2019 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 428 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 10 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.
Campaign 23V639000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
428 reports, newest first.
Structure, Sep 27, 2026
Case number 25530365 discussed with vanguard kia. Paint not adhering. Flakes off when washing by hand.
Engine, Sep 25, 2026
I was driving to work on the interstate and my car went into limp mode almost causing me to get hit at those speeds. I sent it to my mechanic but was told about the theta2 lawsuit so I had it towed to Kia. Was charged $300 and it wasn’t even diagnosed or looked at due to missing oil change receipts. I have since contacted bbb and Kia headquarters to just be told it’s not covered due to missing receipts of oil changes. Even though it’s a known issue with the gdi engine. Was faulty due to metal left in the drive train after assembly. I have a car that I still owe $4,000 for still making payments and I can’t use the car. I just want it fixed?
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2026
Gasoline smell is coming with the left side of vehicle. Gasoline is leaking from the fuel pump causing the gas to puddle creating the gasoline smell.
Engine, Sep 4, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento and an engine failure related to Kia’s Product Improvement Campaign/KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) campaign. I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. Prior to the engine failure, I was never notified of any Product Improvement Campaign affecting my vehicle. Had I been notified, I would have immediately taken the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to have the campaign completed. My engine subsequently failed, and Kia denied coverage, stating that the Product Improvement Campaign was not completed before the engine failure occurred. Kia stated that notices were mailed to affected owners, but they have not provided me with documentation showing when my specific notice(s) were mailed, what address they were sent to, or proof that I was properly notified. I am concerned that affected owners may not be receiving adequate notification of this engine-related issue before a failure occurs. An engine failure can create a serious safety concern, especially if it occurs while driving, and owners may unknowingly continue operating vehicles affected by this condition without having the opportunity to complete the required update. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether Kia’s notification process for this campaign was effective and whether additional investigation is needed regarding engine failures associated with this issue. Vehicle Information: Year: 2019 Make: Kia Model: Sorento Date of engine failure: June 2026 I have documentation from Kia Customer Care regarding their denial of coverage and their statement that the campaign was not completed prior to engine failure.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 4, 2026
Engine seized per Kia Inspected by Kia after AAA TOWED AND COULD NOT START CAR warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and stalled in the driveway. After restarting the vehicle, the engine immediately shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who confirmed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. While purchasing the vehicle, the contact was advised to constantly monitor the engine oil due to a known oil consumption issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the extended warranty program. The failure mileage was 125,202.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 21, 2026
Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots
Engine, Aug 21, 2026
Engine, a Lambda 3.3 v6 started knocking periodically and consuming oil at about a half a quart a week. It is a know problem with this motor and well documented in its existence in all Hyundai and Kia vehicles using this engine. We now have been told that the head bolts are partially stripped. Another known problem and we are consuming coolant. This can is not trustworthy and could fail at any time. We are still paying off the loan if it matters.
Steering, Aug 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 64 MPH, the contact detected a shimmy and knocking coming from the front wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a common failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an alignment, tire rotation, and wheel balance were performed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The failure was associated with the flexible rubber coupler, PN: 56380C1500. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,222.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2026
The paint is peeling in sheets, especially above the windshield, leaving the vehicle unprotected and vulnerable to rust. There were no chips or damage in this area prior to the paint beginning to peel away and once it started it's been progressing very quickly. Other owners have reported similar issues with this paint color (I believe it's pearl white) in Kia other forums online
Engine, Jul 20, 2026, fire
Spontaneous fire under hood. Nothing was malfunctuoing, no warning lights. All fluids were good, no temp issues. Parked to to run inside to use rr, was paged and came out car is on fire
