2019 Kia Sorento
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1517 |
| 2012 | 876 |
| 2013 | 980 |
| 2014 | 983 |
| 2015 | 747 |
| 2016 | 1245 |
| 2017 | 799 |
| 2018 | 251 |
| 2019 | 421 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 185 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: engine — 153 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Spontaneous fire under hood. Nothing was malfunctuoing, no warning lights. All fluids were good, no temp issues. Parked to to run inside to use rr, was paged and came out car is on fire
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
UNKNOWN, HEARD A POP WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, AND FOUND SMOKE AND THEN FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND INSURANCE CLAIM WAS MADE. INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230930
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY KIA SORENTO 2019 HAS BEEN ACTING WEIRD FOR A WHILE. I HAD TALKED TO THE SERVICE GUYS AND I WAS TOLD ALL IS FINE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR ISSUES: 1. THE CAR HAS AN ISSUE OF ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190718
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
16% of complaints: electrical system — 67 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: structure — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: power train — 50 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
FIRE5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Loss of Motive Power
Kia America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V639000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (153 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (67 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V639000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Sorento is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.