2016 KIA SORENTO Engine Problems

667 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Engine Complaints — Page 9

#11484248 |
Engine failed and Kia not doing anything about it
#11484285 |
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic informed her that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine was consuming one quart of oil every 700 miles. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired and they were unable to assist until the engine seized. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
#11482587 |
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinder #4 had failed and needed a new spark plug. Additionally, the oil pan needed to be replaced and the engine sealer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second diagnostic test. A compressing test was performed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
#11481504 |
Twice now the oil has completely burned out of the car. With the first incident, I went to a location and they were going to top off the oil as a courtesy while they were changing my tail light. When they went to do that, they noticed that there was no oil in the car at all. A week and a half later I checked the oil myself and it was bone dry once again. The oil light does not come on at all. When I check it is saying there is no safety recall for my car, but there absolutely needs to be. I'm afraid that my engine is going to blow and I'm going to be left without a car. I took the car to the dealership and they said that there was no recall with it. They put oil dye in the car to check it. This...
#11481194 |
Engine seized with no warning. Kia is stating there was a recall but I never received a notice in the mail. They stated it was sent in July of 2022. Even if I did receive the recall letter, that wouldn't be enough time.
#11481252 |
The check oil light keeps turning on then turning off. For the last 2 oil changes which are done every 3000 miles with high mileage oil the oil has been non existent. When you pull out the oil it is dry! No leaking of oil is found anywhere even though the exhaust smells of burning oil. When I took it to the dealership I was told "this was a known problem" and all I need to do is start changing my oil every 3000 miles using synthetic high mileage oil. That's not working. The light keeps coming on and off and I've only driven 1000 miles since my last oil change in July! I took it to the dealership when I threw a code that I was told was just because I ran out of oil and my car stalled. My car should not be running out of oil!
#11480749 |
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil level had dropped to a very low level and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
#11480759 |
I am trying to understand how my car was running fine no issues and then it stops on the highway while I am driving in 4P rush hour traffic. The dealership gets to my car 3 1/2 weeks later I get to shortage to tell me my engine is gone when there were no warning!! Continue on my car engine going out to be told because I didn't getting a senor upgrade in 2019 when to inform me of the engine going not to fix the engine but to tell me the engine is gone I must pay close to $9000. This is unacceptable and not the fault of the consumer. There was no letter no email no call nothing to inform me. I am a single mom who lives here in Indy where public transportation is not the best and when I take care of car and service car...
#11480343 |
oil burning reported to freehold kia numerous times car broke down on road needed to be towed
#11479706 |
There is a continuous buildup of carbon in the intake manifold system in the 2.0 engine causing stalling whenever accelerating from a stop, such as turning either way or accelerating across a road when using the power steering which uses up power while accelerating. This carbon buildup is very expensive and difficult to clean out and is very dangerous as it causes you to stall completely for a few seconds when entering traffic lanes, if it does not restart quickly, you will crash...
#11479733 |
The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The engine was burning oil at a very high rate, with no indication of a problem. We went in for an oil change and they said the oil was extremely low and we would need to replace the engine. I've reached out to the local dealership to see if there's anything else that can be done, but the engine is making a loud clicking sound now. The fuel pedal stopped working while my son was taking the car to the shop and he had to push the car off of the road. There were no indicator lights or signs of a problem prior to this issue.
#11479852 |
Car recall repair for Knock Sensor failure has been done three times car now will not accelerate properly, is using excessive oil and, makes horrible engine noises. Dealer refused to inspect the vehicle after the last recall repair was done 10 days ago.
#11479363 |
I purchased my 2016 KIA Sorento in October of 2018. Oil changes and everything has always been up to date along with regular maintenance. I never had any issues with it then in April 2022 I was driving to work and had complete engine failure with only 88k miles on it. The first obstacle was reaching KIA corporate. Would call several times a day just to be on hold for 30 plus minutes and sometimes over an hour. After speaking to several different people, they advised there was nothing to they could do, and I would have to pay for it out of pocket due to them saying they sent a piece of paper to the fist owner in June/July 2018 and then another one to me the end of 2019 or 2020. They were unsure of when it was sent to me and there was no proof that I...
#11478752 |
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start after pressing the start button. After finally starting the engine and while driving 35 mph, the engine suddenly shut off and could not be immediately restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 181,000.
#11478906 |
I was driving on freeway and all of a sudden my car stopped. The engine blew, I had no oil in car; the oil light didn’t come on. I had recently changed the oil. We kept oil changes up to date every 3000 miles. Called Kia, they said they couldn’t help us. What can we do?
#11478519 |
The engine is making a hammer noise when you try to get past 2000rpm. Which has to do with the piston rod system. This will be to be towed if being inspected. This is currently causing engine failure and could blow the engine if it was still on the road. It has been replicated by several people now. And there was not early symptoms just the noise out of no where.
