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: other or unspecified
110 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2024
The oil light has start to flicker on & off since January 8, 2024. I was told it was defective oil pressure switch. I was also told that my oil pan is leaking too which I have had fixed multiple time. I see that there are the same recalls for these issues with Kia Sorento from 2012 - 2018 which said recalls began in July of 2019. My vehicle would have been built as well prior to this recall beginning and so my question is why isn’t the 2019 year included in these two recalls. Are there others later years like mine who have complained about this problem? I also see that you have increased the mileage to 15 years or 150,000 miles. So hopefully this can be resolved & recall issued sooner than later. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2024
I bought this car in October of 2019 off of the show room floor and around July 15, of 2022 the paint on the hood of my car just started peeling for no reason. Over time the peeling has increased rapidly. I would like for this to be fixed. The color of my car is pearl white.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
Fuel pump leaking gas due to faulty design
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 31, 2024, fire
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Nov 2, 2023
As I was merging off of a ramp onto the expressway my sunroof exploded causing glass to go everywhere almost causing me to crash the vehicle. No cars were present around me to kick up debris to hit the vehicle, and there were no potholes or anything for me to hit.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2023
My wife was driving and this is what she had happen—I was at the atm, put my car in park. I was to short to reach the atm so I cracked the door open just enough to reach out to the atm to do what I needed to do, when the car jumped out of park into somehow it rolling forward.I then fell out of the car head first, smashing my knee and arm in the ground, then getting run over by the Kia. I was also smashed between the cement pulled the curb and door when it smashed shut My arm leg foot ankle all got run over. I then had to somehow manage to get up and run after the moving car open the door jump into the living car to hit the break to stop the car from causing an accident on a busy road. I then came home.the pain over took my body and I needed up so my husband pulled me up and took my kids to my in-laws house to have them watch the kids so I could be checked out. I then knew I needed help as the adrenaline wore off it was bad, we called an ambulance to come get me and take me to the hospital.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2023
Unknown- Paint is peeling excessively. Coming off and sheets.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2023
Paint is chipping and peeling off, we notified Kia and they did an estimate and told us it was out of warranty. We took the vehicle to another body shop who told us that they were seeing many of these Kia's with the same issue. They told us that it is due to UV rays penetrating the paint and causing the primer to get chalky, which causes the paint to delaminate chip and peel. Their estimate was 6566.86, due to having to take the vehicle apart, sand down the vehicle reprime and paint. This estimate was from Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City, Florida
Other or unspecified, Visibility, May 16, 2023
2019 KIA Sorento SXL SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF EXPLOSION, 05/06/13 Car is still under warranty. Conditions: --Open, well maintained highway, nothing nearby (overpass, trees, traffic, etc) to suggest the sunroof was damaged by any foreign object. --Clear, dry, predominately straight roadway, time of day about 7:30pm, temperature about 70°, very light traffic. Was driving south on Maryland Route 6, a 4-lane divided state roadway, when suddenly and without warning the sunroof exploded. Both the sunroof and the interior sunshade were closed at the time. The incident began with a very loud BANG!, followed immediately by the sounds of rushing wind, and the rattling of broken glass on top of the sunshade. A very startling event. Immediately pulled over to the shoulder and found about 60% of the sunroof gone, with some glass debris on the sunshade. The missing glass was from the center of the sunroof, while some glass, though cracked, remained in the frame of the sunroof, on all sides. Drove home at a slower speed and parked car in the garage. Monday, 05/08/23, contacted [XXX], service manager at Bayside KIA of Waldorf. Described the event to [XXX], who immediately indicated the sunroof repair would most likely not be covered under warranty because there would be no way to prove the sunroof damage was the result of a manufacturing defect. He did, reluctantly, offer to examine the damage if I brought the car in to their service department, but the earliest service opening would be on 05/19/23...11 days away! When asked if the dealership could/would provide a loner vehicle in the interim, [XXX] advised all of their loner vehicles were currently in use. Because I need the car repaired as soon as possible, I am working with my insurer who has agreed to cover the repair under my comprehensive coverage (though I, of course, will have to pay the $100 deductible). INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2023
UNKNOWN: Rapid DELAMINATION of paint (Snow White Pearl). Metal that is not protected, will lead to accelerated and premature rusting. Many Kia owners with Snow White Pearl paint have been encountering the same problem.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 23, 2023
Screen turned off and then lights on dash started flashing. ABS, power steering, blind spot warning, tire monitoring failed. Battery light was flashing. Parking break light came on. Loss of power. Now it will not turn on
Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2023, fire
While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle caught fire with no warning.We were heading out on vacation, so we had lots of things packed in the car. The fire started in the rear of the vehicle, and was extinguished by a passer by with a fire extinguisher, but re-ignited. it burned VERY fast. Unknown at this time what caused the fire. It is currently in the hands of my car insurance company, so it may be available for inspection. There were NO indications of a problem prior to large flames erupting form the read of the vehicle. In the car was myself, my two adult daughters and 6 year old grandson. He was seated in the 3rd row seat. One daughter in the second row, and myself and daughter up front. Once we realized we were on fire, we attempted to get the back doors open, but child locks were engaged. The key fob would NOT work, and my daughter and grandson were trapped in the burning car. we attempted to break the windows to get them out, but that was not successful. My daughter climbed back in the burning car and somehow got a back door open and they were able to get out and run. Within a few seconds, the windows blew and the flames shot even higher. We will NEVER EVER use child locks again. The problem had not been confirmed or reproduced to my knowledge. I believe my insurance company may be looking into it. I had to have a fuel system regulator and sensor replaced on this vehicle approx two weeks before this event. I had an oil change the day before. Police and fire department were present at the scene. There were NO warnings, lights, messages etc prior to eruption of flames.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2023
It might not seem like a big deal but I've owned a 2016, 2018 and now 2019 Kia Sorento and all 3 yrs. the luggage lamp, or (dome light), does not work. I have brought this issue up about all 3 vehicles. Nobody has ever attempted to fix it. In fact I've been told at the dealership that it's a problem and has been for quite some time. In the owner's Manuel it states this problem could be due to other electrical systems. It does not state which ones. I'm under a recall for the tow package so I'm not sure which could be the culprit when I'm towing a trailer and the fuses blow under the hood or various blinkers or brake lights quit working when towing. You don't know if people behind you are getting the turn signals or brake signals. Has led to many close calls on the road while moving various weights. Would be nice to know if it was ,"other electrical issues", from the luggage lamp issues, or part of the tow package issues. I am by far not the only one who has had these issues with the Kia Sorento's. I would like to know how long these issues can go on before it's too long? Thank You
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
Recalled for manufacturer installed tow hitch harness that can cause fire. Causing fire to my home and other vehicles. I have had this vehicle since new and have been parking it in my garage all of these years and now Kia is just now notifying the owners. I contacted Kia dealership and twice have been told there is no fix figured out by Kia and to call back later. I wrote to Kia directly 2/12/23 Kia Customer Care - Case#[XXX] and they responded 3/20/23 - also talking about a reimbursement that may be my problem I am not sure what they are talking about. Regardless, they do not care if my vehicle might catch on fire and destroy my home or other vehicles. Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. At this time the remedy for the recall is not available please keep your letter with you. Once the remedy becomes available to the Kia dealerships for a repair, you will be notified. Once you have received this letter, you may contact us for a reimbursement review. At that time we will advise you of what documents we will need in order to start your process of review. Please make note, a request for reimbursement does not mean you are approved or will be approved, there is no guarantee. I also am very concerned that my auto and home insurer will dump me due to the fire hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2023
Paint peel off in my vehicle
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2022
