8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,790
Average Mileage:
77,800 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace short block, engine gasket kit, valve seals (2 reports)
2016 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Kia Sorento Owner Comments

problem #5

Oct 012023

Sorento LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Oil Consumption-Oil burning in the engine. Kia acknowledges that there is a known issue however; the solution would cost me 1600 to fix, and its not guarantee. Their solution was to buy a new car, which is not an option for me or allow the engine to crash so it can be replaced fully, which makes no sense. With so many complaints on this, unsure why they don't have it on a recall. I am exhausted in fighting with them and the Kia Customer Care line has stopped responding to my inquiries. I just need some help in helping to get this resolved. It is stressing me out. Thank you in advance.

- La Tanya H., Charlotte, US

problem #4

Nov 062020

Sorento LS 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,297 miles

I am the current owner of a 2.4 L, 4 cyl. 2016 Kia Sorento. Last November (2020), at 106K miles, my service center advised me that when they changed the oil, it was very, very low. After confirming it myself, I took the vehicle to my Kia dealer at 107K. After three oil consumption tests they confirmed this vehicle was burning oil (approx. 1 qt/500 miles), and requires a new short block and engine gasket kit, $4385.59 and new valve seals and hardware, plus clean and resurface cylinder head, for $1066.49. With shop fee and tax, the total would be $5784.27 (with only a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty).

The dealership refused to cover this repair because the vehicle (when they saw it) slightly exceeded the 100K mileage warranty. I appealed to Kia Consumer Affairs and after a month of stringing me along, I was advised that this repair would not be covered as a ‘good will’ gesture either. It is widely recognized that this defect can cause engine seizure or stalling or fire and can be dangerous if experienced. I am now faced with having the Kia dealer repair it for $5784 or having a third part service center replace the engine at a cost of $5K (w 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty).

This car is a lemon. There ought to be a class action suit against Kia as this is a known problem with this engine.

- Gordon A., Jewett City, US

problem #3

Oct 092018

Sorento LX 2.4L Gdi Theta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,135 miles

Car consumes 2-3 quarts of oil in between oil changes. Brought it up to the dealer and was told this is normal. Recently had it serviced at a new dealer and they are running a consumption test.

- Christopher R., Alburtis, US

problem #2

Dec 012019

Sorento

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Right about the time my warranty expired my car started consuming oil. No dummy light comes on to warn you of this. St first every 5000 miles I would only have around 2 quarts 6 months later at 3000 miles I am bone dry. I have to monitor my mileage, THIS IS REDICULOUS!

Update from Jul 1, 2020: Engine took a crap at 120k no combustion on the 3rd cylinder.

- Jodi P., Richmond, TX, US

problem #1

Apr 062019

Sorento LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,407 miles

On April 6th I took my car in for a oil change and wanted to let them know that I believe there is a problem with my car. The oil light comes on around the time it is time for a oil change. I was talked into purchasing a new car and traded my car in, unbeknownst to be that after 2 weeks April18th they couldn't get be financed and returned my KIA Sorento back to me without fixing the problem.

I spoke to a service manager and they are doing a oil compression test and in the next 1000 miles I will bring it back and they will measure how much oil the car is consuming. It is still under warranty so I am hoping the dealership Brandon Courtesy KIA finds out what the issue is and is able to get it fixed under the warranty. I will update this once I get a resolution.

Brandon KIA actually tried to sell my car online before my car new car was funded. They were going to sell the car as is and whoever bought it, wouldn't know anything about the cars oil problem. I'm so upset with this situation.

- cpettway0428, Riverview, US

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