2016 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 163owner reports
- 79,000median miles
- $4,800median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
800 of the 1,252 complaints on this car are about the engine. 163 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 163 reports
Misfire on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (15 reports), the spark plugs (14 reports), the ignition coils (8 reports) and the catalytic converter (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
All 8 recalls on the 2016 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Fuel spill during refueling. Closed dec 21, 2011.
What owners paid
39 of the 163 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 33,000 and 103,000 miles, from the 78 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Kia Sorento that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with ...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with ...
PITSTOP: DTC P0315 CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR VARIATION NOT LEARNED - WHEN ENCOUNTERING A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF ENGINE MISFIRE WITH A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ON IN THE DASH, CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF DTC P0315 CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP) VARIATION NOT ...
What owners wrote
“Fuel pump is leaking, unsafe to drive vehicle, no check engine light just really bad smell of gas”
Filed Jun 30, 2025
“Vehicle check engine light came on, vehicle lost power, sputtered and died. Will not run. Towed to dealer.”
Filed Dec 30, 2024
“There is a problem with the engine in my Kia. I believe that this is a similar problem to other recalled Kia vehicles from the same production year, 2016, that caused metal to be present in the engine. My local Kia dealership informed me that I need a new engine due to this issue, after other issues had been ruled out as the cause of continued check engine light warnings were fixed.”
Filed Nov 23, 2024
“The one cylinder went before 100,000 milesâ¦..wasnât too much longer till the next cylinder went and she was doneâ¦.going through putting a quart of oil in it every single day for over 6 monthsâ¦â¦JUNK”
Filed Jun 6, 2022 · 100,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 163 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 357 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 216 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 124 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 121 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 70 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 55 reports
- Vehicle fire 45 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 44 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 39 reports
- Engine leaks oil 38 reports
- Rolls away in Park or will not shift out of Park 27 reports