High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2019-kia-sorento

2019 Kia Sorento Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

← Compare All Sorento Years
Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
435
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
2
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
29
10 Crashes • 19 Fires
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2019 Kia Sorento Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 29%
126 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 14.7%
64 reported failures
Electrical System 14.3%
62 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 11%
48 reported failures
Body & Structure 8%
35 reported failures
Exterior Lighting 3.7%
16 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2019 Kia Sorento (2)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #22V703000 Component: Trailer Hitches

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Free Remedy: 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.

NHTSA Campaign #23V639000 Component: Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Defect Summary: 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."

Safety Hazard: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: 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.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11774014 • Engine & Cooling 10/27/2026

"My Car started to have extreme oil consumption around 100,000 miles I was able to keep it maintained by adding oil frequently but finally part of my motor stopped functioning and I was forced to replace my motor. I got my car back June 22,2026 but the new motor also has had the same issue. I did purchase a warranty for 3 years but unfortunately it ..."

ODI #11773210 • Engine & Cooling 10/23/2026

"My check engine light came on. I took my vehicle to AutoZone so that they could tell me what the code read. The code read, cylinder 2 and cylinder 3 misfire. I replaced all 4 cylinders and spark plugs. 6 months after replacing all the parts, I had the check in light come on (flashing) while driving out of town. I was able to drive the vehicle back ..."

ODI #11771076 • Unknown Or Other 10/14/2026

"Summer 2024: The paint began peeling significantly off the hood. When I contacted Kia Support, I was told the vehicle was out of warranty. ​Subsequent Repairs: Expecting a minor issue, I paid $412 out-of-pocket to repaint the hood. Shortly after, the new paint failed to adhere due to the defect and I attempted minor touch-ups myself. ​Current Statu..."