To whom it may concern: I am sending this email as an owner of a 2019 Kia Sorento for just 15 months, yet I am already experiencing significant mechanical issues. 3 weeks ago my car stopped accelerating while driving across a bridge, began shaking a making a weird noise once idle, and as expected my engine light came on. After calling endless Kia dealers I was able to get it towed 2 weeks later to my local Kia. To my surprise it was a high pressure fuel pump issue which seems to be a common issue amongst Kia Sorento’s. After only having this car for 15 months it should not be costing me $1,700 in repairs. I am requesting that this issue be looked into further and that Kia provides me with assistance.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2022, fire
While I was driving on the NJ Turnpike near Newark, NJ, I saw black smoke coming in the front windows that I had open about 3 inches each. I immediately pulled into the shoulder of the highway and turned the cars ignition off. By the time I got the car in Park and turned it off the entire front cabin of the car was so thick with smoke that I couldn’t see or breathe. I was able to get out and away from the vehicle just as it completely went up in flames. Two truck drivers stopped and emptied their fire extinguishers on the fire but it did not help at all. By this time the NJ State Police had arrived to help with traffic and they had me sit in the back of one of their vehicles away from the heavy smoke. Prior to seeing the smoke, I had no warning lights on my dashboard, the temperature of the car never rose, and there were no emergency messages whatsoever. There also had not been any work performed on the car for at least 3 weeks prior to fire. Had I not been in a location where there was an accessible shoulder I don’t know that I would have been able to get out in time to escape being overcome by the thick smoke. I have no idea what caused the smoke and ensuing fire and I also have no idea if anyone has inspected the vehicle since the fire. The insurance company is not paying anything because of a clause in my policy indicating they do not pay if the vehicle was being used to transport for money when the incident occurred. They also knew that I had a courier service and used this vehicle for personal and work use. When I told them I wanted an investigation to find out what happened and who is at fault (because it’s NOT me) I was told that they don’t have to release the vehicle for any investigation because they wouldn’t be paying on it anyway! I believe Kia is responsible for this and I want them held accountable. There will be a police incident report but I checked on it today and it still is not ready. The vehicle was towed to Moran Towing in Kearny, NJ.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2022
The pearl paint is chipping off exposing the metal underneath. I’ve contacted the dealer in Clermont, Fl twice trying to receive help with no results. I’ve also contacted KIA corporate and have been told my 2019 is no longer covered for paint. I have 40,000 miles on it and paint should not be peeling off leaving metal exposed. Obviously something was not done correctly in the setting of the paint or an ingredient left out of the mixture. I am including an image.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2022
The Transmission for my 2019 Kia Sorento V6 AWD stumbles and hesitates when accelerating. It is a safety issue. When I attempt to accelerate the transmission does not engage for a second or two which is critical in normal driving. This hesitation could easily cause an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. I have reported to KIA dealers on multiple occasions and to KIA consumer affairs and they have performed two Technical Service Bulletins that did not correct the problem. The dealer reproduced the problem but indicate that it may be a design flaw by KIA but they do not have a fix at this time. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. The issue first appeared since the vehicle was purchased in 2018. There are numerous complaints for the same concern on the NHTSA -Power Train Problems for 2019 Kia Sorento.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2022
On July 21 year 2022 my Kia Sorento was stolen. I am Under the impression that Kia did not fix the problem of the ease of getting into a locked car as well as fixing the problem of how easy it is to start the engine and drive off. I am very disappointed and will never buy a Kia product again. This was my second and final Kia. I feel Kia is responsible for my car being stolen because the problem Of accessibility was not fixed even though Kia was aware of the problem. I would like some kind of reimbursement for the anguish and trouble this has caused. A police report has been filed on this incident.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022
My vehicle was stolen in a parking lot full of other vehicles. I now know about the design flaw, making it easy for Kias to be stolen. This needs to be resolved immediately via a recall by Kia to fix this flaw and to prevent other Kia owners from going through this.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 22, 2021
My 2019 Snow White KIA Sorento paint started peeling up on the driver side hood and wasn't caused by any type of damage. Took the vehicle to the local KIA dealership and was told that my 3 year 36000 mile warranty was expired and there was nothing they would do to correct this issue.