2016 Kia Sorento Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 690 4 crash 32 fire 5 injury

“Fire from fuel pump engine failure catalytic converter issues from engine”
NHTSA complaint #11535533, 2023 · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“Car was in an accident; started on fire, car is totalled”
NHTSA complaint #11533003, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572483, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 164 2 crash 10 fire 1 injury

“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 complaint #11515656, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11714474, 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 hi…”
NHTSA complaint #11713755, 2026 · fire

Power Train 122 6 crash 4 fire 5 injury

“Fire from fuel pump engine failure catalytic converter issues from engine”
NHTSA complaint #11535533, 2023 · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A STAND STILL, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK ON IT'S OWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TWO POST AND A STAIRCASE OF THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NOTED THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT DID SUSTAIN INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND BACK INJURES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDE…”
NHTSA complaint #11349078, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572483, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 107 2 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE IN GA (I-75 SOUTHBOUND). TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP; I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED AT 70MPH BY A 3500 DODGE RAM. I WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHICH CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF MY VEHICLE. MY DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, NOT A SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED MY FACE TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH BROKE MY JAW IN TWO PLACES, DISLODGED TEETH AND CAUSED ME TO TEMPORARILY BLACK OUT. MY JAW REQUIRED EMERGENCY SURGERY AND I NOW HAVE A PLATE AND FOUR SCREWS IN MY JAW FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE - I'M…”
NHTSA complaint #11115749, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL RENTED CAR FROM BUDGET. EXITED CAR AND THE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUGHT MY LEG PRODUCING A LARGE GASH IMMEDIATELY. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS CLEAR THAT THERE WAS A VERY SHARP PLASTIC MATERIAL AT THE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT.”
NHTSA complaint #10907351, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle inspection catalytic converter fumes coming inside vents causing fire an frame issues”
NHTSA complaint #11533117, 2023 · fire

Electrical System 106 3 crash 8 fire 2 injury

“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 complaint #11515656, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572483, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 Tracti…”
NHTSA complaint #11703758, 2025 · fire

Steering 80 2 crash 1 fire

“My 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated”
NHTSA complaint #11733870, 2026 · fire

“I was backing up a residential driveway. My backup camera showed my wheels were in line. My steering wheel turned and my car had a sudden unintended acceleration. My car destroyed a double steel garage door. Pushed a parked vehicle forward approximately 10-12”. The vehicle crushed a riding lawn mower, pushing the mower through a sheet rock wall. If anyone had been in this area of the garage, they could have possibly suffered serious injury or even fatality. I am trying to arrange to have my vehicle taken to local Kia dealership for diagnostic testing. At this time, the vehicle has not been ins…”
NHTSA complaint #11518870, 2023 · crash

“TRACTION CONTROL - OUR VEHICLE HAS SUSTAINED TWO INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. THE DEALERSHIP EVALUATED THE PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, IN A MODERATE RIGHT HAND TURN, AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON DURING THE TURN. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WHEN THE VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #10995636, 2017 · crash

Exterior Lighting 66 1 crash

“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 complaint #11406983, 2021 · crash

“All tail lights of suv go in an out randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #11721535, 2026

“Lights shut off by themselves at night in auto mode in dark environments!”
NHTSA complaint #11680806, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 62 5 crash 2 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHEN SHE CRASHED INTO A STONE LINING UP THE PATHWAY. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE CRASHING INTO THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN INJURY TO THEIR SHOULDER AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP (FRIENDLY KIA 5819 US-19, NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652; (877) 544-6719) WHO DID NOT DIAGNOSE A FAILURE, HOWEVER, THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #11354461, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE LAST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,123.”
NHTSA complaint #10891549, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INCREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN FACILITY WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS REPLACED WERE UNKNOWN. THE FOLLOWING WEEK WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST, BACK, ARM INJURIES AND A BRUISE TO THE LEFT BREAST…”
NHTSA complaint #11299586, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 53 8 fire 3 injury

“Fire from fuel pump engine failure catalytic converter issues from engine”
NHTSA complaint #11535533, 2023 · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“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 Tracti…”
NHTSA complaint #11703758, 2025 · fire

“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 proc…”
NHTSA complaint #11679556, 2025 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 30 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and the check engine light had illuminated. After stopping the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the flames were extinguished. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage…”
NHTSA complaint #11469711, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and 3 quarts of oil were added every 1,000 miles. The Check Engine and Low Oil Pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The mechanic determined that the valves in the engine or the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The contact was pr…”
NHTSA complaint #11745718, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, the temperature gauge went from the normal engine temperature to HOT. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down, and the gauge returned to normal. The contact continued to drive. The following morning the contact inspected the vehicle while parked at the residence and while checking the radiator cap, there were no noticeable issues found with the cooling fluid. The dealer was contacted and informed that the thermostat had fluctuated; however, there were…”
NHTSA complaint #11711093, 2025

Service Brakes 23 1 crash 1 fire

“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 o…”
NHTSA complaint #11526501, 2023 · fire

“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 complaint #11406983, 2021 · crash

“The exterior paint on my 2016 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl, paint code SWP) is peeling off in large chunks across multiple panels. The clear coat is delaminating and lifting in sheets from the surface, exposing bare metal underneath which is now actively rusting. This is consistent with a known defect documented in hundreds of complaints about 2013-2016 Kia Sorentos in Snow White Pearl (SWP). I have photographic documentation showing significant progression of this damage over the past few months. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer regarding this issue. No warning…”
NHTSA complaint #11746729, 2026

Air Bags 16 10 crash 8 injury

“The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the signal turned green and they proceeded through the intersection when another driver ran the red light and collided with the vehicle. The impact occurred on the right rear passenger side, extending from the back door to the rear wheel well. no additional property damage was reported. At the time of collision, the contact was traveling in the far right lane and the impact caused the vehicle to cross three lanes of traffic. The contact stated that the airbags did not fully deploy and no airbag war…”
NHTSA complaint #11738754, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] I was in a car accident. When it happened the airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt not locking. This resulted in me hitting my head in on the dash and chest on the steering wheel multiple times and having to go to the er to receive care and be put out of work. This is a major safety risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11715696, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION ON FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2020. I WAS STOPPED/STATIONARY BEHIND A VEHICLE TURNING LEFT ON A ONE LANE (IN BOTH DIRECTIONS) ROAD TRAVELING SOUTH. THE CAR BEHIND ME STRUCK MY VEHICLE GOING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS THRUST FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME STRUCK MY AGAIN, FELT LIKE BUMPER CARS. DURING THE INITIAL REAR IMPACT MY FACE SLAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING MY NOSE TO BLEED PROFUSELY FOR AT LEAST 25 MINUTES. I STILL HAVE BLOOD COMING OUT OF MY NOSE FOUR DAYS LATER. DURING THIS ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11297553, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 16

“Driver side headlight keeps going out. Bulb doesn’t blow and fuses are fine….take the bulb out and put back in and after a couple minutes light starts working again for a couple days before it goes back out. If you go to the passenger side and pull that one out the bulb is smoking.”
NHTSA complaint #11640123, 2025

“The rear camera on my 2016 Kia Sorento no longer works. Over the past year, the camera images have been getting blurry and smaller. Now, there is no indication or warning of cars or people behind my vehicle, which is a safety concern. I found online that there is a recall on the rear camera for this model, but the dealership claims they haven't been informed. I'm worried about the safety risks this presents.”
NHTSA complaint #11638895, 2024

“The problem started after a quick stop at a convenient store on the way to work. After starting the engine the vehicle would not shift from park. I was able to bypass this after a quick Internet search by removing a small cover near the stick shut and a small straw to bypass the shift control. I've had the car twice at the mechanics without a diagnosis as to a possible cause and was able to have the mechanic permanently disabled the shift lock but was warned the vehicle could be shifted to drive or neutral at any time and moved with a key. About a month later I found myself without headlights…”
NHTSA complaint #11603581, 2024

Suspension 12 1 fire

“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 complaint #11180588, 2019 · fire

“My front driver seat slips out of recline position to another position on its own Had engine replaced, got car back, made humming noise, took back to dealer, could not find noise, car still makes noise and now there’s seems to be louder noise coming from steering or front suspension while car is driven, dealer claims with no extension of warranty and over 60,000 miles, any work for this issue with steering/suspension is not covered, this was not an issue before engine was replaced under the engine recall”
NHTSA complaint #11608162, 2024

“Rear control arm weld broke drivers side. 18 year old lost control on interstate at 70 miles per hour. Was spinning around and avoiding hitting a steal fence, steal beam and wall. I have pictures of the broken weld. If no recall yet their needs to be before it kills someone!! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11524692, 2023

Trailer Hitches 11

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked and turned off for approximately an hour, the vehicle was restarted and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact continued driving and the knocking sound increasing in volume and frequency. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the de…”
NHTSA complaint #11745845, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11515350, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) several months ago; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but could not confirm when parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11506239, 2023

Seat Belts 10 4 crash 3 injury

“On [XXX] I was in a car accident. When it happened the airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt not locking. This resulted in me hitting my head in on the dash and chest on the steering wheel multiple times and having to go to the er to receive care and be put out of work. This is a major safety risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11715696, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION ON FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2020. I WAS STOPPED/STATIONARY BEHIND A VEHICLE TURNING LEFT ON A ONE LANE (IN BOTH DIRECTIONS) ROAD TRAVELING SOUTH. THE CAR BEHIND ME STRUCK MY VEHICLE GOING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS THRUST FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME STRUCK MY AGAIN, FELT LIKE BUMPER CARS. DURING THE INITIAL REAR IMPACT MY FACE SLAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING MY NOSE TO BLEED PROFUSELY FOR AT LEAST 25 MINUTES. I STILL HAVE BLOOD COMING OUT OF MY NOSE FOUR DAYS LATER. DURING THIS ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11297553, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE IN GA (I-75 SOUTHBOUND). TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP; I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED AT 70MPH BY A 3500 DODGE RAM. I WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHICH CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF MY VEHICLE. MY DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, NOT A SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED MY FACE TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH BROKE MY JAW IN TWO PLACES, DISLODGED TEETH AND CAUSED ME TO TEMPORARILY BLACK OUT. MY JAW REQUIRED EMERGENCY SURGERY AND I NOW HAVE A PLATE AND FOUR SCREWS IN MY JAW FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE - I'M…”
NHTSA complaint #11115749, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 9 1 crash 1 fire

“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 complaint #11180588, 2019 · fire

“TRACTION CONTROL - OUR VEHICLE HAS SUSTAINED TWO INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. THE DEALERSHIP EVALUATED THE PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, IN A MODERATE RIGHT HAND TURN, AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON DURING THE TURN. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WHEN THE VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #10995636, 2017 · crash

“10 MONTHS NOW I'VE GONE WITH DRIVING MY 2016 KIA SORENTO BY ENTERING A SCREW DRIVER IN THE OVERRIDE MODE BECAUSE I CAN'T GET OUT OF PARK THE MORAL WAY. I'VE TAKEN THIS CAR INTO SHAWNEE MISSION KIA SO MANY TIMES I'VE LOST COUNT AND THEY HAVE NOT ONLY REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, INDICATING THAT BCM OR BODY CONTROL MODULER ISN'T COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. WELL LET ME SAY THIS THEY GOT OVER ON ME ONCE ALREADY TELLING ME I HAD TO TURN A CLAIM IN ON THE FUEL PIPE, AND UNDER CARRIAGE PARTS THAT I NOW REALIZE WAS ALL A LIE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BECAUSE KIA KNEW ABOUT ALL THOSE PARTS…”
NHTSA complaint #11366555, 2020

Lane Departure 7

“The red steering wheel with an exclamation point pops up on the dashboard and instantly I lose power steering the wheel gets really hard, it went out as I was making a turn and I almost hit the truck . I had to yank the wheel really hard to control the steering, then had to pull over turn the truck off then back on to reset the problem. This have been going on mildly for a few years now has gotten to its worst”
NHTSA complaint #11685439, 2025

“Driving on freeway and car suddenly would no longer accelerate over 40mph. Pulled off the freeway and large amounts of white smoke was coming from the exhaust. Turned off engine, looked under the hood and saw engine coolant bubbling. Attempted to restart car and it would no longer start. The car was towed to a Kia dealership and diagnosed as head bolts backing out of cylinder head causing leak and pressure with coolant and oil mixture. I was told my engine would need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11574981, 2024

“When driving down the road at any speed in a striaght line steering sticks requiring constant over correction. This is becoming a big problem at highway speeds as vehcile will jerk and on an icy road Im affaid I my lose control”
NHTSA complaint #11558797, 2023

Visibility 7

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered upward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11521293, 2023

“I was driving my 2016 Kia Sorento on the freeway when I heard a loud boom, like a gun shot and then the vehicle was showered with glass from the sunroof that exploded. It was NOT struck by any object or rock. Fortunately the sun shade prevented me from getting glass poured on my head. The dealership denied responsibility and I am in the process of getting it replaced though my insurance company. In doing research I found that while it not common place it has happened more than I thought.”
NHTSA complaint #11495622, 2022

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, an abnormal booming sound was heard which startled the driver. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered. The contact indicated that during the incident no object had struck the vehicle to cause the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11459803, 2022

Seats 6 1 crash 1 fire

“OCTOBER 10, 2018 DROVE CAR INTO DRIVEWAY, SHUT CAR OFF, PARKED, WENT INTO HOUSE FOR ABOUT 2 MINS, CAME BACK TO CAR, IT WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. I TURNED ON FAUCET IN GARAGE, AND SPRAYED WATER ON CAR. CALLED 911. WITHIN 2 MINS, I SAW FIRST SPARK, LEFT AREA, RAN OVER TO MY SISTERS HOUSE, NEXT DOOR, ON PHONE WITH 911 AND WITHIN 4 MINS OF CAR SMOKE, BURST INTO FLAMES, 2 EXPLOSIONS. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED WITH IN 10 MINS OF SMOKE DETECTION. FLAMES HIGHER THAN THE HOUSE. CAR TOTALED, AND HOUSE SIDING MELTED AWAY FROM HOUSE.”
NHTSA complaint #11150346, 2018 · fire

“SEAT BELT DID NOT UNLATCH AFTER CRASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10702705, 2015 · crash

“My heated seats stopped working when my new engine was installed and I took it to the dealership and they never fix it and charged me 200.00 and then my air and heat keeps coming on and off then I got my new engine installed”
NHTSA complaint #11644517, 2024

Wheels 6

“My traction control light is on along with my abs sensor light and another light indication red figure with like a stop sign only when someone in passenger seat as well as a exhaust issue my vehicle sounds loud driving out of no where”
NHTSA complaint #11678647, 2025

“UNUSUALLY RAPID TIRE WEAR ON FRONT TIRES IS GOING TO REQUIRE THE 2ND REPLACEMENT OF ALL 4 TIRES WITHIN A 13 MONTH PERIOD COVERING A TOTAL OF 16,440 MILES. THE VSET OFEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED WITH NEW SET OF TIRES IN 9/2018 (22,205 MI), BY 3/2019, (31,648 MI) TWO TIRES WERE BALD AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF ALL 4 TIRES AS CAR HAS ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE.. AGAIN, BY 10/14/2019 (38.650 MI) TWO TIRES ARE DOWN TO < 2/32NDS (SAFETY NUBS) REQUIRING THE 2ND REPLACEMENT OF ALL 4 TIRES WITHIN A 13 MONTH PERIOD. ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN PER KIA SPECIFICATIONS AND SPEED RATING (23560R18 103H). IN ALL CASES THE TIRES…”
NHTSA complaint #11268655, 2019