#11478613 |
I was driving 65 miles per hour on US 23, when my engine locked up. No warning, wasn't time for oil change, had plenty of oil.
#11478266 |
There has been an ongoing issue nationwide with the Kia Sorento’s engines. I have been dealing with a burning oil issue and engine issue for months. I spent over 800.00 a few months ago on the oil issue that is still no better today. The engine, Kia is fully aware that there is an issue with the engine however will not state is is a recall as then they will be accountable to replace it. I have been told this by both my local dealership and the warranty company. Two weeks ago my Sorento broke down out of state. It had to be towed back to MA. I was told by the dealership that there are about 12 cars with the same issue in front of mine. It will be several weeks before I can expect any type of resolution. I am without a car and Kia will not pay...
#11477750 |
The engine consumed the oil prior to the recommended regular oil change without any warning or indication. This has resulted in the need for a total engine replacement uncovered by Kia.
#11475221 |
I was driving on the highway going 70 mph when my 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3L lost power and could not accelerate. I had to navigate to the side of the highway carefully and got my car towed to the closest Kia Dealership. Upon their investigation, it was a blown head gasket that required the whole engine to be replaced. I am the 2nd owner of the car and bought the car in late 2019 with 45, XXX miles on it and it currently only has 66, XXX miles. I was not covered under warranty as it expires once you pass 60,000k miles. Estimation from Kia would cost close to $10K with a new engine/labor. Contacted Kia Consumer to see if they can help and was denied. Now stuck with a dead car trying to figure out what I can do.
#11475145 |
My car began knocking and then it slowed down. It stalled as I pulled off the road and won't start. I had it towed and the mechanic said there was "glitter in the oil". He called our local Kia dealership, gave them the VIN number and was told there was a recall on my engine. I researched your website and it does not show a recall. I found two other individuals who wrote owner reviews in May and June 2022 who had the same problem.
#11474188 |
I was on the interstate going 65 mph and my engine stopped shifting it suddenly decreased in speed and I made it off the interstate barely any power to get safely off the interstate.
#11473536 |
The car was running hot. The repair shop was suppose replace the thermostat..We received the car back the same day and it was still doing the same thing.. The repair place told us to put water in it when it cools down and continue on our merry way!! The car ran hot, started smoking and now it won’t crank
#11473324 |
Vehicle lost power on highway going 70mph. Driver was able to safely exit to roadside. Popped hood and oil covering the engine bay. Lots of smoke. Upon further inspection, it appears as though a wrist pin dislodged from connecting arm and went through the front of the engine block. Oil was everywhere and is a fire risk! Also, vehicle only has 107,xxx miles on it. Kia refuses to tow vehicle at their expense to shop even though in speaking with dealership, engine should be covered under Theta II class action suit.
#11472489 |
7/3/22, 71,500 miles accrued on vehicle. While operating the vehicle, on an uphill grade after 5.7 miles of driving, sudden and abrupt knocking noise occurred. Knocking was intensified during acceleration. At this time, dramatic loss of power occurred. Attempted to "coast" downhill for the remainder of the trip. After another 2.2 miles, a very loud "bang" noise occurred, the driver in fear part felle from the vehicle. Knocking noise intensified, and the vehicle then stopped responding. Displayed oil pressure, check engine and check battery lights. Violent shaking and vibrating occurred. Driver was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway to the right shoulder for safety so as to not become a traffic hazard. Smoke was visible and heat was felt from the engine bay of the vehicle. Driver of the vehicle was in fear of fire occurring imminently. Vehicle was shut off for safety. After smoke dissipated and engine...
#11472016 |
I reported a complaint on 1/24/2022. I had to replace my engine. I actually had to borrow the money. I went on Kia-Consumer-Assistance-to file a claim for reimbursement. They sent me a denial letter on 6/30/22 stating I did not have the knock sensor detector. Well I would have if I received the notice. I bought my car used. The dealership didn't have any recalls and I did not receive anything until May 2022. Kia emailed me about the knock sensor detector. Although I replaced my engine I had it installed on 6/17/22. How could have known about something that I never received. I didn't even know there was a class action lawsuit until I went on line to find Kia Corporate information. I emailed several people and nit one person emailed back. I was asking for assistance but I guess they delete it but I still have it. I...
#11472032 |
Sometime Mid May 2022 I was driving back from Tri City Washington. As I was passing a semi truck I noticed my car was losing some power. I ten was able to to get in front of the semi when I seen a place to pull off. During this time I noticed my dash lights were coming on. Engine light. I was lucky enough to pull off where on a side road in Warden, Washington. My car then ceased and would not start. I had to have it towed in my home town of Moses Lake, Washington to a auto mechanic by my resident. The name is Customs Auto on Broadway. They said it needed to go to a Kia Specialist/Mechanic for repairs. So I then had it towed to Over Turf Kia Dealership in Tri City, WA. where my car has been sitting since the end of May 2022....
