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
- 426
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 426 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
37% · 156 reportsShow 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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
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, 2023-09-30
Also filed under Electrical system
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, 2019-07-18
Also filed under Service brakes
Electrical system
16% · 68 reportsStructure
13% · 55 reportsMost commonly citing body and dashboard.
Power train
12% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Fuel/propulsion system
6% · 24 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2019Complaint volume 426 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 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.
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R
2024-03-08Back over prevention23V639000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 156 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 68 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 55 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 23V639000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.