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: engine
167 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
I was driving from Los Angeles to Concord, CA when my car stalled on the highway. The last few miles I was driving a red oil light came on, which I found unusual since I wasn't due for another oil change for about 1000 more miles. I get my car towed to the nearest auto shop and they said the drain plug for my oil had fallen off and the tow truck bed was covered in oil as well as the entire backside of my vehicle. And now my engine is done for.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
Oil plug fell out
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 30, 2023
Engine Trouble: 1. Throttle Actuator Control (past issue, not sure if problem still exists). 2. Combustion Issue: (past and present) engine consuming excessive amounts of oil. Needing additional oil between oils changes. Dealer claimed ‘Combustion Cleaning’ was performed April/May 2023 and issue was resolved. I have had to add oil twice since then. Oil Lamp indicator would signaled, or engine would sound loud and over worked. I would then check the oil and add oil as needed. 3. Driving Mode: The vehicle can on be driven in ‘Comfort’ mode. If I drive in ‘Sport’, specifically, the car will start to malfunction and stall. When driving in any of the other modes the engine will become sluggish and eventually malfunction and stall. All of these problems occurred this year, 2023. I have service documents from the dealership. My cell phone is old and doesn’t take clear photos so I can’t upload them. I can provide the documents later if requested. Please contact me by email as I am in the process of moving.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 30, 2023, fire
UNKNOWN, HEARD A POP WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, AND FOUND SMOKE AND THEN FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND INSURANCE CLAIM WAS MADE. INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
On a Sunday morning, approximately 168 miles away from my hometown of Fresno,Ca I was on a family road trip to Pismo, Ca when without warning I began to hear a loud knocking noise coming from the Sorento engine.Since the check engine light was not illuminating, I opened the hood of the Sorento to inspect for any obvious signs of what is causing this sound such as any loose part or oil lose. Nothing was apparent loose and full measured at full. I attempted to check the local area for a mechanic to assist but none were open due to the weekend. The vehicle was left parked at this time. Approximately 7 hours later, I attempted to drive the Sorento home when It started to loose power and began to shake while operating it on a heavy trafficked highway CA-101. I had to quickly exit the highway and park the Sorento on the side of the road. Due to the hour of the day, I left the Sorento on the side of the road in front of a GMC dealership in Paso Robles, Ca and received a ride back home to Fresno,Ca. The following morning with the local businesses open, I returned back to Paso Robles and had the Sorento towed to the local Paso Robles Kia by utilizing my roadside assistance towing through my insurance company, GEICO. After about a hour of being at Paso Robles Kia, I received a call from a rep stating that I would need a new engine because it is damaged. I then arranged a $400 tow from Paso Robles, CA to Coalinga, CA where I work to have the car more accessible for me to access during a repair and I could obtain a second opinion on the repair. They too informed me that I would require a new engine. I called Kia and discussed this issue with them due to this issue being a common occurrence, a partially with the 2019 Kia Sorento Model where a Class action suit was initiated. Kia informed me since my VIN was not part of the suit they would not cover the cost. I would like to note that this issued directly reflects the issues reported in the class action suit against Kia.
Power train, Engine, May 30, 2023
I was told by the dealer, that we had to have it dropped off at {400 miles from home}, that the oil drain plug fell out and the engine seized. there are are no previous warning lights no temperature rise the car just stalls, then the warning lights for engine and oil come and by this time your engine is dead. Thank God we where stuck in traffic. Otherwise at cruising speed this could have been a very catastrophic event with the possibility of lose of life.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 25, 2023
When driving at certain lower speeds the vehicle is jerky. The car will go into high RPM's when excelerating even when not fully pressing the gas pedal. The engine is burning through oil very quickly. In less than a month from my oil change I have had to put 5 quarts in. When the cruise control is on it sometimes excelerates faster than what it is set for. This has been ongoing for about a year. I have confirmed with 2 shops that I do not have an oil leak.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, he started smelling a burning odor. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The contacted pulled over and checked the dip stick which indicated that there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact stated that he had had an oil change several months prior to the failure and had not noticed any oil leaks. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,537.
Electrical system, Engine, May 18, 2023
My vehicle has the leaking oil pressure sensor. I have brought my car to Kia multiple times since either 65-89k based on loosing too much oil between oil changes with NO check oil light. I lost an extreme amount of oil between 113k and 115k after they changed my filter and checked my oil levels. Always told there is no leak. Now at 115k and 120k miles I am told that not only is the oil pressure sender leaking but it has been leaking on my wire harness which can create a fire. The oil presser sender has a recall of the 3.3 up until March of 2018, my car has a manufacture date of June of 2018.
