2019 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Kia Sorento has 426 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 65, ranking 8th worst of 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 41% of complaints, with 2 recalls covering the rearview camera and tow hitch wiring fire risk.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 426
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 19
- Injuries
- 16
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
Top 2019 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine176 (41%)
- Other111 (26%)
- Electrical System84 (20%)
- Structure & Body65 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain51 (12%)
- Fuel System28 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras23 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers21 (5%)
- Brakes14 (3%)
- Lane Departure12 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some engines stall or rattle unexpectedly while driving, occasionally with no warning lights displayed beforehand.
- Several owners describe engine fires starting under the hood, in one case with flames visible to drivers behind the vehicle.
- Brake systems reportedly failed multiple times in some vehicles, with one owner citing a deformed brake booster vacuum hose replaced more than once.
- Electrical wiring has reportedly burned internally after a burnt plastic smell and multiple dashboard warning lights appeared before the vehicle died.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal and lamp-post collisions, resulting in fractures and other injuries.
- A suspected faulty fuel pump was blamed for a fire that spread through the engine compartment while driving.
2019 Kia Sorento recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V639000Sep 15, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras83,667 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022Structure & Body70,887 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
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.
Risk: 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.
2019 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA lists 426 complaints for the 2019 Sorento, giving it a Complaint Index of 65 and a Caution verdict, which ranks it 8th worst among the 21 model years with data.
- What is the main problem with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 41% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000 miles.
- Does the 2019 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for water leaking into the rearview camera and one for a tow hitch harness that can cause a fire, which requires owners to park outside until repaired.
- How does the 2019 Sorento compare to other Sorento years?
- The 2019 model's Complaint Index of 65 is better than years like 2011 (100) and 2016 (95), which carry Avoid verdicts, but worse than 2024, the Best-rated year with an index of 15.
- Are there fire risks with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA data shows 19 fire incidents reported for the 2019 Sorento, including engine and fuel system fires, and one recall requires parking outside due to tow hitch wiring fire risk.