2016 Kia Sorento: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Engine · WA

My KIA, engine just died. I was at a stop light, the light turned green I pressed on the accelerator to go and at the middle of the intersection the engine died. Not certain what had happened or why the engine would die. After a week I had the vehicle towed to a car shop. The same shop that had just done a maintenance on the vehicle in July 2025. I have attached the copy of receipt from the work that the shop had done. When they looked at it they thought at first it was the key fob, so a new key fob was done, it still did not start. Then it was thought to believe it was the starter, so a new starter was installed, vehicle still did not start. At that time I was advised that it was the engine that had siezed. My complaint is that there was no warning signs or signals in the vehicle of anything mechanical going wrong or needing any kind of attention. No warning light displayed on the dash. I drove the vehicle not knowing why would my engine just die, my miles is between 175,000 - 178,000 so the last thing I would think to happen is my engine siezing up on me. Warning lights give you something needs to be looked at and figured out. But as a safety you get nothing displayed then your engines just dies, anything could happen when you are in the middle of traffic, highway or even if it was in the middle of the train tracks. I had spoken to KIA Dealer Service and he advised my vehicle does not have an engine recall but there were a recall in the past for engines such as mine. The KIA Dealer Service advised that they would have to do an inspection, at a cost of $270.00 dollars, and unfortunately it would have to be towed. Advised me that if I wanted to get a new engine it would cost $12,000.00. The vehicle is available for inspection just need to be towed.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Engine · WA

got into my vehicle pushed button to start, could hear a clicking for the first few seconds, then clicking went away. Drove off, went approximately 0.30 mile at a stop light when started to go it stalled in the the middle of an intersection. No warning light no other warning of anything wrong with vehichle, no other warning signs that there could be anything wrong. In July 2025 I had just took vehicle in for a major maintenance, oil, air filters, spark plugs, timing belt, and I checked oil and again no warning signs that there was anything wrong with vehicle. Took to a shop, mechanic believed it was the key fob, due to immobilize, had a new key reprogrammed and still not start, then proceeded to check the starter and installed a new starter still not start and found to be engine siezed.

Filed Nov 13, 2022 · Body · IL

Liftgate fail to open when key fob button pressed or dashboard release button pressed or approach function is turn on. Liftgate trying to open and than right a way closed. I read numerous posts of other owners stating same problem with liftgate. The problem starts once a while but getting worst and worst

Filed Mar 14, 2021 · Body · 43,500 miles · IL

Rear power lift gate door are not working properly. Doors not opening when trying to open using key fob, inside button or rear on door button car is parked and not moving. Doors trying to open but giving up and staying closed. I found that this is a problem with that mechanism and numerous owners has same problem and complaining about it on many forums and car dealers web pages. My car was at the dealer and he recommended to change latch assembly not covered by warranty.

Filed Apr 11, 2020 · Body · GA

The front passenger side door handle does not open after using the key fob to unlock the door or using the key to unlock the door. After using the key fob, you must use great force to open the door and close it securely. When this vehicle was purchased, we were told that a recall had been completed to correct this safety issue, however I doubt that. Once a door is unlocked it should not take great force to open it. My fear is that while driving this door may disengage and open while in transit. This has been an ongoing problem since this vehicle was purchased & the dealer is clueless as to how to address/correct the problem.

Filed Jan 26, 2020 · 83,000 miles · KY

Driver door will not unlock or open from the outside. You can only o po on the door from the inside then when hitting the lock or unlock on key fob you hear a click, click, click noise.

Filed Oct 15, 2019 · 79,000 miles · KY

The drivers door will not open from the outside. When inside vechile I can push the unlock button on my door and key fob but the lock will not unlock. The button for the drivers window button isn't working properly either the driver window button stays slightly up like it's out if place this happened the same moment that the drivers door wouldn't unlock. I can open it with the inside handle when I exit the vehicle. The vehicle was parked in my driveway when this first happened.

Filed Sep 22, 2019 · Body · 30,000 miles · NY

2016 kia sorento power liftgate will not always open when keyfob or button inside the car is pushed. I have to manually open it and then it will work fine for a few days. Problem has existed for a few years. Dealership cannot replicate the issue, so they note it but nothing has been done to fix it. I have read about many other sorentos with customers making the same complaint. Vehicle is always stationary when this occurs.