#11471897 |
Engine failure at 85,500 miles an hour into a road trip. Just had an oil change on it a few days prior. No warning lights came on before the engine started to rattle at 3000 rpms. Engine still rattles while car is idling.
#11471630 |
Wife and I where driving on the highway when we she pointed out a tapping noise. About twenty minutes later our vehicle lost all power. Dumbfounded because no safety function signaled there was any possibility of over heating or oil pressure I pull off and inspect under the hood. When I pulled the dipstick there was absolutely no oil in it and the oil on the dipstick was burnt. I only have 74,000 miles on the thing and the engines blown. And Kia won't help with anything even knowing this is a major issue.
#11471191 |
I was driving my 2016 Sorento when I noticed a knocking coming from the engine. I took it to get serviced the next day and the check engine light came on as I was driving to get the oil changed. Mechanic at the oil change establishment checked the code and told me that it said the cam shaft was out of alignment. Their shop refused to work on it because of the difficulty in working with Kia's and their computers. I called my local Kia dealer and they had no idea what the warning was but that it would be 20-25 days before they could look at it. My daughter was driving the car than night and the car stopped in an intersection and starting making a horrible clanking sound. I had it towed to Kia and when they got to it they told me that the engine was blown...
#11470386 |
My family and I own a 2016 Kia Sorrento VIN [XXX] that we purchased from a dealer in August 2017. It was reliable transportation; we were very pleased with it; it was serviced with regular oil changes, maintenance, etc., and had no mechanical issues until early September 2021. The vehicle’s temperature gauge began to register hot, i.e., way over to the “H” during operation. Our regular mechanic at an AAA-registered auto care center replaced the thermostat, but the car was still overheating. After an expensive but thorough diagnosis from early November through early December 2021, the mechanics – including a Kia specialist – confirmed that the head bolts were pulling away from the engine block or the source of our problem. After searching the internet, I understand that this is not a frequent occurrence but not uncommon among the same model and year Kia Sorento's with similar mileage. Replacement engines...
#11470495 |
Oil gets low without the warning light coming on and has contributed to a burnt valve or broke ring. This has caused irreversible engine damage.
#11468679 |
Last weekend we were driving our 2016 Kia Sorento with 111,000 miles on the highway. It started to lose acceleration and I had to pull of on the side of the highway. The vehicle started smoking and antifreeze leaked out all over the right side of the vehicle. This put our family at risk because there were no warning lights and it occurred on an extremely busy highway where are drive anywhere from 70-90 miles per hour. The vehicle was towed and inspected, we were told the head gasket was leaking. No other symptoms were present prior to this occurring and this is the only problem we have really had with the vehicle. All of the mechanics I have talked to about repairs refuse because these motors are known to be very risky to repair. Our local Kia dealer where we purchased the vehicle even stated that it's not worth...
#11468687 |
I took my vehicle to AAMCO and was told my engine has went out. The estimate to fix it is $10,000. I am currently paying on it still I called Evergreen Kia whom I got the car from and was told they have over 18+ vehicles with the same problem. I was told to call other Kia dealerships to see if i can get it repaired elsewhere. All other Kia dealerships said they were backed up as well with the same engine problems. I tried to trade it in no one wants to because the cost of repairs and the $13K I owe doesn't equal out.
#11468493 | Fire
My 2016 KIA SORRENTO caught fire. I was driving off of the highway, with no issues, when i heard a tapping noise. I stopped at the light, turned right, and as I started turning it suddenly sputtered and stopped. I tried to accelerate to get the car out of the lane of traffic, when smoke started coming out from under the hood. People next to me started yelling that my car was on fire and that I should get out. At this point I got out of the car, and within minutes the entire undercarriage and front part of car was engulfed in flames. The fire dept put the fire out, and the fire marshal and my insurance is investigating.
#11467721 |
Vehicle cranked but didn't start after sitting for a few hours. Vehicle was towed to kia dealership. Dealer advised piston ring failed and engine lost compression. New engine was needed but was not covered by dealership nor the lifetime engine warranty. The repair cost almost 6000 dollars.
#11467732 |
The one cylinder went before 100,000 miles…..wasn’t too much longer till the next cylinder went and she was done….going through putting a quart of oil in it every single day for over 6 months……JUNK
#11467295 |
I was driving entering a highway accelerating and my car just died; the engine and oil light came on and there was no power. There were NO warning lights or indication that there was any problem. I managed to get over and off the busy highway by coasting and was in fear for my safety. Took the car to Kia dealership and was told after waiting for two weeks for the required diagnostic service. They told me there was internal engine damage due to a bearing failure. This is not covered by warranty unless I had the software upgrade that was available since 4/18. I never received that notification; I have received several other notifications, but not the one about the software upgrade. Now they state it's outside the warranty with zero coverage.
#11467185 |
After only six months, my 2016 Kia Sorento suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, after my trusted, local mechanic ran a diagnostic, he told me that my car was done for but Kia would stand behind their product, they have a 100,000 mile or ten year warranty for their vehicles. It was a frightening and frustrating experience but at least I was comforted when he told me Kia would take care of it. Kia is not honorable, they are not standing behind their products. Two days ago, I was told that Kia is denying my claim. How disappointing. I will pursue this matter to the end. Kia knows that their engines are prone to catastrophic failures. I was told by a Kia employee that I didn't maintain my vehicle adequately, I have records to the contrary. This is wrong.
#11466956 |
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and noticed that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then towed to an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
#11466452 |
A month after an oil change, I learned that the engine was extremely low on oil. I had to put 4 quarts in it. Check engine light barely came on. I’m at 79,000 miles and next oil change should be at 82,000 miles
#11465648 |
My car started making a knocking and squeaking sound and was shaking really hard and the check engine light started flashing and it just shut off and when I cranked it back up if wouldn’t stay cranked
#11465400 |
This car repeatedly has had issues with using oil on a weekly basis and many times it has stalled in heavy traffic, one of which almost caused a collision. I have taken this in for numerous repairs. My most recent incident I was informed by my garage that my engine was now junk.
#11464718 |
Driving 60mph, car seemed to be stalling under acceleration. Car was making a knocking sound from the engine. I was in a construction zone, with no shoulder/no pulloff. I managed to crawl to the end of construction and pull off to the side. How I didn't die that day only God knows...Was traveling to see my mom Mother's Day weekend, had my 170lb Great Dane and 60 lb Labradoodle with me. No tow company could help with transporting my dogs; only the car and me. I ended up stranded waiting for a ride for hours. Car was towed to dealer; dealer confirms the engine and all components were a total loss (Theta II engine, 2.4 liter, GDI). Repair estimate at $8,360.00!!! That is more than half of what the car is worth!! Multiple attempts to have KIA acknowledge the problem, only to be told by them that it's my fault...
#11464557 |
The car engine was using excessive amounts of oil at 80,000 miles. The dealer in an attempt to save the engine did a major flush. Several components failed within 10,000 miles of that service. Spark plugs, fuel pump and catalytic converter. The car would lurch forward. It stalled at 65 mph! We were scared it would start on fire or stall again. The first time it happened there were no warning lights. After the spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced there was an engine warning light on. The dealer did check it out and the latest test revealed a hole in the catalytic converter. They could not guarantee that that was the only issue. We chose not to have any additional repairs and sold the car at a loss because we were scared to have our grandkids in the car.
#11463973 |
While driving on I-35, going 75 miles an hour the engine locked. No warning lights came on, just completely shut down. Unable to pull to the side of the highway. Very dangerous Towed to dealership, yes it’s available to be inspected as warranty says it is not covered under a recall. Again very dangerous
#11463745 |
Car burns oil excessively at a rate of 1 quart each 300 miles. No low oil light has come on to warn driver.
#11463602 |
Sorento had been driving fine and then out of nowhere had engine failure. KIA is refusing to take responsibility and rectify the situation due to them saying they sent something out in July of 2018 in which I didn't even own the vehicle then. The dealership where I purchased my Sorento from never advised of there being an issue or any improvement
#11463459 |
My kia started making knocking noise. NO warning light came on while driving car home check engine light came on and car just quit. Engine is seized up for no reason .checked recalls but says none. But there was a major recall on these engines but I just bought this car from dealer 3 years ago . And, when I give it gas it don't always accelerate..I can have gas pedal to floor and go nowhere then all the sudden it will finally lunge forward. I have almost been hit a few times in my car. There has to be something wrong
#11463491 |
There was no indication or codes that informed us of the engine burning oil and without knowing it caused complete engine failure.

Other 2016 KIA SORENTO Problem Areas

Unknown Or Other 157 complaints Power Train 113 complaints Structurebody 102 complaints Electrical System 99 complaints Steering 77 complaints Exterior Lighting 60 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 56 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 49 complaints Service Brakes 21 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 20 complaints Visibilitywiper 16 complaints Air Bags 14 complaints Suspension 12 complaints Seat Belts 10 complaints Trailer Hitches 10 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 9 complaints Seats 6 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 6 complaints Wheels 6 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 5 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication 3 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 2 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightsbulbs 2 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 2 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 2 complaints Lane Departure Assist 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 2 complaints Structure 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Electrical Systembody Control Modulebcm 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosuperchargerintercooler 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationpipes Hoses And Fittings 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationpump 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 1 complaint Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsbulbs 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch 1 complaint Firerelated 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlatch 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 1 complaint Structurebodydoorhandleexterior 1 complaint Structureinterior Panelsdashboard 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint
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