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Service bulletins for the 2016 Kia Sorento

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

275 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
TSBCHA084_R42019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing.
PI1802_TSB_R82019-12-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB - Product Improvement Campaign: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PI1802_TSB_R72019-10-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The KSDS detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It is designed to alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear before the occurrence of severe engine damage, including engine failure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Limp Home Mode. This will reduce further damage to the engine and ensure that the vehicle occupants are not exposed to the risk of a more severe engine failure. At that time, Diagnostic Trouble Code (“DTC”) P1326, specific to the KSDS, will be recorded in the ECU. The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in Limp Home Mode, but it will accelerate slowly and have a reduced maximum speed. Also, engine RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
PI1802_OWNR2_SOR2019-07-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PI1802_OWNR2_SOR: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2015 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L GDI engines and all 2016-2018 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBENG2052019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
PI1802WX_TSB_R52019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1802WX_TSB_R42019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
VPI1802WX_TSB_R32019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X)- This bulletin has been revised to include additional information This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326..
VPI1802WX_TSB_R22019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 5, 12/20/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1802_TSB_R62019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN:KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DC_201901252019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, January 25, 2019 Update - Dear Kia Retailer, At Kia, safety is a top priority and we wrote to you last August and again last October to provide you with updates regarding news reports about non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and the status of Kia?s cooperative work with NHTSA.
VPI1802_OWNER_SO2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Dear Kia Sorento Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2016-2018 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (?GDI?) and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI (?T-GDI?) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
VPI1802_QA2018-08-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Q & A - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DSM2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer service manager of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DP2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer principal of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PS5392018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSB-ENG159R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information about the replacement of the E-CVVT cover and motor plug on some 2016MY Optima (JF/JFa), produced from August 29, 2015 to June 14, 2016, 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 10, 2015 to June 15, 2016, and 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa), produced from October 27, 2014 to June 14, 2016, which may exhibit a MIL ON with DTC P001000 and/or oil leakage in the E-CVVT motor plug of applicable vehicle models equipped with 2.4L GDI or 2.0 T-GDI engines.
TSB-ENG1612017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC16) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting. To facilitate collection of this data at the dealer level, GDS/KDS screenshots will allow the capture of relevant parameters.
TSB-ENG158R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: VCM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - DTC P200A00 (SA240A) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade and inspection of the VCM motor (Actuation Test) of some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from August 28, 2015 through February 15, 2016, and some 2016MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced from November 17, 2014 through February 3, 2016, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system-related DTC: P200A00.
PS415R22017-02-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE. PITSTOP: OIL INTRUSION INTO E-CVVT COVER - WHEN DIAGNOSING A DTC RELATED TO THE E-CVVT SYSTEM, REMOVE THE THE E-CVVT COVER AND CHECK FOR POSSIBLE OIL INTRUSION (A). THE ECVVT SYSTEM UTILIZES TWO SEALS TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF OIL AND/OR DUST – A SEAL ON THE COVER (A) AND A SEAL THAT IS RECESSED IN THE ECVVT. IF OIL IS FOUND INSIDE THE COVER; THE COVER, THE OIL SEAL WITHIN THE E-CVVT ASSEMBLY AND THE E-CVVT ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE REPLACED. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS LISTED IN THE SERVICE INFORMATION, AND IN THE VIDEO LINK BELOW, TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE OIL SEAL TO THE CORRECT DEPTH AND ALIGN THE COVER.
TSBENG1592017-02-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TSB: E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG ON SOME 2016MY SORENTO (UMA), PRODUCED FROM OCTOBER 27, 2014 TO JUNE 14, 2016, 2016MY OPTIMA (JF/JFA), PRODUCED FROM AUGUST 29, 2015 TO JUNE 14, 2016, AND 2017MY SPORTAGE (QL) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 10, 2015 TO JUNE 15, 2016, WHICH MAY EXHIBIT A MIL ON WITH DTC P001000 AND/OR OIL LEAKAGE IN THE E-CVVT MOTOR PLUG OF APPLICABLE VEHICLE MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L GDI OR 2.0 T-GDI ENGINES. FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN TO REPLACE THE E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG TO CORRECT THE CONCERN.
SC118OWNER2017-01-31. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; ENGINE. OWNER LETTER: DEAR KIA SORENTO OWNER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPROGRAM THE LOGIC FOR THE ADVANCED SMART CRUISE CONTROL IN CERTAIN 2016 MY SORENTO SX LIMITED (SXL) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3L V6 ENGINE AND TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE.
TSBCLI0272017-01-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: A/C SUCTION HOSE/PIPE INSPECTION AND/OR MODIFICATION (SA183) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE ROUTING FOR THE A/C SUCTION HOSE/PIPE ON SOME 2016MY SORENTO (UMA) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM OCTOBER 27, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 9, 2015, TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTACT BETWEEN THE A/C SUCTION HOSE/PIPE AND THE COMPRESSOR PULLEY. TO CORRECT AND/OR PREVENT THIS CONDITION, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN. KIA IS REQUESTING THE COMPLETION OF THIS SERVICE ACTION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING DEALER STOCK, PRIOR TO DELIVERY. BEFORE CONDUCTING THE PROCEDURE, VERIFY THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF AFFECTED VINS.
PS415R22017-01-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE. PITSTOP: OIL INTRUSION INTO E-CVVT COVER - WHEN DIAGNOSING A DTC RELATED TO THE E-CVVT SYSTEM, REMOVE THE THE E-CVVT COVER AND CHECK FOR POSSIBLE OIL INTRUSION (A). THE ECVVT SYSTEM UTILIZES TWO SEALS TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF OIL AND/OR DUST – A SEAL ON THE COVER (A) AND A SEAL THAT IS RECESSED IN THE ECVVT. IF OIL IS FOUND INSIDE THE COVER; THE COVER, THE OIL SEAL WITHIN THE E-CVVT ASSEMBLY AND THE E-CVVT ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE REPLACED. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS LISTED IN THE SERVICE INFORMATION, AND IN THE VIDEO LINK BELOW, TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE OIL SEAL TO THE CORRECT DEPTH AND ALIGN THE COVER.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.