VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Sorento problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 616 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Sorento year — the 2019 model ranks #8 of 24 Sorento years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 162 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

616

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

28

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Sorento years?

Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted2,073 complaints2003: 421 complaints2004: 341 complaints2005: 457 complaints2006: 382 complaints2007: 224 complaints2008: 317 complaints2009: 79 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 2,073 complaints2012: 1,205 complaints2013: 1,293 complaints2014: 1,364 complaints2015: 955 complaints2016: 1,610 complaints2017: 1,021 complaints2018: 332 complaints2019: 616 complaints2020: 183 complaints2021: 335 complaints2022: 278 complaints2023: 179 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Sorento problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine16226%
Other10617%
Electrical System6711%
Body & Structure549%
Transmission508%
Driver Assistance437%
Fuel System285%
Lighting224%
Visibility & Wipers213%
Brakes142%
Speed Control142%
Steering102%
Trailer Hitch71%
Seat Belts51%
Seats41%
Airbags41%
Suspension20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2019 Kia Sorento have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V639000Driver AssistanceSeptember 15, 2023 · 83,667 units

Defect

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

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.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2023 · fire

“I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 28, 2023 · fire

“Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2023 · fire

“My Vehicle was stolen from my residential home. My window was buss out and they stole my vehicle. After over two weeks my vehicle was finally retrieved by the police and city of Milwaukee tow lot. I was told by financing company as well as police department to go get pictures of vehicle as reported…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 4, 2021 · crash

“The evening of December 13, the driver noticed an engine rattle when accelerating. No “check engine” or other warnings were displayed. The morning of December 14, the vehicle stalled. The driver waited then restarted the vehicle, which immediately turned over. The driver perceived no issues…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 14, 2022 · fire

2019 Kia Sorento — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 616 complaints put the 2019 model at #8 of 24 Sorento years. It is one of the Sorento years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Sorento problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (162 complaints), other (106 complaints), electrical system (67 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Sorento have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2019 Kia Sorento?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Kia Sorento earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.