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2019 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

114 reports with mileage · 312 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 155 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports19 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

426 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2025
Structure

The paint is peeling terrible. Has not been inspected by anyone

NHTSA ODI #11697040

113,000 miles · Oct 29, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed and instructed the contact to return after driving 1,…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed and instructed the contact to return after driving 1,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be returned to the dealer on multiple occasions due to exceeding the 1,000-mile interval. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #11696426

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2025
Visibility/wiper

My backup camera had a safety recall issued previously. In March of 2024 I received a letter from Kia notifying me of the recall related to this issue, and offered a remedy. I took the car in for inspection, but it was working at the time. Now in Oct of 2025 the backup camera starting getting moisture inside, and has completel…

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My backup camera had a safety recall issued previously. In March of 2024 I received a letter from Kia notifying me of the recall related to this issue, and offered a remedy. I took the car in for inspection, but it was working at the time. Now in Oct of 2025 the backup camera starting getting moisture inside, and has completely failed. I contacted the Kia dealership that I purchased it from, and they told me to bring it in. When I did, the technician told me that it had been a bracket that was the recall issue, and it was repaired, in direct conflict with what my paperwork said. They refused to repair the backup camera for free. Please inform me of my recourse, as my backup camera does not work at all, and it is expensive to repair/

NHTSA ODI #11694686

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2025
Engine

Knocking noise started when pulling off the interstate. No engine light came on. No oil registered on 'dip stick'. Oil change was due at 130,449. The mileage on the car was 132,635. Had towed to Kia dealership where they said there was no test that could be done due to the vehicle being a 6 cylinder engine. They said the '…

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Knocking noise started when pulling off the interstate. No engine light came on. No oil registered on 'dip stick'. Oil change was due at 130,449. The mileage on the car was 132,635. Had towed to Kia dealership where they said there was no test that could be done due to the vehicle being a 6 cylinder engine. They said the 'sound' points to needing an engine replacement. I inquired about a oil pressure switch test and oil consumption test due to past recalls and known engine issues. I was told due to the car being out of powertrain warrenty they would not perform such tests. I have video that shows the car is burning oil. Visible out of the exhaust. This is not something I was aware of until after this incident. These are the same issues as noted in previous recalls. Dealership said would need full engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11691074

112,000 miles · Oct 2, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the oil level was constantly checked since purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated she was aware of the oil consumption because the oil had to be topped off after each oil change. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken …

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the oil level was constantly checked since purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated she was aware of the oil consumption because the oil had to be topped off after each oil change. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer performed several oil consumption tests, and confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was informed that a local Kia dealer was contacted and informed the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, to allow the owner to drive the vehicle until the engine failed and then have the vehicle towed to the Kia dealer for evaluation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #11691044

Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2025
Back Over PreventionForward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

I get an error message on all the forward collision and lane departure system. A mechanic has looked at this and they cannot determine the issue. They say maybe the front cameras are acting up but the car has never been in a accident that would impact the cameras. In addition the drivers mirror will not reset from the reverse se…

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I get an error message on all the forward collision and lane departure system. A mechanic has looked at this and they cannot determine the issue. They say maybe the front cameras are acting up but the car has never been in a accident that would impact the cameras. In addition the drivers mirror will not reset from the reverse setting to drive mode. When driving it needs to be manually adjusted each time in order to see.

NHTSA ODI #11690362

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My sorento started smelling like gas , inside & outside. Worse when I stop driving. The fuel pump pressure hose (that’s in a compartment under my backseat) is spraying fuel everywhere inside the compartment it in. The safety for myself and my grand sons that are all 2years old (3 of them) is we are inhaling the fumes from it sep…

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My sorento started smelling like gas , inside & outside. Worse when I stop driving. The fuel pump pressure hose (that’s in a compartment under my backseat) is spraying fuel everywhere inside the compartment it in. The safety for myself and my grand sons that are all 2years old (3 of them) is we are inhaling the fumes from it separating steadily out under the seat their car seats are sitting on. I have not taken my vehicle to anyone but my friend after seeing a video of why a guys vehicle smelled like gas No inspection has been done by anyone I’m not even sure what steps I need to take or what to do now. There were NO messages, lights, etc., that flashed or popped up on my message center. It just all of a sudden one day started smelling like gasoline in my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11689821

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2025
Engine

Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] at Incident: 171,800 Description of Incident: On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, my 2019 Kia Sorento experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure while in motion. I was driving with my two children at approximately 60 mph on Highway 111, a major highway in Palm…

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Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] at Incident: 171,800 Description of Incident: On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, my 2019 Kia Sorento experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure while in motion. I was driving with my two children at approximately 60 mph on Highway 111, a major highway in Palm Springs, CA. Without any warning whatsoever, no dashboard lights, sounds, or symptoms, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost all power. The gas pedal became completely unresponsive, and I was left to coast from highway speeds down to a natural stop. My safety and the safety of my children were severely at risk. Being in a vehicle that is unable to accelerate or even maintain speed on a major highway creates an immediate and extreme hazard for being rear-ended by other traffic moving at 60+ mph. We were a vulnerable, slow-moving obstacle with no ability to power ourselves out of a dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed to the Palm Springs Kia dealership in Cathedral City, California, where it was inspected by their service department. A certified Kia technician confirmed the cause of failure was a cracked engine valve, requiring a full engine replacement. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have a complete and documented history of performing all scheduled maintenance. This incident represents a severe safety defect, as a sudden loss of motive power in traffic places the vehicle occupants and surrounding drivers at high risk of a serious collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11689670

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2025
EnginePower Train

This has to do with your investigation into the oil pan caps cracking. I had my vehicle serviced 6 months ago and KIA of York PA required me to pay for replacement. Over $150 to correct this issue that seems to be a defect.

NHTSA ODI #11687808

164,000 miles · Sep 12, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed because the engine oil level was extremely low. The contac…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed because the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that the vehicle was not due for an oil change at the time of the service. Despite the oil change, the failure worsened as the sound became increasingly louder. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with engine failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11686869

Official recalls

2

23V639000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 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."

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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