# Kia Sorento 2016–2020 Maintenance Schedule & Cost to Maintain

Canonical: https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/cost-to-maintain/

> What routine maintenance costs on the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento, by mileage interval: what's due, why, independent-shop cost ranges, and which jobs are realistic DIY.

Case file · KIA-SORENTO-2016-2020 · Cost ledger

# Kia Sorento 2016–2020 · Maintenance schedule & cost to maintain

CarCaseFile editorial · filed 07-03-2026 · updated 09-23-2026

Scheduled service only, not the documented problems (those are on the [case file's problem list](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/#own), with their own cost calculator). Every interval and cost range below is sourced, not estimated.

Where the manufacturer publishes separate normal and severe-condition schedules, this ledger defaults to the **severe** interval and says so. That's not us padding the numbers: a manufacturer's own severe-duty list usually describes ordinary driving, things like short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extended idling, dust or road salt. But the list is written per manufacturer and sometimes per model year, and some are far narrower than others, so each item's "why" text names what *this* manufacturer actually wrote and gives the normal-schedule number alongside it. Read the item, not this paragraph.

[← Full case file](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/)

Track Kia Sorento 2016–2020

## What's due on MY 2016–2020 Kia Sorento right now?

Enter your mileage. We'll check it against this car's full schedule below.

Get a reminder before the next thing comes due. No account. Reply to the email anytime with your new mileage to keep it accurate.

Cumulative cost

## What routine maintenance adds up to, by mileage

Running total of the independent-shop cost ranges below. Each bar is everything due by that point, added to everything before it.

Solid bar = low estimate, tint = high estimate. This is a routine-maintenance floor, not a total cost of ownership. Fuel, insurance, tires, and any of the documented problems above are separate. Items that recur more than once per interval under a severe-duty schedule (an air filter due every 5k, say) are counted here at one occurrence, not the full repeat total. The real cumulative spend for a high-mileage severe-duty driver runs higher than this chart shows.

Parts below link to Amazon, and to eBay for tires. Those are affiliate
links, so we may earn a commission if you buy. Your price is the same
either way, and a commission never changes what this page says.

## Every 3,000–3,750 mi (oil service, severe default)

### Engine oil and filter, 2.4L and 3.3L V6 (severe-schedule default: 3,750 mi / 6 months, against 7,500 mi / 12 months normal)

$161–$192 DIY-realistic

All five Kia books (2016-2020) put the 2.4 and 3.3 V6 at every 3,750 miles or 6 months on the severe chart and 7,500 miles or 12 months on the normal one. Kia's own test is one condition, not two: if any listed condition applies, follow the severe schedule. Every list includes short trips and long idling. The 2016 opening list names heavy traffic only above 90F and leaves out stop-and-go, but its severe oil row still lists both. The 2017 to 2020 lists name both. The 2.4 takes 5.07 US quarts.

On this generation

- The V6 oil fill changed inside this generation. The 2016 and 2017 books list 6.02 US quarts (5.7 L). The 2018, 2019 and 2020 books list 6.87 US quarts (6.5 L). A shop that pours six quarts into a 2018 or later V6 leaves it most of a quart short, so check the dipstick after any quick-lube visit.
- Grade depends on the book. The 2016 and 2017 books recommend SAE 5W-20 for the 2.4 and 5W-30 for the V6, for fuel economy. The 2018 to 2020 books chart 5W-20 or 5W-30 for the 2.4 with no preference, and 5W-30 for the V6.
- On a 2016 to 2019 2.4, keep every oil receipt. These cars are in the Kia engine settlement class (2012 to 2019 Sorento, 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI). The lifetime short-block extension needs the KSDS campaign done at a Kia dealer, and the settlement tells owners to keep maintenance records after 08-18-2020 because Kia can ask for them if it claims neglect. The 2020 model year is not in the class.
- Every book lists a fuel additive every 7,500 miles or 12 months, but only if TOP TIER detergent gasoline is not available. Buy TOP TIER fuel and the line does not apply to you.
- RepairPal's oil change rows read $161-$192 for 2016 and 2017, $356-$386 for 2018 and 2019, and $438-$466 for 2020. The later rows are more than double the earlier ones for the same job and the page does not say why. We did not use them. The cost shown is the 2016-2017 rows only.