“ALL 4 TIRES ON 2016 KIA SORENTO ARE DRY ROTTING AT VERY FAST PACE. THE TIRES ARE MICHEL8N PREMIER LTX 235 55/R19 M&S WHICH SHOULD LAST 60,000 MILES. I AM AT 39,600 AT CURRENT TIME. DRY ROT IS VERY APPARENT ON EACH TIRE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW W TIRES AS NOTED ON IT AT KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEWPORT NEWS VA IN 2016.”
NHTSA complaint #11253262, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 5

“Driving on freeway and car suddenly would no longer accelerate over 40mph. Pulled off the freeway and large amounts of white smoke was coming from the exhaust. Turned off engine, looked under the hood and saw engine coolant bubbling. Attempted to restart car and it would no longer start. The car was towed to a Kia dealership and diagnosed as head bolts backing out of cylinder head causing leak and pressure with coolant and oil mixture. I was told my engine would need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11574981, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed, causing the Auto Park, the electronic parking brake, the Adaptive Cruise Control, and the automatic emergency braking system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the rear brakes to activate, and the vehicle became immovable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed…”
NHTSA complaint #11628331, 2023

“My car started jumping while driving we had put oil in my car 3 weeks prior. It also smelt like my car was burning while the heat was on I had 2 babies in the back seat and I was scared to death. I haven’t received anything in the mail about any recalls what so ever. I had to hear by a family friend the day of the incident that he thinks they’re recalls on my call so I looked it up. My car is currently not working now and I have work and doctors appointments for babies I got to Kia tomorrow they’re saying I don’t have any recalls on my car and I looked it up on here and I do. I’m pretty sure t…”
NHTSA complaint #11556363, 2023

Back Over Prevention 4

“My grandchildren and I were on our way to the Dentist, I stopped at a store, put the vehicle in park while waiting on my grandson to come out of the store. Then I proceeded to try to put the gear shift in drive but it was stuck in park. I could not remove the gear shift out of park. I was scared and so was my grandchildren.”
NHTSA complaint #11636188, 2025

“When driving down the road at any speed in a striaght line steering sticks requiring constant over correction. This is becoming a big problem at highway speeds as vehcile will jerk and on an icy road Im affaid I my lose control”
NHTSA complaint #11558797, 2023

“The rear back up camera screen just went black when in reverse and hasn’t worked since.”
NHTSA complaint #11484557, 2022

Fuel System 3 1 fire

“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 complaint #11111110, 2018 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear sway bar link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11609928, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal was released, and the "check oil" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The failure persisted, and the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the spark plugs, and the piston rings had failed. The contact was informed by the dealer to add oil every 1,500 miles driven. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the co…”
NHTSA complaint #11655946, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when the contact attempted to open the trunk, however, the trunk failed to open. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times and after multiple attempts, the trunk was able to open. The contact stated that the failure continued to recur and the trunk became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact that the warranty did not cover the failure. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11578471, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the front passenger’s side door was unintendedly unlocked, causing the door to open independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer has not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11562400, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR REMAINED LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DOOR ONLY OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE TRUNK WAS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER KIA (5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500) WHERE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WAS REPLACED AND THE TRUNK WAS UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,300. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11251963, 2019

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“While driving on a major high my vehicle suddenly caught fire. There were no warning lights and my vehicle was not in a collision. The road was clear and I was in a steady flow of traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11511016, 2023 · fire

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed, causing the Auto Park, the electronic parking brake, the Adaptive Cruise Control, and the automatic emergency braking system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the rear brakes to activate, and the vehicle became immovable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System had failed…”
NHTSA complaint #11628331, 2023