2016 Kia Sorento lighting problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 10, 2025TNLighting

   I have now replaced the headlight bulbs in my 2016 KIA Sorento 6 times and it's getting worse as it gets older. I believe it is a safety issue since the last time I was out of town, traveling in the middle of the night when it went out. I had to wait until morning to find an auto parts store to buy and replace the bulb. No inspections have been done by anyone. Yes, the warning lamp comes on and stays until reset.

   NHTSA complaint #11672522 · source
2. Filed Oct 23, 2024GAElectrical SystemLighting

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11621648 · source
3. Filed Aug 11, 2024FLLighting

   I own a 2016 Sorento SXL AWD and this issue just started. I work evening shift and get off at 11pm. I always have the lights set to "auto", while driving home on a rural road at night and the headlights switch off on their own. I have to manually switch the lights off and back to auto for them to come back on. Potentially dangerous situation and Kia should issue a recall. Can find any recall but have done research and find it is an on going issue seems be be a multi function…

   NHTSA complaint #11607808 · source
4. Filed Aug 7, 2024FLElectrical SystemLighting

   My left headlamp always goes off. The lights go off all the time. I changed the bulb but its Not it. It the faulty light cable connections. I replace higher lights 12000k and the left light cable never stays on. Cause the left light cable is crap and never probably done. So i bought a lemon new off the lot

   NHTSA complaint #11606942 · source
5. Filed Aug 1, 2024WILighting

   while driving at night the headlights will go out. it has done so several times in the past. it is very scary when it happens on the freeway. Also the brake lights, specifically the drivers side, will stop working about every 2 weeks or so. I replace it and shortly after, it will stop working.

   NHTSA complaint #11605867 · source
6. Filed Jul 1, 202480,000 miFLLighting

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11597902 · source
7. Filed Nov 21, 2023KSLightingOther / UnknownSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11556228 · source
8. Filed Nov 7, 2023152,000 miSCLighting

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11553996 · source
9. Filed Aug 27, 2023OHLighting

   At various times the headlights shut off while in "auto" mode. Since it is "auto" mode it is always at night and you suddenly cannot see the road. We have found when this happens that the system goes to the "Parking" light mode. Rotating the multi-function switch to a different position other than "auto" and back allows the headlights to come back on. We have not found a pattern in this dangerous event where we are able to repeat the failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11541051 · source
10. Filed Aug 9, 2023OHLighting

    "Auto" mode on headlights sometimes causes the headlights to turn off while in use in dark conditions. Auto mode also sometimes causes the lights not to turn on automatically or turn on randomly, even when the car is not in use and key is not in the ignition. Lights can turn on randomly when not occupied or being driven.

    NHTSA complaint #11537349 · source
11. Filed Jul 16, 2023ORLighting

    When driving at night with the light switch in auto position, headlight will turn off. Sometimes, turning the switch to off and back to auto will make them work. Sometimes wiggles the switch will make them work. Sometimes you have to switch them to on to make them work.

    NHTSA complaint #11532603 · source
12. Filed Jun 24, 2023AZEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11528652 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology