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.
Seat belts, Sep 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALERT DID NOT CHIME WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED. THE CONTACT CALLED SOUTH HILLS KIA AT 724-942-3000 (LOCATED AT 3644 WASHINGTON RD, MCMURRAY, PA 15317) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN PROMISED TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CALL THE CONTACT BACK, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER AN EXPLANATION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800. *TT CONSUMER STATED PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT NO WARNING LIGHT OR SOUND. UPDATED 11/28/18*JB *JS
Power train, Engine, Aug 24, 2018
CAR HAS PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING IN ECONO MODE. WILL HESITATE WHEN GIVEN GAS IN MORNING AND AT TIMES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. NOTE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE PROBLEM BEFORE LEASING OF CAR. TOLD BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR OTHER DRIVERS OR ACCIDENTS. NOTE BY MILEAGE WAS NEVER TEST DRIVEN AFTER SO CALLED FIX.
Exterior lighting, Jul 17, 2018
AT NIGHT TIME WHEN THE VEHICLE HEAD LAMPS ARE ON, THERE ARE TWO TRIANGULAR SHAPED OBJECTS THAT ARE SHADOWED FROM PART OF THE HEAD LAMP HOUSING. THESE PROJECT INTO THE DISTANCE AND ARE AN OBSTRUCTION AND MAKE THE DRIVER DIZZY AND IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THERE IS SOMETHING AHEAD THAT YOU MAY HIT. THESE SHAPES ALSO MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE AS YOU DRIVE AROUND BENDS IN THE ROAD MAKING IT EVEN WORSE AND MAKING THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGERS DIZZY. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WILL LIKELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AT NIGHT DUE TO THIS FLAW IN THE DESIGN. I HAVE A CASE LOGGED WITH KIA AND THEY SAY THAT THE DESIGN CANNOT CHANGE AND THAT THEY HAVE MANUFACTURED OVER 10,00+ OF THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND IT IS VERY POORLY DESIGNED AND VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENING. EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW THIS AND NOT BUY THIS CAR, I ALSO NOW HAVE TO FIGHT WITH KIA TO GET MY MONEY BACK WHICH WILL NOT BE FUN.