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2016 Kia Sorento Fuel System Problems

13 owner-reported fuel system complaints from NHTSA data

13
Complaints
1
Recalls
3
Fires
Feb 2025Dec 2020
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Fuel System Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #18V907000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Fix: 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.

Owner Complaints (13)

criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

Fuel pump leaking gas from a crack around electrical connections on top of it. Fire hazard.

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NHTSA #: 11687042
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

Check engine light came on again after recall for engine bearing failure and engine block was determined to qualify for replacement by home Kia dealer , est July / August 2024 in North Hampton NH . After motor block changes the engine light came on and off while in Florida vacationing .

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NHTSA #: 11643166
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FLASH THEIR LIGHTS AND BLOW THEIR HORN AT THEM. THE CONTACT STATED THEY DECIDED TO PULL OVER TO FIND OUT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE. THE FIRE CAUSED GLASS TO SHATTER AND CAUSED A LARGER FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY INJURIES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (BUCHANAN KIA 119 RAILROAD AVE, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157; (410) 876-2251) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED THE PAPERWORK FOR ALL PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION PURPOSES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

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NHTSA #: 11363234
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2018

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 kia sorento. While driving 25 MPH, the contact was informed by an oncoming motorist that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire.

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NHTSA #: 11128731
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2018

While entering highway vehicle would not pick up speed. Engine would rev slowly. Pulled over shut vehicle down and restarted it and the problem resolved.

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NHTSA #: 11123090
criticalFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FireFiled: Jul 2018

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 kia sorento. The contact heard an abnormal noise while the vehicle was parked in the driveway. Afterwards, flames emerged from the fuel tank and the vehicle blew up.

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NHTSA #: 11111110
highFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11609928
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

Fuel pump is leaking, unsafe to drive vehicle, no check engine light just really bad smell of gas

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NHTSA #: 11670204
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal was released, and the "check oil" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil.

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NHTSA #: 11655946
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2022

Warning engine light keeps activating saying major fuel leak. Supposed recall sc 172 but according to kia, not associated with my VIN and needed to be reported

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NHTSA #: 11476848
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2020

I noticed a greenish liquid leaking on 12/4/20 after I had put the car in park. Not sure what it is but I do see there is a recall but not on my car specificlly

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NHTSA #: 11378188
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 kia sorento. While attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel spewed out of the fueling hole. The fuel nozzle would continue to click while fueling.

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NHTSA #: 11152918
lowFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2019

Strong fuel smell in cabin when driving and stationary.

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NHTSA #: 11210047

Other 2016 Kia Sorento Issues