2016 Kia Sorento Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Sorento
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (694 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 694 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (125 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 125 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (110 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 110 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (107 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 107 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (80 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 80 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
87 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
8
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Seat Belts Red flag
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.
Seats Red flag
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Trailer Hitches Check
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension Check
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle Speed Control Red flag
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Trailer Hitches Red flag
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Sorento–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Sorento. The most serious involve Fuel System, Gasoline (18V907000) and Seat Belts (15V446000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Sorento?
The top complaint areas are Engine (694 complaints) and Unknown or Other (165 complaints), out of 1250 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Sorento?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 694 complaints for this model-year.