VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Sorento engine problems

The 2016 Kia Sorento has 715 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 44% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

715

Engine complaints

44%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WE WERE ALERTED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT THERE WAS FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BURST IN FIRE. WE CONTACTED KIA MOTORS REGARDING THIS AND THEY SIMPLY DENIED RESPONSIBLY FOR THIS, DEEMING THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2019 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA has 715 complaints about the 2016 Kia Sorento engine — 44% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Kia Sorento engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 18V907000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.