Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate to notify the contact that the oil level was low. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump started. The vehicle was started and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The mechanic performed an oil change on the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear brake lights became inoperable on several occasions. The contact was pulled over due to the rear lights being inoperable. The contact noticed that the sockets for the bulbs had overheated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 40 mph at dawn, the headlights, side marker lights, and turn signals became inoperable. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front light module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the headlamps became inoperable. The contact stated that the light switch was jiggled, and the lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
I purchased a new 2016 KIA Sorento Tow Package that stated on the invoice it included a Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9 (Tow Hitch Harness) -Sorento. They part failed June 2019 and was reported to the KIA Kearny Mesa dealership. They initiated a request for the part and it was not received to date. The KIA Customer Care Irvine center said the vehicle was not listed as having the part and therefore I was not entitled to the KIA internal recall SC142. (Google search C6061 ADUS9) Their explanation was the VIN didn't include the Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9. I emailed a copy of the purchase invoice that showed otherwise. Please force KIA to update their build database to include purchased options. This is the second time I have submitted this Safety Recall. Consumer would like to provide an update complaint number 11390630 with 11420441. …
Vehicle is consuming an excessive amount of oil, I see this is a common issue with this make and model , even a TSB regarding this issue. Yet, dealership states it is normal. I'm sorry but I have never owned a vehicle where it is normal to have to add 4 qts of oil between oil changes. This is a serious concern for engine wear and tear. I would like to escalate this issue to seek resolution. Another issue I see is both rear window regulators failed at same time. This I believe is due to poor design and low quality parts being used. Plastic pieces are used to hold metal wire in place to raise and lower windows. This plastic easily breaks over time causing windows to fall down suddenly and potentially shatter sending glass and debris in rear passengers. Headlight switch is defective causing headlights to turn off randomly while driving and then not being able to turn back on immediately. …
Issues with headlights turning off while I'm driving in the dark. Sometimes happens when I use turn signal other times just driving on a straight road in the dark country. Also transmission slips every so often but enough that passengers notice and want to know what is happening. Now car can not be shifted out of park even with foot on brake and steering will lock up and key can't be turned. Of course dealer says would cost over 1k to check it all out and even with 2 warranties nothing is covered. Please advise me what to do next. Lights have been doing this for at least 4 years. Can't remember on the trans issue for sure. Steering locking up about a year and just recently can't shift.
I am having an issue with my Kia headlights when on dim. The lights are so dim I am afraid to drive the car at night because I am scared I will hit a person, animal or object. I am replacing light bulbs frequently. Cars are flashing their lights at me (when I need to drive at night) because of the dimness. I took my car to a Kia dealer and they could not diagnosis the problem. They advised to replace the entire headlight assembly with a cost of $2,600.00. I am on Social Security and can't afford to have the repair made. I have read a lot of complaints of other Kia lighting issues. I feel a recall should be made immediately due to the seriousness of the issue.
When I make a left-hand turn, the right-hand signal light will come on as I'm making the turn. My vehicle is available for inspection. This puts me and the drivers around me in immediate danger of an auto accident. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer for this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to it first appearing three or four months after I purchased the vehicle in May of 2020. I don't want to get rear-ended or accidently pitted because of this problem (especially with passengers in my vehicle).
There was an instance where I was driving in heavy rain and the windshield wipers just stopped working. I had to drive about 5 more miles without them working. They worked the next time it rained a couple of days later. There has been 2 instances in the last week where I have had my car parked in my driveway off and locked. In the middle of the night, the headlights and taillights come on on there own. The headlights setting has been set to auto. I end up having to go out and start and turn off my car, then when I lock it back the lights go off.
Headlight complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2016 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the lights of the 2016 Kia Sorento, 5% of the model year's 1,256 complaints. The component named most often is headlights › bulbs (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Sorento headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2016 Kia Sorento, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sorento headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.