Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
2016 Kia Sorento Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2016 Kia Sorento?
The NHTSA has issued 21 recalls affecting the 2016 Kia Sorento covering brakes, fuel system, engine, trailer wiring, suspension, seat components, and other items. Key components include potential HECU brake-fluid leaks that can short and cause engine compartment fires, high-pressure fuel pipe issues that can leak fuel, engine bearing and crankshaft defects that may cause stalling or fire risk, and seat and suspension weld problems that affect crash protection.
How do I check if my 2016 Kia Sorento has an open recall?
You can check your VIN at NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia and we will check your VIN for free. Bring your VIN or vehicle registration to our service department or schedule service online and our factory-trained technicians will confirm any open recalls at no cost.
How much does a 2016 Kia Sorento recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are performed free of charge to the vehicle owner when covered by the recall. Nalley Kia uses OEM parts and factory-trained technicians to complete recall repairs; contact us about timing and any related diagnostic appointments and check our service specials if you need other maintenance items handled at the same visit.
Can I get my 2016 Kia Sorento recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer to ensure OEM parts, correct procedures, and free warranty-covered service under the manufacturer program. Nalley Kia is a certified Kia franchise dealer with manufacturer training and OEM diagnostic tools; we recommend scheduling with a franchise dealer for safety and to preserve warranty and resale value.
How long does a 2016 Kia Sorento recall repair take?
Repair time varies by campaign; many recall fixes take one visit while engine or replacement work can take longer—our advisors will provide an estimate when you schedule appointment. We offer efficient service, OEM parts inventory, and loaner options where available; ask about our service financing so you can get necessary non-recall work done now and pay later.
Does an open recall affect my 2016 Kia Sorento's trade-in or resale value?
Unresolved recalls can reduce trade-in offers and deter buyers because many dealers and private purchasers check NHTSA recall status before purchase. Resolving recalls at Nalley Kia protects your vehicle's value and marketability; if you are considering a trade, start with a free recall check and then visit our trade-in page to get an appraisal here.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2016 Kia Sorento recall?
Some safety-related recalls (seat belt, air bag, braking, lighting) can affect inspection outcomes in certain states; unresolved safety defects may result in inspection failures. To avoid inspection issues, have Nalley Kia confirm and complete any open recall repairs—use our schedule service link for a free VIN check and repair appointment.
2016 Kia Sorento Recall Summary
These summaries are based on NHTSA recall records. Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA performs free manufacturer recall repairs—please schedule service to resolve any open campaigns.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The safety concerns identified by the NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sorento are real and should be addressed immediately to protect you and your passengers. Issues documented in NHTSA records include brake system HECU brake-fluid leaks that can cause electrical shorts and engine compartment fires, fuel-pipe damage after some engine replacements that can lead to fuel leaks and fire risk, engine bearing and crankshaft defects that may cause engine seizure or stalling, and seat or suspension weld defects that can reduce crash protection. Ignoring these items can increase the risk of injury, impede safe vehicle operation, and even affect your insurance coverage in the event of an incident. Nalley Kia prioritizes safety: our factory-trained technicians follow Kia service bulletins and use OEM parts to return your vehicle to its intended safety standard. If you suspect any problem or have received a recall notice, please schedule service right away—recall repairs are free and required to maintain safe operation.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Nalley Kia is your certified local Kia dealer serving Lithonia, GA and the surrounding communities including Roswell, Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta and the greater Atlanta area. As a franchise dealer we provide factory-trained technicians, Kia-specific diagnostic tools, and guaranteed OEM parts for every manufacturer recall repair. Our staff understands NHTSA recall procedures and Kia corrective actions, ensuring repairs are performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and at no cost under the recall program. Choosing a certified dealer protects warranty status and ensures any replaced components come from Kia, which matters for safety and resale value. We book recall repairs efficiently and keep you informed at every step; if you have questions about parts, turnaround, or how a recall affects your vehicle, our service advisors will explain the recommended corrective action and expected timeline. To get started, schedule service with Nalley Kia and ask about current service specials.
Next Steps & What to Expect
If you own a 2016 Kia Sorento, the first step is a VIN check at NHTSA.gov or a free VIN lookup at Nalley Kia to confirm open campaigns. When you bring your vehicle to our service department, our technicians will inspect the affected systems (brake HECU, fuel connections, engine assembly, seatbacks, suspension welds, trailer wiring, seat belt assemblies, and accelerator pedal assemblies) and complete the manufacturer-prescribed repair or replacement at no charge. Typical minor recall repairs can be completed within a few hours; engine or assembly replacements take longer and we will provide a clear timeframe up front. We use OEM parts and Kia-approved procedures so repairs are fully documented and completed correctly. To minimize downtime we offer convenient appointment times—please schedule appointment online—and let us know if you need assistance with transportation or if you’d like to discuss service financing options for related non-recall work. Nalley Kia will keep you informed throughout the repair and provide documentation showing the recall action completed.
Protect Your Resale Value
Unresolved recalls can lower trade-in and resale value because dealerships and buyers increasingly check NHTSA databases and VIN histories before making offers. For the 2016 Kia Sorento, open recalls affecting brakes, fuel system, engine components, and safety restraints can create buyer hesitation or reduce appraisal offers. Nalley Kia resolves recall items using OEM parts and maintains service records showing manufacturer recall completion—this documentation protects your vehicle’s marketability and can improve trade-in negotiations. If you’re considering selling or trading your Sorento, start with a free recall check at Nalley Kia; we will complete required repairs at no cost to you and issue the service documentation buyers expect. For a quick appraisal after recall completion, visit our trade-in page at sell your car online and let our team guide you through the process to maximize value and confidence for buyers.
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Recall Summary
21 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Brake
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Free recall check · No appointment needed
Fuel Pump5
FREE5 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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Engine4
FREE4 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update, which when available, will be performed by dealers free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
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Transmission1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such
Consequence
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
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Axle Shaft1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
Consequence
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.
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Air Bag1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.
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Steering Column1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Consequence
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
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Trailer Brake Light2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Consequence
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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Seat1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and replace the driver seatback frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 9, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC140.
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Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Consequence
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC137.
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Seat Belt1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
Consequence
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.
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Accelerator Pedal1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
Consequence
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
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