Complaint volume
410 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2019 Kia Sorento Complaints
410 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Kia Sorento, grouped by component category.
410 Total complaints
10 Crash reports
18 Fire reports
10 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, structure. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 10 crash reports, 18 fire reports, 10 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 92 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 44,181 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, structure?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Kia Sorento?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Kia Sorento
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Kia Sorento complaints?
10 Crash
18 Fire
10 Injury
0 Fatality
16 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Kia Sorento complaint categories?
ENGINE 94
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 45
STRUCTURE 27
POWER TRAIN 20
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 16
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9
410 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2023 | ENGINE | Engine light and oil light came on. Car was running strange. We checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. We put 2 quarts of oil in and drove to Kia of Bradley Illinois. On the way the car stalled without warning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | FIRERELATED | The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked after driving and the vehicle caught on fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that smoke was observed emanating from the left taillight, a loud 'boom' noise was heard, and the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was not sure if the fire department report was available. The contact sustained a right shoulder and right knee injury. The contact did not receive medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Screen turned off and then lights on dash started flashing. ABS, power steering, blind spot warning, tire monitoring failed. Battery light was flashing. Parking break light came on. Loss of power. Now it will not turn on | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4/5/2023 954PM-Neville Island bridge, Pittsburgh, PA While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle caught fire with no warning. We were heading out on vacation, so we had lots of things packed in the car. The fire started in the rear of the vehicle, and was extinguished by a passer by with a fire extinguisher, but re-ignited. it burned VERY fast. Unknown at this time what caused the fire. It is currently in the hands of my car insurance company, so it may be available for inspection. There were NO indications of a problem prior to large flames erupting form the read of the vehicle. In the car was myself, my two adult daughters and 6 year old grandson. He was seated in the 3rd row seat. One daughter in the second row, and myself and daughter up front. Once we realized we were on fire, we attempted to get the back doors open, but child locks were engaged. The key fob would NOT work, and my daughter and grandson were trapped in the burning car. we attempted to break the windows to get them out, but that was not successful. My daughter climbed back in the burning car and somehow got a back door open and they were able to get out and run. Within a few seconds, the windows blew and the flames shot even higher. We will NEVER EVER use child locks again. The problem had not been confirmed or reproduced to my knowledge. I believe my insurance company may be looking into it. I had to have a fuel system regulator and sensor replaced on this vehicle approx 1 month before this event. I had an oil change the day before. Police and fire department were present at the scene. There were NO warnings, lights, messages etc prior to eruption of flames. I have lots of photos, but have not been able to upload them to this site. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle caught fire with no warning.We were heading out on vacation, so we had lots of things packed in the car. The fire started in the rear of the vehicle, and was extinguished by a passer by with a fire extinguisher, but re-ignited. it burned VERY fast. Unknown at this time what caused the fire. It is currently in the hands of my car insurance company, so it may be available for inspection. There were NO indications of a problem prior to large flames erupting form the read of the vehicle. In the car was myself, my two adult daughters and 6 year old grandson. He was seated in the 3rd row seat. One daughter in the second row, and myself and daughter up front. Once we realized we were on fire, we attempted to get the back doors open, but child locks were engaged. The key fob would NOT work, and my daughter and grandson were trapped in the burning car. we attempted to break the windows to get them out, but that was not successful. My daughter climbed back in the burning car and somehow got a back door open and they were able to get out and run. Within a few seconds, the windows blew and the flames shot even higher. We will NEVER EVER use child locks again. The problem had not been confirmed or reproduced to my knowledge. I believe my insurance company may be looking into it. I had to have a fuel system regulator and sensor replaced on this vehicle approx two weeks before this event. I had an oil change the day before. Police and fire department were present at the scene. There were NO warnings, lights, messages etc prior to eruption of flames. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Unknown Shortly after purchasing this (6 to 8 weeks) rainwater began collecting and falling into the cabin from the dash area when turning. Not long after this started occuring I began to have issues with the infotainment center or other electrical items in the car sporadically restarting while driving. There was one incident in July 2020 where I called the dealership I purchased this at because we were at the beach in Wisconsin and the car was off. The key was out. The doors were open and the radio would not turn off and the ac was on. I got no response from them. When I had mentioned the issues about things restarting they just said that if it was not happening at that moment they couldn't do anything. Then it started where the screens were restarting and glitching when I was backing up. As a result there was an incident where this occured. My screen (where the back up camera works) went black and the blind spot warning was not working either. I hit a pole trying to get out of a spot I was blocked in at a gas station. It all happened very quickly. Kia was contacted. It took almost 11 months for them to actually take possession of the vehicle at a dealership due to them not having loaner/rental cars or appointments available. They had the vehicle for I believe 28 days. I have documents from the dealership. Per kia I was to take it there so a tech could evaluate it. When I picked it up they said Kia just told them to make sure that the back up camera works. I have provided multiple videos from various incidents over the last 3 years. This is truly becoming a safety issue. I travel 44 miles of major expressway in Michigan daily each way to/from work in Ann Arbor. Having everything turn off/restart/being unable to control/or just not work at all is worse than texting and driving. I never know when something is going to happen https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kRD0RehofbZ818V-GCUhykoeOeL23LeT | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that she was unable to park the vehicle outside and away from structures until the recall repair was completed as recommended by the manufacturer in the recall notification. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE | I have a fuel consumption problem and have read/heard of other Kia owners that are having the same problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STRUCTURE | 2019 Kia Sorento Snow White Peal peeling paint on hood and roof of car. Per body shop this "delamination" | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | I have a 2019 Kia Sorento with 79096 miles and on 3/24/2023 after taking it to the dealership for an engine diagnostic the car cut off while i was driving it in traffic. No warning or anything. The dealer state that a new engine is needed however the VIN is not on the Kia Recall settlement however i bought this car certified used i am the second owner and the car is still fairly new to have died so soon after having regular mainenance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | My car has had oil changes regularly, all of a sudden the oil light comes on I check it and it's bone dry 3 quarts of oil just disappeared. There was no smoke coming from the car and no signs of a leak. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | It might not seem like a big deal but I've owned a 2016, 2018 and now 2019 Kia Sorento and all 3 yrs. the luggage lamp, or (dome light), does not work. I have brought this issue up about all 3 vehicles. Nobody has ever attempted to fix it. In fact I've been told at the dealership that it's a problem and has been for quite some time. In the owner's Manuel it states this problem could be due to other electrical systems. It does not state which ones. I'm under a recall for the tow package so I'm not sure which could be the culprit when I'm towing a trailer and the fuses blow under the hood or various blinkers or brake lights quit working when towing. You don't know if people behind you are getting the turn signals or brake signals. Has led to many close calls on the road while moving various weights. Would be nice to know if it was ,"other electrical issues", from the luggage lamp issues, or part of the tow package issues. I am by far not the only one who has had these issues with the Kia Sorento's. I would like to know how long these issues can go on before it's too long? Thank You | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the engine was idling there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update, but the knocking sound persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100 |
| Mar 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Recalled for manufacturer installed tow hitch harness that can cause fire. Causing fire to my home and other vehicles. I have had this vehicle since new and have been parking it in my garage all of these years and now Kia is just now notifying the owners. I contacted Kia dealership and twice have been told there is no fix figured out by Kia and to call back later. I wrote to Kia directly 2/12/23 Kia Customer Care - Case#[XXX] and they responded 3/20/23 - also talking about a reimbursement that may be my problem I am not sure what they are talking about. Regardless, they do not care if my vehicle might catch on fire and destroy my home or other vehicles. Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. At this time the remedy for the recall is not available please keep your letter with you. Once the remedy becomes available to the Kia dealerships for a repair, you will be notified. Once you have received this letter, you may contact us for a reimbursement review. At that time we will advise you of what documents we will need in order to start your process of review. Please make note, a request for reimbursement does not mean you are approved or will be approved, there is no guarantee. I also am very concerned that my auto and home insurer will dump me due to the fire hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | STRUCTURE | Had large paint chip come off hood and stuck on windsheild. Was driving on interstate which caused blind spot while driving 60 mph. Had to pull to side of road to clear windsheild. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Paint peel off in my vehicle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving with cruise control enabled, the cruise control suddenly disengaged and became inoperative, and the following warning lights (icons) and warning messages displayed on dashboard: > “Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System” warning message > Master warning mode light > ABS warning light > Forward collision assist warning light > Electronic stability control indicator light, and > Auto Hold indicator light. Vehicle continued to operate normally except for those error warnings; cruise control remained disengaged and inoperative. After pulling off the roadway, turning the vehicle off and restarting engine, vehicle operated normally, cruise control could be re-enabled normally, but eventually the same warning lights and warning messages displayed on dashboard and cruise control again disengaged and remained inoperative. This happened multiple times over a number of days. This error happens randomly, at various speeds, but only after cruise control has been engaged. After pulling off the roadway, I took pictures of the dashboard showing these error messages and warning icons to show dealership at appointment that has been scheduled later this week. (These photos are attached to this report.) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | TIRES | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the passenger’s and driver’s side rear tires, the contact noticed that the interior tread line had peeled and detached from the steel belt. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,845. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,845 |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Traveling out of town on the highway from Pennsylvania to Virginia in June 2022 and our 2019 Kia Sorrento started shaking at the steering wheel and lost complete power in the engine. I was unable to accelerate with busy highway traffice behind me. I barely made it to th shoulder of the road without being rear ended with my wife and two children in the car. The forst thing I check is engine oil and it was bone dry. We just had it serviced in May at Sipala Kia before we left for our trip. I limped to a small service station in Virginia where he plugged into it but was unale to diagnose. He has us towed to Charlie O'Baugh Kia for repairs. We had this Kia Sorrento to two of our local dealers, Sipala Kia of West Chester and Scott Kia of Springfield, PA for oil leak or oil consumption but both dealers kept telling me nothing wa wrong. In addition to regualar oil and filter change I continue to check the engine oil on a regualr basis where it seems to be buring engine oil at a higher than normal rate. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | STRUCTURE | Paint is peeling and flaking off rapidly on my Kia. I had rocks kicked back on my vehicle while driving causing the paint to crack down to the 2nd layer of primer. It is snow white pearl color and it was told to me by a mechanic and by the insurance representative that there is a manufacturer error in the paint color on my specific model. I will continue to have these issues, forking out thousands of dollars to have the paint repaired, for every incident that may happen. I'm concerned that this will create a safety hazard while driving for me as the driver as well as other drivers. I called Kia to see what they would do about it and they said nothing because there's no recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The next day, the contact stated that while driving into her independent mechanic's shop, white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the vehicle caught fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle with her grandchildren as the independent mechanic managed to extinguish the vehicle with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not notified of the failure. The contact sustained severe trauma as a result of the fire. The dealer was notified of the failure and gave her an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Injuries: 1 | 90,000 |
| Dec 2022 | ENGINE,POWER TRAIN | 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 with electronics or engine and, again, the vehicle displayed no warnings or alerts. Upon accelerating from the location at which the vehicle was stopped, the driver heard a “boom” and the vehicle cabin filled with smoke. Upon exiting the vehicle and attempting to ascertain the issue, the driver noticed flames. The entire engine became engulfed. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | TRAILER HITCHES | The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |