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2011 Kia Sorento vs 2016 Kia Sorento

Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.

Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.

2011 Kia Sorento

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
2,073
rank #79 of 4,194
Recalls
7
campaigns on record
Top component
Engine
283 complaints (14%)
Reported harm
65 crashes / 75 injuries
0 deaths; 106 fires

2016 Kia Sorento

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
1,602
rank #145 of 4,194
Recalls
8
campaigns on record
Top component
Engine
681 complaints (43%)
Reported harm
42 crashes / 32 injuries
0 deaths; 76 fires

Largest differences in this pair

Complaint gap

471

2016 Kia Sorento has the lower raw complaint count

Recall gap

1

2011 Kia Sorento vs 2016 Kia Sorento

Top component overlap

Same family

Engine vs Engine

2011 Kia Sorento problem mix

  • ENGINE 283
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 241
  • STRUCTURE:BODY 233
  • POWER TRAIN 222
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 213

2016 Kia Sorento problem mix

  • ENGINE 681
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 163
  • POWER TRAIN 116
  • STRUCTURE:BODY 102
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 102

Frequently asked questions

Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2011 Kia Sorento or 2016 Kia Sorento?

2016 Kia Sorento has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (1,602 vs 2,073). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Does this mean the 2016 Kia Sorento is more reliable?

No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.

These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).