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Kia · NHTSA safety record

2019 Kia Sorento

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 428 safety complaints about the 2019 Kia Sorento with the US government. Of those, 10 describe a crash, 19 mention a fire, 16 people were injured and no death is recorded. 2 recall campaigns are open against it, covering back-over prevention and the trailer hitch.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 156 complaints, 36% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 21,675 miles, the median across the 114 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers July 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

428 complaints on file

428

Complaints

10

Describe a crash

19

Mention fire

16

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 156 · 36%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 110 · 26%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 68 · 16%
STRUCTURE 55 · 13%
POWER TRAIN 51 · 12%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 24 · 6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 22 · 5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 18 · 4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 16 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14 · 3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES 13 · 3%
0 65 131

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 428.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 107.

116 87 58 29
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Kia SORENTO, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.8% 15.0%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

2 on file

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

23V639000 · September 15, 2023

The 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."
The risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Kia America, Inc. · up to 83,667 vehicles across all model years covered

TRAILER HITCHES

22V703000 · September 19, 2022

Park outside until repaired

The 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.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Kia America, Inc. · up to 70,887 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the 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.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 injured · crash · towed

I was driving along the road on a light traffic day, I approaching an intersection when the traffic light turned red, I tried engaging brakes and they would not engage. As I approached the intersection I became fearful of colliding with multiple vehicles and due to brakes failing I encroached the intersection when I was T-boned by another driver. I see various complaints of brakes and the lack of stopping power for this particular vehicle. I advise anyone else to avoid purchasing this vehicle if you value yours and your families safety.

NHTSA complaint 11429351. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 injured · crash · towed · 17,800 miles

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. ONCE IT REACHES 45MPH IT BECOMES NOISY AND IT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. THE ANSWER FROM THE SERVICE GUYS:" IT IS NORMAL." 2. THE BRAKES: IT TAKES TOO MUCH TIME TO STOP. SO, EVEN IF I KEEP MY DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I ALWAYS STRUGGLE TO STOP AT THE SAFE DISTANCE AT THE STOP SIGN OR LIGHTS. THE ANSWER FROM THE SERVICE GUYS: 'NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES.' 3. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR OR SO, THE MOTOR OVERHEATS SIGNIFICANTLY. 4. FINALLY, THE CAR ROLLED BACK FROM THE PARKING

NHTSA complaint 11233153, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 injured · crash · towed · 9,850 miles

ON 7/25/2020, MY 2019 KIA SORENTO HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 4 MONTHS. I TOOK MY SORENTO TO MY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A "DEFORMED BOOSTER BRAKES VACUUM HOSE"WHICH THEY REPLACED (2 DAYS IN THE SHOP MARCH 23RD TOO MUCH 25TH). ON JULY 13, 2020 IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE CAR WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, FOR THE SECOND TIME. A WEEK LATER(JULY 25TH) THEY CALL TO ME TO PICK UP THE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD REPLACE THE HOST WITH AN UPDATED VACUUM HOSE, AND THAT KIA COOPERATION ENGINEERS WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON SATURDAY 5 DAYS AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT,

NHTSA complaint 11343232, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 60,000 miles

The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle crashed head on into a second vehicle. During the crash the vehicle was destroyed but the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained multiple rib fractures, lower back, and right knee injuries and was transported to the hospital. The driver of the second vehicle had also sustained unknown injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The cause of the failure was not determined. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint 11534967. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Case number 25530365 discussed with vanguard kia. Paint not adhering. Flakes off when washing by hand.

NHTSA complaint 11767241. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I was driving to work on the interstate and my car went into limp mode almost causing me to get hit at those speeds. I sent it to my mechanic but was told about the theta2 lawsuit so I had it towed to Kia. Was charged $300 and it wasn’t even diagnosed or looked at due to missing oil change receipts. I have since contacted bbb and Kia headquarters to just be told it’s not covered due to missing receipts of oil changes. Even though it’s a known issue with the gdi engine. Was faulty due to metal left in the drive train after assembly. I have a car that I still owe $4,000 for still making payments and I can’t use the car. I just want it fixed?

NHTSA complaint 11767027. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gasoline smell is coming with the left side of vehicle. Gasoline is leaking from the fuel pump causing the gas to puddle creating the gasoline smell.

NHTSA complaint 11762607. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Engine seized per Kia Inspected by Kia after AAA TOWED AND COULD NOT START CAR warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.

NHTSA complaint 11762149. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento and an engine failure related to Kia’s Product Improvement Campaign/KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) campaign. I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. Prior to the engine failure, I was never notified of any Product Improvement Campaign affecting my vehicle. Had I been notified, I would have immediately taken the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to have the campaign completed. My engine subsequently failed, and Kia denied coverage, stating that the Product Improvement Campaign was not completed before the engine failure occurred. Kia stated that notices were mailed to affected owners, but they have not provided me with

NHTSA complaint 11762150, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

towed · 125,202 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and stalled in the driveway. After restarting the vehicle, the engine immediately shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who confirmed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. While purchasing the vehicle, the contact was advised to

NHTSA complaint 11761295, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Kia Sorento

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 5 2 —
2025 74 3 —
2024 41 2 —
2023 120 3 —
2022 189 6 —
2021 250 4 —
2020 136 1 1
2018 254 3 1
2017 804 4 —
2016 1,252 8 —
2015 750 3 —
2014 987 6 1
2013 981 5 —
2012 880 5 —
2011 1,518 7 —

Other 2019 Kia models

Optima 210 Forte 147 Soul 136 Sportage 70 Niro 56 Stinger 44 Sedona 38 Niro PHEV 26

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Kia on this site — 181 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst