2016 Kia Sorento Key Replacement

The 2016–2018 Sorento uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Kia Sorento key guide.

2016 Kia Sorento: key facts

Key type: Mechanical (no chip)
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 47 (Hitag 3) — smart-key trims only
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Base trims: turn-key with NO immobilizer (theft class list). US smart-key fob TQ8-FOB-4F06 (95440-C6000) is listed as Hitag 3 / ID47 by US vendors, but transpondery.com lists ID46 or DST80 for early global UM cars — we confirm by fob part number before quoting.

What kind of key does a 2016 Sorento use?

The 2016 Sorento is mostly a mechanical-key car. On the base trims you put a metal key in the ignition and turn it. There is no push-button start on these, and no immobilizer chip that the car has to recognize before it will run.

For you, that matters in a practical way. A key for this setup is cut to fit the locks, and because there is no transponder to pair, there is nothing to program. That keeps the job simpler than on most newer cars.

Some trims came with a smart-key fob instead. Our data lists the US fob, part number TQ8-FOB-4F06 (95440-C6000), as a Hitag 3 chip (ID47). That chip family applies to smart-key trims only. Even these fobs include a mechanical backup key, which is useful to know if a fob battery dies or the fob goes missing.

Base trims: turn-key, no immobilizer, no transponder programming
Smart-key trims: Hitag 3 (ID47) per US vendors, programmed through the OBD port
Mechanical backup key available for the fob

Can you copy a key, or is it all keys lost?

Both work on this car. You do not need an original key in hand for us to make a new one, so losing your only key is not a dead end. We can cut a key from the lock and the vehicle information, and we can do this at our storefront or by sending a mobile van to you.

If you still have one working key, a duplicate is the more economical route, because we can copy from it directly. If you have none, an all-keys-lost job takes a bit more work, but it is possible and routine for us.

For smart-key trims, programming runs through the OBD port under the dash. The method does not require NASTF SDRM registry access, so we can handle it ourselves without sending you to a dealer for that step.

What about ignition damage and sticking keys?

This is the problem we hear most about on these Sorentos. Turn-key versions with no immobilizer were prime targets in the 2021 to 2023 Kia theft wave. If your car was stolen and recovered, the steering column and ignition are often damaged, and the car usually needs a new ignition lock rather than just a new key.

The other common issue is plain wear. Worn wafers inside the ignition lock make the key stick or refuse to turn. A new key will not fix that if the lock itself is tired. We check the lock first, because cutting a key for a worn ignition just gives you a second key that sticks.

Lost keys are the third situation, and on a car with no immobilizer it is the least complicated of the three.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of a 2016 Sorento key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real answer depends on your car. These are the things that move the cost:

Trim: a plain turn-key costs differently than a smart-key fob with a chip to program
Whether you have a working key to copy or all keys are lost
Whether the ignition lock or steering column is damaged and needs repair or replacement
How many keys or fobs you want made
Where you are: our Westwood storefront or a mobile van visit to your location
Time of day, since we answer around the clock

What do we confirm before quoting, and why call us?

One honest note: the chip data on smart-key fobs is not fully settled. US vendors list the fob as Hitag 3 (ID47). But another source, transpondery.com, lists ID46 or DST80 for early global versions of this platform. So we confirm by fob part number and VIN before we quote or cut anything. On base turn-key cars, none of this applies, since there is no chip.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987. We run a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood (90024) and mobile vans that serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. You reach us directly, not a dispatch middleman, and David oversees the work as owner and lead technician.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license. Ask any locksmith for theirs before they start. For more on this model, see our Kia Sorento key page or the wider Kia key service overview. To describe your situation, use our contact page or call (213) 577-1366.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2016 Kia Sorento need a transponder chip programmed?

Base turn-key trims have no immobilizer, so no transponder programming is needed. Smart-key trims use a Hitag 3 (ID47) chip according to US vendors, and we confirm by fob part number before programming.

Can you make a key if I lost every key?

Yes. An original key is not required, and all-keys-lost replacement is possible for this vehicle. Call us with your VIN and trim, and we will explain the steps.

Is a dealer visit required for programming?

No. Programming runs through the OBD port and does not require NASTF SDRM access, so we handle it at our storefront or on location with a mobile van.

My Sorento was stolen and recovered. Is a new key enough?

Usually not. Theft attempts commonly damage the ignition and steering column, and recovered cars typically need a new ignition lock. We inspect the lock first and tell you what the car actually needs.

Why does my key stick or refuse to turn?

Worn wafers inside the ignition lock are a common cause. A fresh key can help if the old one is worn down, but a tired lock may need replacement.

Is the chip data for this year fully confirmed?

Not completely. Sources conflict on the smart-key fob chip, so we verify by VIN and fob part number in person before quoting. Start at our car keys hub if you want to see other models.

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Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.