Third generation (UM)
2019 Kia Sorento
The most reported problem on the 2019 Kia Sorento is engine failure, with 57 complaints, usually around 79,000 miles.
- 428owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 40,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Sorento doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2019 model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2019 Kia Sorento has 428 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.5 times the median of 281 for 2019 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Sorento model years since 2014, it has the 5th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2018 and 2020
- The 2019 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 54 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2018 draws 28 and the 2020 19.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Engine failure has 57 complaints and oil consumption has 50, out of 428 in all. A quarter of the 24 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure saw it by about 36,000 miles, and half by about 79,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 30 of the 428 complaints (7%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 19 mention a fire and 16 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 10, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as engine failure, oil consumption and infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 107 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 87. So far in 2026, 62 more have come in.
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.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
428 complaints is 1.8 times the median 2019 model on this site and 1.5 times the median 2019 SUV. Among the 12 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.
Service bulletins for the 2019 Kia Sorento
Kia filed 111 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2019 Kia Sorento. 13 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 1 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Burns oil or oil level rises 2 bulletins · 50 complaints
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 1 bulletin · 48 complaints
PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles.
Check engine light or misfire 2 bulletins · 38 complaints
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY034) to diagnose the ‘Malfunction Indicator Lamp’ (MIL) accompanied by DTC P0088 and, if necessary, replace the high-pressure fuel pump on 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles ...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) his bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY034) to diagnose the ‘Malfunction Indicator Lamp’ (MIL) accompanied by DTC P0088 and, if necessary, replace the high-pressure fuel pump on 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles ...
Headlights too dim or fail 1 bulletin · 18 complaints
INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly.
Engine knocking or ticking 3 bulletins · 17 complaints
TSB_R2 KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1805_R1: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
1 more on this problem
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) TSB: This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
Fuel pump failure 1 bulletin · 16 complaints
FUEL PUMP INSPECTION AND UPPER FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Fuel Pump Warranty Extension Program' (WTY033) to inspect the low-pressure fuel pump on 2018-2019MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles produced from March 31, 2017 through July 24, 2019.
Windshield cracks or distorts 2 bulletins · 12 complaints
PITSTOP: OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS CONTROL INOPERATIVE This Pitstop provides information on the repair procedure for an inoperative mirror glass on the outside door mirrors for 2016-2019MY Optima (JFa) and Sorento (UMa) vehicles.
PITSTOP: BLOCKED WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLES ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH WASHER HEATERS This Pitstop provides information regarding blocked windshield wiper nozzles on some 2016MY~ Sorento (UMa) and 2017MY~ Sportage (QL) vehicles equipped with windshield washer heaters (A).
Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)/Smart Cruise Control (SCC) ...
Complaints filed by year
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
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2019 Kia Sorento
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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
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.
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
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.
All 2 recalls on the 2019 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2019 Kia Sorento?
Engine failure, with 57 of the 428 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 79,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Sorento problems start?
Of the 147 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 11,000 miles and half by about 40,000.
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento better or worse than the 2018 and 2020?
Counted per year on the road, the 2019 has more complaints than both the 2018 and the 2020: 54 a year against 28 and 19.
How many 2019 Kia Sorento complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
30 of them (7%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2019 Kia Sorento?
No recall on file for the 2019 Kia Sorento is on the same system as engine failure. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.