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.
Power train, Engine, May 3, 2026
This vehicle has theta 2 engine.. which is part of class lawsuit kia settled. My vehicle had high oil consumption and the defect was due to rod bearing would cause engine to fail and cause hi oil consumption. The dealer diagnosed it with burned valve and denied warranty even though my warranty was extended due to this engine being a defect. The reason they stated is that the rod bearing is a separate issue from burned valves which is a complete lie because a faulty rod bearing would cause valves problem. I feel kia is just trying to avoid repair cost. They did want to bill me for a new engine immediately. And they failed to test the rod bearing saying they could not determine if it was defect because of the burned valves
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my vehicle following service performed at a Kia dealership. My vehicle was returned to me on April 25, 2026, after being at the dealership for approximately one week. When it was returned, it had missing bolts/screws that were not missing prior to the service visit and were not related to the reason I originally brought the vehicle in. The missing components create a safety concern, and I do not feel safe operating the vehicle in its current condition. This issue was reported immediately. My husband left a voicemail with the dealership (Evans Kia) reporting the problem, and I reported the issue to Kia America that following Monday. Since then, I have made multiple attempts to resolve this issue through Kia America. I opened a case on April 17, 2026, and have followed up several times. The case has been escalated multiple times (including April 22 and April 28). I was informed that Kia America also reached out to the dealership, but despite this, I have not received any direct response from the dealership or instructions to bring the vehicle in for repair. Despite clearly stating that the vehicle may be unsafe to drive, there has been no urgency in correcting the issue. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed as a potential safety concern involving improper vehicle servicing and release of a potentially unsafe vehicle. I can provide photos and documentation showing the missing bolts/screws if needed.
Engine, May 1, 2026
Engine failure & excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to overheat. Coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine. P0524 Engine pressure too low. Potential causes: low oil pressure, low oil level, wrong oil viscosity, contaminated oil, faulty oil pressure sensor, signal shorted to ground in electrical circuit of sensor, worn internal engine components. Per testing- coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine.
Visibility, Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof failed to properly close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable motor and fractured cables. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer for the same failure and was inspected for debris and damage. The debris was cleaned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,900.
Engine, Apr 22, 2026
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento Issue: Engine Failure / Safety Concern Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that experienced sudden engine failure after clear warning signs that created a serious safety concern. The vehicle began making a loud ticking/knocking noise that progressively worsened over time. While driving, the vehicle struggled to accelerate and lost power. The noise became louder when pressing the gas. Shortly after, the vehicle shut off completely and is now unable to start at all. This failure occurred without any warning lights appearing on the dashboard, including no check engine light, which prevented me from knowing the severity of the issue in advance. After contacting Kia, I was informed that there were multiple recalls on the vehicle that were not completed. However, I was never notified of these recalls as the current owner. I was told that recall notifications were sent to the previous owner, and no effort was made to notify me directly. Kia has refused to assist with the engine failure, stating that recalls must be completed first. However, the vehicle is now completely inoperable and cannot be driven to complete recall repairs. Requiring a non-running vehicle to complete recall updates is unreasonable and places consumers at risk. This situation raises serious safety concerns because: The vehicle lost power while in operation, creating a dangerous driving condition There were no warning indicators prior to failure The engine failure appears consistent with known issues involving Kia engines I am requesting that this matter be investigated, including Kia’s handling of recall notifications and their refusal to assist with a known engine failure issue under these circumstances.
Engine, Apr 21, 2026
Excessive engine oil consumption. I have to add at least a half a quart to a quart of oil every 7 to 10 days depending on how much I drive. The 2019 Kia's are showing the same issues as the 2016 Kia engines that are currently under recall for catastrophic engine failure due to oil consumption. Fix this issue Kia. I love my car. This is the only problem I have with it. I shouldn't have to add oil to my vehicle even though I regularly have oil changes done.
Structure, Apr 6, 2026
About 1 month ago, i noticed on the hood, several areas (10-12) of bubbling and peeling of the paint. On the Side upright panel next to the windshield on the passenger side, there is a big area of peeling and bubbling paint. Paint is called Snow white Pearl. On the driver side panel above the handle, there is more bubbling of the paint. There are several other areas all over the car that is bubbling up and will peel soon. This will start to rust very soon. It was inspected by the local dealer and confirmed. This should not happen to any car. I was told it was defective paint/sealer from manufacturer. I am on restricted income and can not afford to pay for this repainting of my car.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vents, with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several oil changes were needed. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the oil levels were constantly low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was advised to go back to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The approximate failure mileage was 146,060.
Structure, Mar 27, 2026
after purchasing from carmax 6 months later the paint above the windshield is peeling off in huge chunks. the color is snow pearl white. having large chunks of solid paint flying around can decrease visibility for both the driver of the vehicle and others should the pieces go on the windshield obstructing full view, this is a safety issue. i have called carmax and have not heard back - it has been a month. there was no warning, no noted bubbling of paint or paint rising up in any areas.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle bucked abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown engine recall, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that an oil leak was found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the oil gasket was replaced; however, the oil leak progressively worsened. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The transmission and the low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #3 failure. The mechanic determined that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to the residence of a friend. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 11, 2026
The vehicle just had an oil change. It was driven after that approximately 25 miles when there was a loud noise and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and coasted to the end of a dirt road. Could smell oil burning. Upon inspection of the underside there was oil blown onto the exhaust and down the underside of the vehicle. After looking further, I noticed a semi rectangular hole in the narrow end of the oil pan just above the exhaust pipe. Some oil had drained out but the dip stick was reading full. This incident could have resulted in losing control of the vehicle when the tires locked up or caused a fire when the oil hit the exhaust. It could have cause an accident if another vehicle was following. No lights were on until after the incident when the check engine and oil light came on. It still has not been diagnosed by the dealer because they are all backed up until May. Have to rent a vehicle due now and probably look for an independent garage.
Engine, Mar 9, 2026
I am the original owner of this vehicle. The engine is consuming approximately 5 quarts of oil every 7–10 days while I drive about 300 miles per week. The rear of the vehicle is covered in black soot from the exhaust, indicating severe oil burning. I have been topping off oil constantly to prevent engine damage. No knocking, ticking, or check engine light has appeared yet. This level of oil consumption is far beyond normal and poses a serious risk of engine failure.
Engine, Mar 7, 2026
I have 2019 Kia Seranto . In November 2024 started leaking oil the oil filter casing was cracked. January 2026 oil light came on. Oil was changed 2 months before. Took it to the shop and no oil was in the engine. No oil under the car to tell it was leaking. Shop had to run oil leak detector on it. Several gaskets in engine had to be repaired. There was some other issues with engine concerning oil. $1800.After changing gaskets the oil light kept coming on and off. The oil light sensor and switch had to be repaired. $1500. Car had 107,000 miles only. The auto shop in my town fixed it. This auto shop reports everything to car fox. I would not drive it when oil light came on.
Structure, Mar 1, 2026
The paint is peeling off the roof and front of vehicle. The car is (2019) out of the 3\36 warranty and the dealer says there is nothing they can do to help me. I asked the service writer if this is a common problem with these vehicles. His comment was what color is your car (it is white) he said the white cars are having a major problem with paint peeling.
Back over prevention, Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing in rainy weather, the rearview camera image was distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V639000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where additional water proofing to the camera harness was added, but the rearview camera was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Structure, Feb 24, 2026
I have a 2019 Kia Sorento that the paint is pealing all the way down to the metal on the roof and the hood of the car. I am past my 3 year 36K mile warranty and I've been to the dealership and they have told me there is nothing they can do for me. I have taken care of my car and kept up with all the maintenance.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 24, 2026
Vehicle starting 'eating' excessive amounts of oil about 95,000 miles. We are now about 115,000 miles and I am adding nearly 5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles
Seats, Feb 24, 2026
The 'Gear' on the drivers seat towards middle of car (right hand drivers seat) snapped in some fashion and the seat rocks. I hear this is quite common in this car and that it costs upwards of $2,000 to repair because the entire seat has to be replaced.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Lane departure, Feb 18, 2026
Car would randomly stall and jerk while accelerating. Unsafe to drive. May cause accident. Having to constantly set hazard lights to prevent accident.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
Shifter stuck in park
Engine, Feb 16, 2026, fire
On Saturday February 7th, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly caught fire without any warning. Within moments, the fire intensified, and I was forced to jump out of the vehicle to save my life. Shortly afterward, the vehicle exploded. The car was completely destroyed. Every item inside was charred, and I barely escaped with my life. A police report was filed. Both the manufacturer and insurance company were notified as well as the bank that the vehicle was purchased from. There were no warning lights or messages prior to. When the vehicle caught fire, all warning lights came on at the same time. Following this incident, I began researching similar cases and was alarmed to learn that fires and engine‑related failures appear to be a common issue in this model. Despite this, I was never notified of any recall, safety advisory, or service campaign related to fire risks. Had I been informed, I would have taken immediate action to prevent such a catastrophic and dangerous event.
Power train, Engine, Feb 13, 2026
A failing alternator caused me to take my kia into a mechanic for OEM replacement. The mechanic informed me that the engine rattles. I got to talking with the mechanic and told him that my car has been experiencing high oil consumption with no 'low oil' warning light on the dash and ive checked my oil periodically between changes and have found the dip stick bone dry multiple times. A year later, my alternator failed AGAIN and was replaced with another OEM part. The same mechanic told me that the engine is still rattling (i hadnt gotten it fixed/diagnosed because i am low income) and that he found out there had been a recall for Kia Sotento engines with my vehicle date range. Upon research, I find thousands of people on different platforms are also experiencing high oil consumption and there was actually a recall. When I checked my VIN, my vehicle was NOT part of the recall. There seems to be a high number of consumers who have the SAME issue, but are also NOT included in the original recall and we are all being told that unless we pay for a new engine out of pocket, there's NOTHING that can be done. High oil consumption with NO warning light is DANGEROUS. How is it possible that only HALF of the vehicles with the SAME defect are eligible for a recall/repair and the rest of us are S.O.L? I am the second owner of this vehicle and purchased from a used lot, however Kia knew about this defect before I purchased the vehicle from the used lot. The used car dealership no longer exists so I can't even ask them if Kia made them aware (which they potentially did not since my VIN isn't considered eligible anyways) This issue needs to be rectified for the thousands of consumers/customers that are experiencing this problem and I strongly suggest a new investigation be conducted for the remaining vehicles that were manufactured in the same time frame as the vehicles that ARE covered. My vehicle has only 90K miles on it!
Engine, Feb 13, 2026
The oil pressure switch on my 2019 KIA Sorento comes on when coming to a stop. This has occurred even after an oil change and checking the oil the dip stick showed full. I understand that Kia had a recall on these sensors for Kia Sorentos up to year models 2018 but evidently the problem with this sensor has not been resolved and presents a major possibility of fire occurring due to oil leakage. I believe Kia for safety sake should be required to replace this faulty sensor at no cost to the owner
Trailer hitches, Feb 6, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that while packing the vehicle for a planned family trip, the contact noticed the fire. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The contact and other family members extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers that were at the contact's residence. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The insurance company condemned the vehicle as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that the insurance investigation confirmed that the fire started as an electrical fire. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.