2016 Kia Sorento Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 111about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 111 complaints about the body and structure of the 2016 Kia Sorento, 9% of the 1,258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 cause of fire to be unrelated to faulty engine components.”
NHTSA complaint #11322056, filed 2020-04, 53,700 miles“The paint started peeling from the hood of my car 2 years ago. It started as small cracks, so I ordered paint repair pens from Kia and tried to repair it myself, but it did not work. Now it has expanded to bigger areas. Afraid to wash the car because all the paint may peel off.”
NHTSA complaint #11412909, filed 2021-04, 60,000 miles“2016 Kia Sorento power liftgate will not always open when keyfob or button inside the car is pushed. I have to manually open it and then it will work fine for a few days. Problem has existed for a few years. Dealership cannot replicate the issue, so they note it but nothing has been done to fix it. I have read about many other sorentos with customers making the same complaint. Vehicle is always stationary when this occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #11257173, filed 2019-09, 30,000 miles“Parts of my car are falling off, first the bumper guard on the front,the bolts came off and had to be replaced,when the car was new, then the passenger door handle fell offseveral months ago now something called the win something fell on my feet as I wasdriving home today. It does not seem right that items should just fall off of a car!!this has happened over several months since I bought the car . I bought the car new.”
NHTSA complaint #11080013, filed 2018-03, 29,000 miles“Rear power lift gate door are not working properly. Doors not opening when trying to open using key fob, inside button or rear on door button car is parked and not moving. Doors trying to open but giving up and staying closed. I found that this is a problem with that mechanism and numerous owners has same problem and complaining about it on many forums and car dealers web pages. My car was at the dealer and he recommended to change latch assembly not covered by warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11402922, filed 2021-03, 43,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034003Jun 8, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11028908Feb 19, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026825Dec 18, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a…
- 11026980Dec 17, 2025CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10155381Mar 13, 2019TSB: SERVICE ACTION: DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT (SA195) - This Bulletin has been CLOSED.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 56 | 13% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 17 | 2% |
| 2016 | 111 | 9% |
| 2015 | 100 | 13% |
| 2014 | 160 | 16% |
| 2013 | 91 | 9% |
| 2012 | 35 | 4% |
| 2011 | 268 | 18% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 28 | 13% |
| 2003 | 12 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia Sorento
696 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
126 complaintsElectrical system
107 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsExterior lighting
67 complaintsVehicle speed control
62 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsAir bags
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology