IllustrationJERKS IN LOWER GEARS WHEN YOU'RE ABOUT TO STOP AND/OR SLOW IT DOWN WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN, BAD WORKMANSHIP ON KIA'S PART. KEEPS HAPPENING EVERYTIME. THIS IS MY SECOND CAR, THE FIRST IS SEDONA, THOUGHT KIA'S WERE STRONG, RELIABLE AND STURDY CARS, BUT SADLY DISAPPOINTED. NEVER AGAIN ANOTHER KIA.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
600–25K
1625–50K
1050–75K
1075–100K
15100–150K
3150K+
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
Power Train complaints
51 reportsINCONSISTENT POWER TO THE WHEELS ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD BUT ALSO ON FREEWAY. UNEVEN DELIVERY OF POWER TO THE WHEELS IS USUALLY CALLED TRANSMISSION SURGE FROM A LACK OF CONSISTENT FLUID PRESSURE BEING MAINTAINED IN EACH GEAR. HAS BUCKED HARD ENOUGH IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR TO ROCK MY HEAD FORWARD AND BACK. IN ECO MODE IT'S DOWNRIGHT …
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INCONSISTENT POWER TO THE WHEELS ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD BUT ALSO ON FREEWAY. UNEVEN DELIVERY OF POWER TO THE WHEELS IS USUALLY CALLED TRANSMISSION SURGE FROM A LACK OF CONSISTENT FLUID PRESSURE BEING MAINTAINED IN EACH GEAR. HAS BUCKED HARD ENOUGH IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR TO ROCK MY HEAD FORWARD AND BACK. IN ECO MODE IT'S DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. MORE THAN ONCE I THOUGHT I'D BE HT BY ANOTHER CAR TRYING TO TURN ONTO A BUSY CITY STREET. DOES THIS LESS IN COMFORT MODE. THIS HAPPENED ON MANY DATES BUT BELOW YOU ONLY ALLOW TP PICK ONE SO I [PICKED ONE DATE. IT DOESN'T BUCK IN COMFORT MDE BUT THE STUTTER OR SURGE IS STILL THERE. IN THE FIRST 4-5,000 MILES, MAYBE 10 TIMES OR SO, AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON A CITY STREET WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKES, I HAVE FELT IT DROP INTO FIRST GEAR. THREE OR FOUR OF THOSE TIMES IT WAS SUCH A DISTINCT THUD I COULD FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THE SEAT AND THE FLOORBOARD. EITHER IT HADN'T FULLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO 1ST BY THE TIME I STOPPED, OR IT DOWNSHIFTED ALL THE WAY INTO 1ST THEN INTO TO NEUTRAL, AND WHAT I'M FEELING IS IT FALL BACK INTO 1ST. DEALER SAID MECHANIC COULDN'T DUPLICATE MY SURGE PROBLEM. I DEMANDED A TEST DRIVE WITH THE MECHANIC AND WENT TO A SMOOTH PART OF A NEARBY ROAD WHERE HE SAID HE 'COULD FEEL IT SOME BUT IT'S NOT BAD ENOUGH FOR KIA TO FIX IT. LET US KNOW IF IT GETS WORSE'. THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS STATEMENT IS: GEE, TOO BAD YOUR ANTICIPATED NEW CAR JOY ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT KIA IS HAPPY WITH IT'S ANTICIPATED PROFIT, AND WON'T ACT ON THIS UNLESS IT GETS WORSE. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO SAY COSTCO GAS IS THE PROBLEM.
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP (19TH AVE AND VINEYARD) THE CAR WILL HESITATE THEN TAKE OFF AT A FAST RATE OF SPEED. THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKE SYSTEM HESITATES TO STOP, ALMOST LIKE A DELAYED REACTION (MOSTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON LOCAL STREETS SUCH AS WEST BOUND BASELINE RD). THE BRAKES SQUILL (ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKING)…
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WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP (19TH AVE AND VINEYARD) THE CAR WILL HESITATE THEN TAKE OFF AT A FAST RATE OF SPEED. THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKE SYSTEM HESITATES TO STOP, ALMOST LIKE A DELAYED REACTION (MOSTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON LOCAL STREETS SUCH AS WEST BOUND BASELINE RD). THE BRAKES SQUILL (ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKING) SO BAD AND SO LOUD. I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN RIPPED OFF ON A CAR THAT'S ALREADY GIVING PROBLEMS LESS THAN SIX MONTHS OF PURCHASE. THE CITY OF ALL INSTANCES IS PHOENIX, AZ.
THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHILE ACCELERATING. ACCELERATION IS VERY SLOW IN EVERY MODE EXCEPT SPORT. THE TRANSMISSION STILL HESITATES. VERY UNSAFE. THIS OCCURS WHEN KIA IS FIRST STARTED OR ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. IT'S ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE.
LIKE MANY OTHERS, MY 2019 KIA SORENTO V6 AWD STUMBLES, HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. DOES IT MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. HAD IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS A PROBLEM THAT KIA IS AWARE OF AND "THEY" WOULD NOTIFY EFFECTED CUSTOMERS WHEN THEY HAVE A FIX. REALLY! IT HAS BEEN 2 …
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LIKE MANY OTHERS, MY 2019 KIA SORENTO V6 AWD STUMBLES, HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. DOES IT MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. HAD IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS A PROBLEM THAT KIA IS AWARE OF AND "THEY" WOULD NOTIFY EFFECTED CUSTOMERS WHEN THEY HAVE A FIX. REALLY! IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE A SOLUTION?
WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE WONT ACCELERATE ,PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR ANOTHER 1/8 OF AN INCH AND THE VEHICLE WILL TAKE OFF VERY FAST, ALSO IT FEELS LIKE A MISFIRE AT SLOW SPEEDS.IT HAPPENS ALWAYS.
TRANSMISSION IS GIVING HESITATION FROM 1ST TO 2AND GEAR AND POSSIBLY 3RD.
STUMBLES HORRIBLY THROUGH THE LOW GEARS DURING ACCELERATION UNTIL HITTING ~45-50MPH ON COLD START-UP (AFTER SITTING SEVERAL HOURS OR OVERNIGHT). AFTER ENGINE WARMUP THE EFFECT BEGINS TO MODERATE, THOUGH IT REMAINS PRESENT AT ALL TIMES. WORSE IN ECO AND COMFORT DRIVE MODES. GOING UP HILL THE CAR ACCELERATES FASTER WHICH LURCHE…
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STUMBLES HORRIBLY THROUGH THE LOW GEARS DURING ACCELERATION UNTIL HITTING ~45-50MPH ON COLD START-UP (AFTER SITTING SEVERAL HOURS OR OVERNIGHT). AFTER ENGINE WARMUP THE EFFECT BEGINS TO MODERATE, THOUGH IT REMAINS PRESENT AT ALL TIMES. WORSE IN ECO AND COMFORT DRIVE MODES. GOING UP HILL THE CAR ACCELERATES FASTER WHICH LURCHES THE CAR FORWARD AND IS VERY SCARY. SOUNDS LIKE A MISFIRE WHEN I START THE CAR THIS HAPPENS IN THE CITY/TOWN AND SPEEDING UP TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR
WE ONLY HAVE ABOUT 14000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED TWICE NOW FOR THE TRANSMISSION HAVING A PROBLEM. YET THE "DEALERSHIP" KEEPS TELLING US THAT IT IS NOT "REPRODUCIBLE" YET THEY "TELL ME THEY RESET THE COMPUTER" EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT KICK ANY CODES. THE TRANSMISSION - IS VERY SLUGGISH IN GETTING INTO G…
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WE ONLY HAVE ABOUT 14000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED TWICE NOW FOR THE TRANSMISSION HAVING A PROBLEM. YET THE "DEALERSHIP" KEEPS TELLING US THAT IT IS NOT "REPRODUCIBLE" YET THEY "TELL ME THEY RESET THE COMPUTER" EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT KICK ANY CODES. THE TRANSMISSION - IS VERY SLUGGISH IN GETTING INTO GEAR. (ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING WARMED UP OR NOT) THE OTHER ISSUE I HAVE TRIED TO ADDRESS WITH KIA IS THE GAP IN THE INTERIOR CARPET OF THE THIRD ROW. THE DEALERSHIPS HIDE IT AND WHEN ADDRESSED WITH KIA THEY TRY TO COVER IT UP. THE CARPET IS GAPPED ON THE FLOOR BOARD. *TR
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR JUST STARTING THE KIA AND GOING IT WILL WITHOUT WARNING SURGE, JERK, AND JUMP. THE RPM NEEDLE WILL SHOW ACCELERATION FROM 2.5 RPM AND IT JUMPS TO 4.5 RPM AND STAYS THEIR FOR AWHILE BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN TO 2.5 RPM. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE AND NOT ON ANY INCLINE OR DECLINES, IT'S ON STRAIGHT AWA…
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WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR JUST STARTING THE KIA AND GOING IT WILL WITHOUT WARNING SURGE, JERK, AND JUMP. THE RPM NEEDLE WILL SHOW ACCELERATION FROM 2.5 RPM AND IT JUMPS TO 4.5 RPM AND STAYS THEIR FOR AWHILE BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN TO 2.5 RPM. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE AND NOT ON ANY INCLINE OR DECLINES, IT'S ON STRAIGHT AWAYS. THIS ALSO HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR WHEN JUST STARTING THE KIA AND GOING. IT'S NOT JUST ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT ALSO HAPPENS IN CITY STREETS. IT FIRST ONLY STARTED HAPPENING WHEN IT WAS COLD OUT BUT NOW IT'S HAPPENING EVEN WITH WARMER WEATHER. I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA OF DULUTH MANY TIMES AND ALWAYS GET TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG OR TO JUST CHANGE THE DRIVE MODE FROM SMART TO ECO BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I GOT THE KIA WHICH WAS 16 MONTHS AGO. *TR
Official recalls
223V639000 · 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
1DP22003 · 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.