### Engine oil and filter, 2.0L turbo, 2016-2018 only (severe-schedule default: 3,000 mi)

$161–$192 DIY-realistic

The 2.0T runs shorter numbers. Severe is every 3,000 miles, with a 3-month clock in the 2016 and 2017 books and a 6-month clock in the 2018 book. Normal: the 2016 book says first at 3,000 then every 5,000 miles or 6 months, and the 2017 and 2018 books say every 6,500 miles (10,000 km). Kia recommends 5W-30 (ACEA A5) and lists 5.07 US quarts.

On this generation

- The 2018 book contradicts itself on the 2.0T. The footnote under most schedule pages reads 6,500 miles "or 12 months", and on two pages it reads "or 6 months". The 2017 book says 6 months throughout. Use 6 months, and 3,000 miles if you match any severe condition.
- The cost shown is RepairPal's 2016-2017 oil change rows. Its 2018 row reads $356-$386 and we did not use it (see the 2.4 and V6 oil item).

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia Engine Settlement](https://www.kiaenginesettlement.com/Home/FAQ), [RepairPal](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/oil-change-cost)

## Every 7,500 mi

### Tire rotation, with a lug-nut torque that changed in 2019

DIY-realistic

Every book from 2016 to 2020 says rotate the tires every 7,500 miles. Torque the lug nuts by hand afterward. The 2016 to 2018 spec tables give 65 to 79 lb-ft, and the 2019 and 2020 tables give 79 to 94 lb-ft. A shop working from the older number under-torques a 2019 or 2020.

On this generation

- The 2017 to 2020 books tell you to keep all four tires the same size, type, tread and load-carrying capacity when you replace them. Plan on buying tires in sets of four on this car, and rotate on time so the four wear together. We did not find that line in the 2016 book.

### Drive shafts and CV boots, inspect (Kia's interval changed by year)

Shop job

An inspection, not a part. The 2016 to 2018 books inspect the drive shafts and boots every 15,000 miles, the 2019 book every 7,500, and the 2020 book every 15,000 again. On the severe chart it is every 7,500 miles or 6 months in the 2016 and 2017 books, and "more frequently" in 2018 to 2020. A torn boot caught at inspection is a boot job. Missed, it becomes an axle.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html)

## 15,000 mi (cabin air filter, 7,500 in the 2019-2020 charts)

### Cabin air filter (Kia calls it the climate control air filter)

DIY-realistic

The 2016 to 2018 books replace it every 15,000 miles. The 2019 and 2020 schedule grids mark it for replacement at every 7,500-mile column, while the climate chapter of the same two books still says every 15,000 miles or once a year. KiaPartsNow sells the genuine filter (97134-C6900) for $21.45 (MSRP $29.07), and it comes out behind the glovebox, so doing it at 7,500 costs little.

Parts for this job: Cabin air filter.

Parts for this job

Cabin air filter

[★ Recommended Wix WP10207 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWix%2BWP10207) [OEM Kia/Mobis 97134-C6900 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DKia%252FMobis%2B97134-C6900)

[All options on the parts desk →](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/#part-cabin-air-filter)

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [KiaPartsNow](https://www.kiapartsnow.com/oem-kia-sorento-cabin_air_filter.html)

## 30,000 mi

### Engine air filter (Kia calls it the air cleaner filter)

$62–$74 DIY-realistic

Replace every 30,000 miles and inspect at the 7,500-mile visits between, the same in all five books. The severe chart says "more frequently" for rough, dusty or unpaved roads and heavy dust, and prints no mileage, so we are not inventing one. On those roads, act on the inspections.

Parts for this job: Engine air filter.