Engine, May 17, 2023
2019 Kia Sorento- Consumer Complaint- Engine went out after 7 months in to lease. Consumer blamed for damaged done to leased vehicle. Dealership will not honor warranty to repair or exchange. Attached Letter from Office of Attorney General Office Illinois, Retail installment Agreement, GAP Addendum, Vehicle Service Contract, Repair Order, Mechanic Info, & Bill of Sale.
Engine, May 4, 2023
Engine light and oil light came on. Car was running strange. We checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. We put 2 quarts of oil in and drove to Kia of Bradley Illinois. On the way the car stalled without warning.
Engine, Apr 4, 2023
I have a fuel consumption problem and have read/heard of other Kia owners that are having the same problem.
Engine, Mar 26, 2023
I have a 2019 Kia Sorento with 79096 miles and on 3/24/2023 after taking it to the dealership for an engine diagnostic the car cut off while i was driving it in traffic. No warning or anything. The dealer state that a new engine is needed however the VIN is not on the Kia Recall settlement however i bought this car certified used i am the second owner and the car is still fairly new to have died so soon after having regular mainenance.
Engine, Mar 23, 2023
My car has had oil changes regularly, all of a sudden the oil light comes on I check it and it's bone dry 3 quarts of oil just disappeared. There was no smoke coming from the car and no signs of a leak.
Engine, Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the engine was idling there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update, but the knocking sound persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100.
Power train, Engine, Jan 16, 2023
Traveling out of town on the highway from Pennsylvania to Virginia in June 2022 and our 2019 Kia Sorrento started shaking at the steering wheel and lost complete power in the engine. I was unable to accelerate with busy highway traffice behind me. I barely made it to th shoulder of the road without being rear ended with my wife and two children in the car. The forst thing I check is engine oil and it was bone dry. We just had it serviced in May at Sipala Kia before we left for our trip. I limped to a small service station in Virginia where he plugged into it but was unale to diagnose. He has us towed to Charlie O'Baugh Kia for repairs. We had this Kia Sorrento to two of our local dealers, Sipala Kia of West Chester and Scott Kia of Springfield, PA for oil leak or oil consumption but both dealers kept telling me nothing wa wrong. In addition to regualar oil and filter change I continue to check the engine oil on a regualr basis where it seems to be buring engine oil at a higher than normal rate.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The next day, the contact stated that while driving into her independent mechanic's shop, white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the vehicle caught fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle with her grandchildren as the independent mechanic managed to extinguish the vehicle with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not notified of the failure. The contact sustained severe trauma as a result of the fire. The dealer was notified of the failure and gave her an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Power train, Dec 14, 2022, fire
The evening of December 13, the driver noticed an engine rattle when accelerating. No “check engine” or other warnings were displayed. The morning of December 14, the vehicle stalled. The driver waited then restarted the vehicle, which immediately turned over. The driver perceived no issues with electronics or engine and, again, the vehicle displayed no warnings or alerts. Upon accelerating from the location at which the vehicle was stopped, the driver heard a “boom” and the vehicle cabin filled with smoke. Upon exiting the vehicle and attempting to ascertain the issue, the driver noticed flames. The entire engine became engulfed.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2022, fire
2019 Kia sorento caught on fire while driving. Drivers behind my wife saw flames coming from under motor. They signaled her to pull over and she got out just in time before entire car went up in flames. We believe the fuel pump was faulty as entire motor was on fire.
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
The car has issues with accelerating, with huge hesitations that almost feel like the car is going to stop, causing a jerking feeling. This especially happens on the expressway, initially at around 20 mph and then around 50+ mph. Have taken the car to be serviced with no resolution for the issue after over two weeks and now my check engine light constantlystays on. Other Kia owners have expressed noticing similar issues with their Sorento. This is a big concern, as it has the potential to cause several accidents nationwide.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2022
Engine stutters and jerks upon acceleration. Happens in every driving mode (Comfort / Eco / Smart / Sport). This has been a persistent safety issue, and judging by the number of similar complaints, a speedy resolution is needed.
Seats, Engine, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's seat was not able to move forward or backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 12, 2021
CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRVING AND A SEMI TRUCK ALMOST RAN INTO ME. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AND WEEK LATER SAME PROBLEM EXIST. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR THERE 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.
Engine, Dec 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF CLEVELAND (2492 S. LEE HWY, CLEVELAND, TN 37311; (423)693-0505) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Nov 30, 2020
ENGINE TROUBLE. ENGINE FAILURE AND STALLING PROBLEMS.