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2026
My rear backup camera stopped working this year it's either a black screen or blinking screen no video will play. When I first started the video was foggy like moisture was in the camera and now it shows nothing. Other Kia sorento's my same model year have had a recall for the backup camera but mine is not on the recall list for some reason.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2026
I have a 2019 Sorento my car was loud when I start it so I took it into my KIA dealership. They found that my muffler had come apart at the seam, but that it is not under warrenty. My concern is that if anyone is sitting in a parked car with the windows up they could be overcome by the exhault fumes.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2026
My Kia Sorrento 2019 model has dashboard cracks on the driver as well as the passenger side. I tried calling the KIA dealership that sold me the car to help me with the goodwill repair and they refused to do so. Its very expensive to replace or repair but most importantly it poses a grave risk to me and my family. Airbag Danger: Cracks near the passenger airbag can become shrapnel during deployment.Electronics: Dust and moisture can fall into the cracks and ruin hidden wires causing extensive damage to the car. KIA needs to take responsibility for this and either change the material used to make this for the future and repair the existing customers cars.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2026
My 2019 Kia Sorento suddenly began making loud knocking noises from the engine and immediately lost all acceleration while I was driving with my children in the car. The vehicle would not respond when pressing the gas, and the check engine light came on. This created a terrifying situation because I had no power to merge or move out of traffic, and I had my [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX] children with me.The engine now knocks severely and has almost no power at all. The oil level is full, so this is not due to low oil or lack of maintenance. This appears to be a sudden internal engine failure consistent with known Kia engine defects involving rod bearings, timing issues, and loss of compression.I am reporting this because the vehicle is unsafe to drive and put my children at risk. Kia is refusing to cover the engine failure even though this matches the same symptoms seen in other Kia engine recalls. I am extremely concerned that this defect could have caused an accident or left us stranded in a dangerous situation. I need this investigated as a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 20, 2026
The engine failed and is now inoperable. The vehicle has been consuming excessive oil since I purchased it in 2022. I have all oil change records and top offs documented. In May 2026 the engine had a total failure, was making excessive noise, was shuddering and vibrating, blowing lots of smoke from the exhaust and then would not start. The check engine light came on. I towed it to Roseville Kia for diagnosis. Kia refused to honor the lifetime warranty under the class action lawsuit, claiming the engineer failure was due to a damaged exhaust valve. The did not complete the diagnosis. They did not follow the NHTSA engine replacement flowchart past flowchart A because code p1326 was not present. However the flowchart specifies engine noise and failure to turn over qualify the technician to perform flowcharts B and C. Kia is refusing to complete the diagnosis and evaluate the rod bearings for damage, which would likely qualify the engine for replacement under warranty.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 8, 2026
Multiple lights on dash same time. Auto Hold, Fwd Collision, Adaptive Cruise and ABS. Code said ABS Module faulty. Multiple Safety System affected and rendered useless.
Engine, Jun 3, 2026
My 2019 Sorento 3.3L suffered high oil consumption followed by a severe oil leak at the back of the head/engine block threads. There is an odor of coolant which smells sweet with no visible coolant leak meaning there is likely coolant seeping into the engine mixing with the oil. I believe this an ongoing engine failure caused from Kia not correcting the issues over many years.
Electrical system, May 31, 2026
There is a recall for the HAVOC system foe the years 2021-2023, 25V649 recall. My car is a 2019 kia sorento and I m having the same issues, I have already replaced blower motor, resistor, air filter replaced, fuses, air compressor clutch relays, 3 times. Coolant is fine. After reading this recall my car same issues, please add my car to the recall list, I have spent over $600 in mechanic fees and parts, now the problem is recurring. Its a wiring issue, there was melted part on the blower motor when everything was replaced in February, I can't afford more repairs. I can get reciepts from parts i had to buy and a invoice from my mechanic, the issue of AC/heater reoccurring on May 29th. 2026. I had pur in a relay last week, now needs another one. Cost of them $25.00.
Engine, May 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a few days later, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with detached cylinder head bolts and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 186,016.
Visibility/wiper, May 23, 2026
Leaking windshield. Water dripping into cabin. Headliner soaked with water. Windshield possibly not sealed or adhered properly. (Similarly to NHTSA Campaign 22V158000 and Kia Recall SC232 for the Kia Cadenza)
Engine, May 20, 2026
My 2019 Kia Sorento equipped with a Theta II engine entered limp mode and displayed a flashing check engine light along with an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code. The P1326 code is a proprietary Kia/Hyundai specific code that can only be generated when the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update is present on the vehicle. This software was developed and distributed by Kia specifically to detect Theta II engine bearing failure and rod bearing wear before catastrophic engine damage occurs. The presence of the P1326 code is confirmation by Kia's own proprietary detection system that this engine is experiencing the exact failure pattern associated with the Theta II engine defect. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. The dealership refused to perform a BTC test or enter the vehicle into Techline, citing that the VIN does not appear in the Theta II settlement database. Kia America customer care has also denied coverage. The vehicle remains inoperable. Safety risk is significant. The Theta II engine defect has been directly linked to engine fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Limp mode and sudden loss of power while driving creates serious risk of accidents, injury, or death to the driver and other motorists. The 2012-2019 Kia Sorento is a model year range specifically identified in Theta II multidistrict litigation. Kia's own KSDS software flagging a P1326 code on this vehicle while Kia simultaneously denies any defect-related coverage is contradictory and raises serious safety concerns for owners whose VINs were excluded from settlement but whose vehicles are exhibiting identical failure symptoms.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2026
The vehicle involved is a 2019 Kia Sorento with approximately 111,000 miles. Over the course of ownership, the vehicle has experienced numerous unresolved mechanical and safety-related issues, including ongoing fuel leak concerns, excessive oil consumption/loss of oil, rough shifting, shift solenoid problems, rattling noises, shaking/vibration while driving, and repeated drivability issues. The primary safety concern at this time is a suspected fuel leak that multiple independent mechanics have identified. I have been told by at least three separate mechanics that the vehicle appears to have a fuel leak. During my most recent oil change at Valvoline, the technician expressed concern about the safety of driving the vehicle in this condition and warned me that driving a vehicle with a fuel leak could be dangerous. I previously brought the vehicle to Kia dealerships multiple times while the extended warranty was active and specifically requested inspection for the suspected fuel leak. On at least three separate visits, I was informed by the dealership that they could not find or confirm a leak. Because the issue was never resolved or properly diagnosed while under warranty, I am now out of warranty coverage and facing potentially dangerous and costly repairs. This issue has placed my safety and the safety of others at risk due to fear of possible fire hazards, stalling, or sudden vehicle failure while driving. Because of these concerns, I have significantly reduced driving the vehicle and currently do not feel safe operating it regularly. This has created substantial hardship because this is my only vehicle for work and daily life. Additional unresolved issues with the vehicle include: - Persistent rough shifting and shifting hesitation - Shift solenoid issues - Ongoing excessive oil consumption/loss of oil with no confirmed source - Constant rattling noises - Excessive vibration/shaking while driving - AC system failure around 60,000 miles - Electrical seat failur
Power train, Engine, May 11, 2026
Had to replace transmission at 133k miles. It was jolting sometimes providing a hard jolt at times will driving. There are also times of what feels like a cylinder misfire. Oil is constantly leaking and have to replace oil every 1k Miles. Have had multiple shops look at it and not able to find anything. Now during acceleration there is a huge grey smoke cloud coming from the exhaust. Looking at this site and through online it seems to be a common issue with this car and engine. So there has been multiple issues with this car - oil consumption of the engine leading to smoke in the exhaust and the transmission which was replaced a week ago
Engine, May 11, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that has experienced recurring oil loss/oil starvation and engine-related issues that I believe may present a safety concern. I purchased the vehicle used with approximately 45,000 miles. Since ownership, the vehicle has experienced repeated incidents involving low or nearly empty oil levels despite regular maintenance and monitoring. The vehicle previously underwent an oil consumption evaluation, however the issue continued afterward. During one event, the vehicle was reportedly found approximately three quarts low on oil. More recently, the vehicle again appeared to have little to no oil visible on the dipstick and began exhibiting drivability and engine concerns including grinding/banging noise during acceleration, intermittent timing/tensioner-type noise, misfires on cylinders 1 and 2, exhaust smoke, and strong oil-burning odor from the exhaust. Due to concern over possible engine damage and reliability, the vehicle was returned to the dealership for further diagnosis and repair. The dealership replaced ignition coils and spark plugs and road tested the vehicle extensively. While the vehicle is currently operating, I remain concerned that the underlying oil consumption/oil starvation condition may not have been permanently resolved. My concern is that repeated oil starvation conditions could potentially lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power while driving, or other safety-related issues. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed to determine whether similar complaints or defects exist involving oil consumption, oil starvation, or related engine failures in this vehicle.