the pieces will become loose while driving the car and cause a distraction, or the airbags could fail. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2020
Apr 2025

I have a pearl white painted Kia (2016) and the paint has severely flaked off where no damage has caused this. I believe the paint is defective, exposing the car to rust.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Feb 2025

As I was driving on the highway, my car began to lose speed. I attempted to accelerate but nothing happened when I pushed the gas pedal. There were no weird noises or RPM changes as if revving. I pulled onto the shoulder and slowed to a stop. If there had been more traffic on the highway I would not have been able to get to the shoulder without causing an accident. There were no warning signs or indicator lights before the loss of ability to accelerate. When I restarted the car, an "engine control" system warning appeared on the screen. I continued driving, staying in the right lane with hazard lights. The same thing happened a few more times on my drive home. I would lose the ability to accelerate, pull over, turn off the car, wait a moment, turn it back on and drive until it happened again. The car has not been expected yet but I have noticed small oil puddles when parked, which hadn't happened before this incident.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2025
Jan 2025

My 2016 Kia Sorento has a paint peeling on the hood and roof. I have reached out to Corporate but they will not help due to expired warranty. Learned on FB group chat that the paint is defective also the same color paint white pearl. Have you had any other complaints?Any idea on what I need to do? Thanks.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Sep 2024

Headlights turn off by themselves at night

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Sep 2024

white paint chipping fast

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Sep 2024

I want to report the incident occurred on July 30, 2024 when I turned on the ignition. I pressed the brake to shift the transmission to the drive/reverse mode from Park mode. The shift stick was stuck at one position Park and did not move. I searched on line and found that I could manually shift the car and get the car moving at least by removing the cap next to the shift stick and insert a screw driver to press it inside. This allowed me to change the gear and move the car temporarily. Since, my car is parked and I am not driving it fearing it would stop instantly on my putting my life and others in danger. The vehicle has not been troubleshooted by Kia dealership or mechanic. I would like NHTSA that this vehicles be recalled for safety concerns and fix the issue without any charge to the owners.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2024

The Snow White Pearl paint is coming off of the vehicle due to issue of the paint is not adhering to the sealant coat on the car. This is causing big chunks of paint being removed when it rains heavily. KIA knows about this issue, when I talked to a manager at their body shop he informed me that this is a ongoing issue with this paint color. KIA doesn't want to take ownership of the problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Apr 2024

The gear post has been stuck in park for at least 3 days. I have to keep using the screwdriver method jut to get it in reverse. Everytime I make a stop and get back in the car have to use the screwdriver. I've had the car since January 16th never had this problem

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

The paint is coming off in chunks. We have a white 2016 kia sorento. We noticed a few areas shortly after bought it but now bigger pieces are missing. We did research and noticed other similar vehicles are having the same issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2021
Mar 2024

Paint peeling and bubbling. Started at 45,000 miles and is now very bad on good, above windshield this makes my car look terrible I see many other pearl white ones with this issue. Kia stated paint is not in warranty. I feel they should honor the quality of their paint on cars

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

the Paint is starting to peel at top of windshield. I have the Snow White Pearl paint (SWP). At first it seemed like a simple spot (from small pebble) then continued to peel as if it were not properly painted at all.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2018
Jan 2024

The shift suddenly locked when put in park...need to use the shift lock release to unlock it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2023

I was driving, pulled over to the side of the street, put the car on park. When I was getting ready to leave, my car would not shift back from park to drive. Shift linkage was detached and was stuck in park.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Car will not shift out of Park

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Sep 2023

UNKNOWN Possible radiator or water pump damage. Constantly have to fill car up with antifreeze & water every few miles. Car is never driven over 45 mph. Car easily overheats & leaves us stranded as we live in a rural location. Have to purchase antifreeze every 3 days that we cannot afford. Have VERY LIMITED funds to assist with mechanical work, but we can contribute a little. No income whatsoever coming in due to job loss. Can't rely on car to get to work, but can work from home. Currently seeking employment, but competition has been tough. This is our only car for our family of 4. 2 kids in school [XXXXXX] . No bus or friends/relatives who can help. Was referred to this program by a friend as they informed me that it offers financial assistance for some repairs. This affects the safety of the vehicle as we have small children, and the car constantly overheats leaving us stranded in areas without sufficient cellular coverage to make calls. Located in Sevierville, TN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Aug 2023

While driving through a rain storm on 8/13/23 the paint on my vehicle started to peel off. I have since discovered that this is an issue with KIA, especially the Pearl White color. My vehicle looks like it has been vandalized. Pictures are available. My safety was jeopardized when chunks of paint from the hood were hitting my windshield while driving on the Interstate. On 8/14/23 I took my vehicle to a body shop and they estimated $3,336 to repair or repaint the damage. The formal estimate is available, too. I have been unable to talk to a live person at Kia customer service, but will continue to call so the incident is on the record with them. My contact information is: [XXX] Cell [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc. Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 9999 TBD TBD, Manufacturer: ODI Demo Co
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

The headliner in the truck does not roll back properly and just out the blue falls down when I open the sun roof.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SORENTO, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Kia Sorento has 84 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.