Diagsheet

Third generation (UM)

2019 Kia Sorento

  • 426owner complaints
  • 2recalls
  • 10involved a crash
  • 40,000median miles at failure

Newest report Sep 7, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

miles

2019 Kia Sorento
Photo: Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 57 complaints.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard22 reports
Engine stalls or loses power while driving39 reports
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing57 reports
Burns oil or oil level rises50 reports
Check engine light or misfire38 reports
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails48 reports
too few reports state a mileage
Paint peels or body rusts32 reports
too few reports state a mileage

middle half of reports, median tick. Darker bars have 75 or more reports.

Behind you

    Around your mileage

      Ahead of you

        How this compares

        2019 Kia Sorento426
        Median 2019 model here (28 vehicles)528
        Median 2019 SUV here (15)580

        426 complaints is 1.2 times fewer than the median 2019 model on this site and 1.4 times fewer than the median 2019 SUV. Among the 11 Sorento model years here it ranks 5th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

        Complaints filed by year

        518
        3619
        2820
        1421
        3122
        5823
        10724
        8725
        6026

        107 complaints came in 2024, 1.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

        NHTSA investigations

        DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
        Engine · model years 2011 to 2021

        Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

        NHTSA summary
        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 as

        Recalls that include the 2019 Kia Sorento

        Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

        23V-639Sep 15, 2023
        Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

        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."

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.
        22V-703Sep 19, 2022
        Trailer Hitches

        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.

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.

        Other model years

        20149412015737201612462017801201825220194262020134202124220221872023118202573