Parts for this job

Engine air filter

[★ Recommended Wix WA10271 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB019HXY524) [OEM Kia/Mobis 28113-A9100 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DKia%252FMobis%2B28113-A9100)

[All options on the parts desk →](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/#part-engine-air-filter)

### Wheel alignment (event-triggered, not a Kia mileage item)

$159–$233 Shop job

No book in this range schedules an alignment. Get one after new tires, after any steering or suspension work, and when the car wanders. This generation has a documented highway-wander complaint (see the steering entry above), and an alignment is the cheap first step there. Skip it after new tires and uneven wear eats part of the set.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (air filter)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/air-filter-replacement-cost), [RepairPal (alignment)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/wheel-alignment-cost)

## 45,000 mi (2.0L turbo spark plugs)

### Spark plugs, 2.0L turbo only, 2016-2018 (every 45,000 mi)

$208–$260 DIY-realistic

The 2016 to 2018 books replace the 2.0T's iridium plugs at 45,000 and 90,000 miles, and the 2017 and 2018 books label the 135,000-mile line 2.0T too. That is three plug jobs where the 2.4 and V6 get one. The severe chart only says "more frequently", with no mileage. The 2.0T takes its own colder plug, not the 2.4's.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (spark plugs)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/spark-plug-replacement-cost)

## 60,000 mi

### Automatic transmission fluid (severe-schedule default: every 60,000 mi)

$161–$203 Shop job

The biggest severe gap on this car. The normal schedule in all five books reads "No check, No service required". The severe chart says replace every 60,000 miles. Take the 60,000. Kia specifies ATF SP-IV, 7.50 US quarts on the 2.4 and 8.24 on the V6 and the 2.0T. RepairPal rows: 2016, 2017 and 2019 $161-$190, 2020 $174-$203, 2018 not read.

On this generation

- The conditions that trigger the 60,000-mile change grew in 2019. The 2016 to 2018 charts list A, C, E, F, G and I. The 2019 and 2020 charts add D (salt or very cold weather), H (towing, camper or roof rack) and J (over 106 mph). A 2018 owner who only tows is not sent to 60,000 by the book. A 2019 owner who tows is.

### Coolant, first change (this number moved in 2019)

$347–$457 Shop job

The 2016 to 2018 books put the first coolant change at 60,000 miles or 60 months, then every 30,000 miles or 24 months. The 2019 and 2020 books move the first change to 120,000 miles or 10 years, same repeat after. Every car in this range is past 60 months, so a 2016 to 2018 car with no coolant record is due now. No separate severe interval is printed.

On this generation

- The 2016 to 2018 books print "60,000 miles (100,000 km)" for the first change. 60,000 miles is about 96,000 km, and the book uses 96,000 km for every other 60,000-mile line, so go by the miles.

### Drive belts, inspect (replace on condition)

$130–$239 DIY-realistic

Kia inspects the drive belts first at 60,000 miles or 72 months, then every 15,000 miles or 24 months, in all five books. It never schedules a replacement, only "when cracks occur or tension is reduced". Look at 60k and replace on condition.

On this generation

- There is no timing belt to budget for. All three engines use a timing chain: Kia's parts catalog lists timing chains for the 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II and the 3.3L Lambda II on 2016 to 2020 Sorentos, and a trade guide states Kia and Hyundai build no current vehicle with a timing belt. A timing-belt quote on this car is for a part it does not have.

### Valve clearance "(if equipped)", inspect at 60,000 mi and 120,000 mi

Shop job

The 2016 to 2018 books list "Inspect valve clearance" at 60,000 and 120,000 miles. The 2019 and 2020 books say inspect every 60,000 miles or 72 months on the 2.4 and 3.3. Kia defines the job as listening for excessive valve noise or vibration and adjusting only if needed, so it is a check folded into a visit, not a scheduled shim job.

### Front brake pads (wear-based, no Kia mileage)

$360–$417 DIY-realistic

Kia inspects the discs and pads every 15,000 miles in the 2016 to 2018 books and at every 7,500-mile column in the 2019 and 2020 grids, and never prints a replacement mileage. The severe chart adds "more frequently" for mountain roads, towing and salt. One pad set covers every engine and trim from 2016 to 2020.

