Recall 16V480 affects 7,901 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles for an improper rear suspension weld. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 7,901 2016 Sorento vehicles because a rear suspension component was not properly welded. If the weld breaks, rear suspension alignment can change and raise the risk of a crash; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension crossmember on the 2016 Kia Sorento is a structural frame piece under the back of the vehicle. It helps hold the rear suspension in position so the wheels stay properly located as the vehicle carries weight, turns, and travels over bumps. The assist arm bracket attaches part of that suspension linkage to the crossmember.
On affected Sorentos, the assist arm bracket was not seated correctly before the supplier made the tack welds. The later continuous weld then failed to join the bracket to the crossmember. That leaves the bracket relying on tack welds that were not meant to be the main structural connection.
If those tack welds break, the rear suspension connection can move and make noise. Owners can hear a popping or clunking sound from the rear of the vehicle.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Kia Sorento | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7,901 |
Not every 2016 Kia Sorento is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An improper weld can break and change the rear suspension alignment, increasing the risk of a crash. Treat a popping or clunking noise from the rear suspension as a warning sign, slow down, and schedule the recall inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free rear-suspension weld inspection and rear cross-member replacement if needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V480 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete because the improper rear-suspension weld can break and affect alignment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the welds at the rear suspension cross-member. If the weld issue is present, the technician replaces the rear cross-member assembly. The recall repair is free at a Kia dealer now, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid for a repair tied to the rear suspension cross-member weld issue, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented repair expenses. Keep your repair order and payment proof for Kia Customer Service or the dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 29, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 15, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 21, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V480?
Recall 16V480 covers 7,901 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles with a rear suspension cross-member weld that was not properly made. The weld can break, affect rear suspension alignment, and increase crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect the welds and replace the rear cross-member assembly for free when required.
What should I do if my 2016 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 16V480. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 16V480 or Kia recall SC137. The dealer will inspect the rear suspension cross-member welds and complete the free repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will inspect the rear suspension welds and replace the rear cross-member assembly, as needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Kia Sorento before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is that an improper rear suspension weld can break and affect rear suspension alignment, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN, schedule the dealer inspection, and ask Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 if you feel a suspension problem.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Kia's July 27, 2016 recall notice, check your VIN and call a franchised Kia dealer with recall number 16V480 or Kia recall SC137.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V480000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V480 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V480000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →