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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 · Jul 3, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Infotainment center failure that hat been ongoing since 2019 and Kia will not address

NHTSA ODI #11598676

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2024
Unknown Or Other

I was driving on the freeway at approx. 65mph and my panoramic glass roof exploded. It was so loud and very frightening. I pulled over at first exit and the glass had exploded from the inside and had major cracks completely down both sides as attached photo shows. This had to be a result of a defective glass roof as nothing f…

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I was driving on the freeway at approx. 65mph and my panoramic glass roof exploded. It was so loud and very frightening. I pulled over at first exit and the glass had exploded from the inside and had major cracks completely down both sides as attached photo shows. This had to be a result of a defective glass roof as nothing flew into my car or hit the glass from the exterior. The glass continued to fall out as I drove. This could have been such a hazard for myself as well as other drivers as I thought someone had shot at my car! Luckily the "headliner" under the glass was closed or I would have been cut by the shattered glass. There were no warning signs of a problem, nor had I ever been contacted by KIA of this potential hazard that others, I now have learned, have reported as well. I drove the car to Shottenkirk Fort Bend KIA, where I had purchased the car new, for help. They have advised me that glass is not covered under my warranty. Nor will they cover my rental car charges as I need a car for work.

NHTSA ODI #11597803

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2024
Engine

I bought this KIA used, one owner from a dealership 4 months ago. It had only 71000 miles on it. Since day one, we noticed it hesitates to get out of 1st gear into second. It also takes for ever to excel at speed on merge on a highway. We've had it inspected and even paid to have a FULL inspection done and all they said is this …

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I bought this KIA used, one owner from a dealership 4 months ago. It had only 71000 miles on it. Since day one, we noticed it hesitates to get out of 1st gear into second. It also takes for ever to excel at speed on merge on a highway. We've had it inspected and even paid to have a FULL inspection done and all they said is this is a known KIA problem for this year and nothing they can do. I am now thinking the transmission is about to go out on this car I just bought, that the KIA dealership said is a known problem with no fix EXCEPT to replace the transmission. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11592054

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2024
Engine

At my last oil change, I was told by Kia that the oil was extremely low, which shouldn't be the case as I was not overdue for an oil change. They told me they couldn't tell me why, and I could try an engine cleaning service for $300 or $400 dollars that would have maybe a 60% chance of working. If it didn't work, then the engine…

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At my last oil change, I was told by Kia that the oil was extremely low, which shouldn't be the case as I was not overdue for an oil change. They told me they couldn't tell me why, and I could try an engine cleaning service for $300 or $400 dollars that would have maybe a 60% chance of working. If it didn't work, then the engine was the problem and I was basically just screwed. I decided to seek a second opinion at a different shop and per the mechanic, "Engine has no leaks/found oil around top valve cover - removed oil cap and found engine had excessive blow by crank case pressure valve cover - piston rings worn." I was told the engine needs to be replaced. I have about 94,000 miles on the vehicle, and have always done all the maintenance at the Kia dealership that Kia recommends. The mechanic told me this has to be a manufacturing defect. There were no warning lights or anything to alert me to this problem. I was shocked when I was told about it at a routine oil change. If my engine goes out, blows, stops working, etc. I feel this is a major safety concern, particularly if it occurs while driving. I also feel that the Kia dealership isn't being honest about a known engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11591717

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2024
Engine

While driving the vehicle up a steep hill at 45mph, it began making a ticking noise, within seconds, the engine seized and the car died. There were no warning lights. The vehicle is available to be inspected, it has been towed to a Kia dealership and is currently awaiting inspection. Safety was a concern due to lack of power…

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While driving the vehicle up a steep hill at 45mph, it began making a ticking noise, within seconds, the engine seized and the car died. There were no warning lights. The vehicle is available to be inspected, it has been towed to a Kia dealership and is currently awaiting inspection. Safety was a concern due to lack of power of the vehicle. Luckily we were going up hill and were able to stop the vehicle quickly.

NHTSA ODI #11591434

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The oil light has start to flicker on & off since January 8, 2024. I was told it was defective oil pressure switch. I was also told that my oil pan is leaking too which I have had fixed multiple time. I see that there are the same recalls for these issues with Kia Sorento from 2012 - 2018 which said recalls began in July of 2…

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The oil light has start to flicker on & off since January 8, 2024. I was told it was defective oil pressure switch. I was also told that my oil pan is leaking too which I have had fixed multiple time. I see that there are the same recalls for these issues with Kia Sorento from 2012 - 2018 which said recalls began in July of 2019. My vehicle would have been built as well prior to this recall beginning and so my question is why isn’t the 2019 year included in these two recalls. Are there others later years like mine who have complained about this problem? I also see that you have increased the mileage to 15 years or 150,000 miles. So hopefully this can be resolved & recall issued sooner than later. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11591243

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Engine

As I was driving on the road, the engine suddenly died. Tried to restart a couple of times without success. When I tried 3rd time, the engine started.

NHTSA ODI #11587261

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Structure

Paint is peeling off the hood of the car.

NHTSA ODI #11586540

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2024
Service Brakes

I made a hard brake when first got car. Warning lights for ABS and traction control came on. Battery disconnected. Battery reconnected and codes cleared, but warning lights remained. Code 2400201 on OBDII read. I didn’t check ABS pump for leakage as I don’t know where that is. I can see the ABS Pump module unit aka ABS Hydrauli…

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I made a hard brake when first got car. Warning lights for ABS and traction control came on. Battery disconnected. Battery reconnected and codes cleared, but warning lights remained. Code 2400201 on OBDII read. I didn’t check ABS pump for leakage as I don’t know where that is. I can see the ABS Pump module unit aka ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. When I hard brake there is no ABS pumping action. Car just lurches forward real hard. Hope car doesn’t catch on fire.

NHTSA ODI #11585653

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2024
Engine

Engine oil has been burning at a fast rate. Smoke from exhaust. About 5-6 months ago i Got a oil change and was told my engine oil was extremely low and if i had any warning lights. I said no. Got my oil change,.... started noticing a white smoke coming from exhaust pipe at all times of the day. about 3 months later got another …

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Engine oil has been burning at a fast rate. Smoke from exhaust. About 5-6 months ago i Got a oil change and was told my engine oil was extremely low and if i had any warning lights. I said no. Got my oil change,.... started noticing a white smoke coming from exhaust pipe at all times of the day. about 3 months later got another oil change and i asked by any chance was the oil low again and they said yes. They Asked if any warning lights were on and i said no. I asked if i had a leak. They said no. Its been. About a month after this last oil change, i checked my engine oil at home because my car started feeling a bit rough and making making odd noises.. sure enough engine oil was low... so i had to buy some engine oil. Just made an appointment with kia but it will be a month before being looked at. Yes it is available for inspection. This is unsafe while driving and especially when i have children and family in my car which i always do.

NHTSA ODI #11583213

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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