Parts for this job: Front brake pads.

Parts for this job

Front brake pads

[★ Recommended Akebono ACT1815 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07D4Z1H1D) [OEM Kia/Mobis 58101-C6A00 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DKia%252FMobis%2B58101-C6A00)

[All options on the parts desk →](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/#part-front-brake-pads)

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (transmission fluid)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/transmission-fluid-change-cost), [RepairPal (coolant)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/coolant-change-cost), [RepairPal (drive belt)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/serpentine-belt-replacement-cost), [RepairPal (brake pads)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/brake-pad-replacement-cost), [KiaPartsNow (timing chain)](https://www.kiapartsnow.com/oem-kia-sorento-timing_chain.html), [KiaPartsNow (brake pads)](https://www.kiapartsnow.com/oem-kia-sorento-brake_pad_set.html), [ImportCar](https://www.import-car.com/kia-hyundai-engine-timing-system-guide/)

## 75,000 mi (AWD only, severe default)

### Transfer case oil and rear axle oil, AWD only (severe-schedule default: every 75,000 mi)

Shop job

The normal schedule only inspects both: at 37,500-mile steps in the 2016 to 2018 books and at 30,000-mile steps in 2019 and 2020. The severe chart replaces both every 75,000 miles for salt, dust, mountain roads, towing and commercial use. Both take API GL-5 75W-90 hypoid oil. Front-drive cars have neither.

On this generation

- Every book adds one trigger with no mileage at all: change both oils any time they have been submerged in water. After a flooded road or a boat ramp, this is due now.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html)

## 97,500 mi

### Spark plugs, 2.4L and 3.3L V6 (every 97,500 mi)

$208–$260 Shop job

All five books replace the iridium plugs on the 2.4 and the V6 at 97,500 miles. The severe chart says "more frequently" for short trips, idling, towing and commercial use, and the 2019 and 2020 charts add heavy traffic and mountain roads, but no book prints a severe mileage.

On this generation

- RepairPal's 2020 row reads $588 to $793, against $208 to $260 for 2016 to 2019, and the page does not say why. We did not use it. On a 2020, get a written quote that names your engine before you approve the job.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (spark plugs)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/spark-plug-replacement-cost)

## Every 3 years (any mileage, shop practice)

### Brake fluid (Kia prints inspection only, no replacement interval)

$85–$125 Shop job

Kia inspects the brake fluid, at 30,000-mile steps in the 2016 to 2018 books and 15,000-mile steps in 2019 and 2020, and prints no replacement at any mileage in any of the five. Brake fluid absorbs moisture with age regardless, so common shop practice is every two to three years. That is practice, not a Kia number. Kia specifies DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (brake fluid)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/brake-bleed-cost)

## 5 years (any mileage)

### 12V battery (calendar-based)

$274–$291 DIY-realistic

Kia's books only ask you to inspect the battery at every 7,500-mile service, and no book prints a group size. Load-test it from year three and replace by year five whatever the mileage, before it strands you. All engines share one battery group on the parts desk. RepairPal 2017-2020 rows: $274-$291, 2016 not read.

Parts for this job: Battery.

Parts for this job

Battery

[★ Recommended Any Group 94R/H7 H7 (94R) →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAny%2BGroup%2B94R%252FH7%2BH7%2B%252894R%2529) [OEM BCI group 94R / H7 →](https://carcasefile.com/go?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBCI%2Bgroup%2B94R%2B%252F%2BH7)

[All options on the parts desk →](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/kia-sorento-2016-2020/#part-battery)

Sources: [Kia (2016 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2017 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2018 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2019 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [Kia (2020 Sorento owner's manual)](https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html), [RepairPal (battery)](https://repairpal.com/estimator/kia/sorento/battery-replacement-cost)

Parts links go to Amazon, and to eBay for tires. Affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Confirm fitment against your VIN before ordering, mid-generation changes exist.

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