2016 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Head gasket fails or coolant leaks into the engine
- 66owner reports
- 108,000median miles
- $4,712median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
66 of the 121 reports of overheating on the 2016 Sorento describe head gasket failure.
Part of Engine overheats or leaks coolant (121 reports)
Tick what matches of 66 reports
Head gasket failure on other Sorento years
No other Sorento model year has enough reports of head gasket failure for a sheet of its own. See every Sorento year.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside overheating and coolant leaks for reports that name the head gasket. The difference from the wider sheet is where the coolant goes: instead of dripping onto the driveway, it disappears inside the engine, into the cylinders or the oil.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head gasket (66 reports), the engine (15 reports), the radiator (15 reports) and the water pump (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
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.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
15 of the 66 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,283 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 84,000 and 120,957 miles, from the 32 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 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 ...
What owners wrote
“3 times head gasket has been replaced and repaired and every time oil is changed, they say I am losing oil”
Filed Feb 9, 2026
“Head gasket leaking, yes Causes engine to overheat. Radiator looses coolant and backs up into overflow. Makes heat and ac flow coolant fumes into vehicle. No longer clear air. Not yet. Still researching. Independent Mechanics shop. No There was no warning when the vehicle overheated”
Filed Jan 1, 2026
“while driving engine suddenly got hot and blew radiator hose causing overheating to engine cylinder head and leaking coolant. No warning light or gauge indicating coolant overheating. Car was towed to dealership and they indicated no safety recalls on this engine exists despite known common problems of head gasket failures and head bolts coming undone.”
Filed Dec 13, 2023
“2016 Sorento 3.3L with approximately 136,000 miles on it. Did not have heat. Diagnosed with low coolant and possible head gasket leak due to loose head bolts. No warning lights. Seems to be a common manufacturing issue with these engines.”
Filed Nov 15, 2023 · 136,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 66 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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 Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 357 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 216 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 163 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 124 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