Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Kia Sorento
The 2016 Kia Sorento has numerous recalls and complaints, especially concerning the engine and certain safety components. With 1,258 owner complaints and eight recall campaigns, potential buyers should be diligent during inspection. The abundance of engine-related complaints suggests particular attention should be paid in this area. Limited data on other issues means they may not be prevalent, but inspecting for them remains prudent.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Kia Sorento has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,262 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V703000 Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V612000 Vehicle Rollaway from Faulty Shift Lever Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V907000 High Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V862000 Trailer Brakes May Stay Illuminated/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V770000 Inadequately Welded Driver Seatback Frame NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V480000 Rear Crossmember Weld Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V446000 Front Passenger Seat Belt may not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V089000 Vehicle may not be able to Accelerate NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 697 complaints
- Unknown or Other 167 complaints
- Power Train 126 complaints
- Structure 111 complaints
- Electrical System 107 complaints
- Steering 81 complaints
Of the 1,262 complaints on file, 29 report a crash and 50 a fire; across all 1,262 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Numerous engine complaints
How to check: Listen for knocking sounds and check engine light condition.
Faulty shift lever
How to check: Ensure shift lever locks in place when in park.
Rear suspension weld issues
How to check: Inspect rear suspension for welding integrity.
Seat belt buckle malfunction
How to check: Test front passenger seat belt for proper latching.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds from engine.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Presence of check engine light.
- 03
Shifting into gear
What to check: Ensure smooth transition into drive/reverse.
Red flag: Shift lever fails to lock correctly.
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Assess response and check for delays.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of acceleration.
- 05
Driving over bumps
What to check: Listen for suspension noise/creaks.
Red flag: Loud clunking or creaking noises.
- 06
Stopping
What to check: Verify smooth braking and pedal feel.
Red flag: Unusual pedal feel or noise on braking.
- 07
Turning
What to check: Evaluate steering response and feel.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine required major repairs?
- Were any recalls performed on this vehicle?
- Has the suspension been serviced or repaired?
- Have there been transmission issues?
- Are there any current warning lights?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Repair history
- Recall service records
- Accident history
- Title and registration
- Maintenance records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Kia Sorento at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Kia Sorento? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.