2019 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 400 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2019 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2019 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Kia Sorento has 400 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 400
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Kia Sorento?
The 2019 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Test all electrical features, including lights and infotainment.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Test all electrical features, including lights and infotainment.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 400 NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Kia Sorento, issues are concentrated in the engine, with 152 complaints, followed by uncategorized issues and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 10, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited years and potential reporting bias.
- Engine problems account for 152 of the 400 total complaints, making it the most reported component.
- Uncategorized issues total 103 complaints, indicating many problems may not fit standard categories.
- Electrical faults are the third most common concern with 66 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Uncategorized Issues
- Electrical Faults
All 2019 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 152 | 2 | 10 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 103 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 66 | 3 | 7 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 54 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 48 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 22 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof failed to properly close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable motor and fractured cables. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehic…
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento Issue: Engine Failure / Safety Concern Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that experienced sudden engine failure after clear warning signs that created a serious safety concern. The vehicle began making a loud ticking/knockin…
Excessive engine oil consumption. I have to add at least a half a quart to a quart of oil every 7 to 10 days depending on how much I drive. The 2019 Kia's are showing the same issues as the 2016 Kia engines that are currently under recall for catastrophic engine failure due to oi…
About 1 month ago, i noticed on the hood, several areas (10-12) of bubbling and peeling of the paint. On the Side upright panel next to the windshield on the passenger side, there is a big area of peeling and bubbling paint. Paint is called Snow white Pearl. On the driver side pa…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vents, with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several oil changes were needed. While inspecting the vehicle, the contac…
after purchasing from carmax 6 months later the paint above the windshield is peeling off in huge chunks. the color is snow pearl white. having large chunks of solid paint flying around can decrease visibility for both the driver of the vehicle and others should the pieces go on …
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle bucked abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that an oil leak was found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the oil gasket was replaced; however, the oil leak pro…
The vehicle just had an oil change. It was driven after that approximately 25 miles when there was a loud noise and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and coasted to the end of a dirt road. Could smell oil burning. Upon inspection of the underside th…
I am the original owner of this vehicle. The engine is consuming approximately 5 quarts of oil every 7–10 days while I drive about 300 miles per week. The rear of the vehicle is covered in black soot from the exhaust, indicating severe oil burning. I have been topping off oil con…
I have 2019 Kia Seranto . In November 2024 started leaking oil the oil filter casing was cracked. January 2026 oil light came on. Oil was changed 2 months before. Took it to the shop and no oil was in the engine. No oil under the car to tell it was leaking. Shop had to run oil le…
The paint is peeling off the roof and front of vehicle. The car is (2019) out of the 3\36 warranty and the dealer says there is nothing they can do to help me. I asked the service writer if this is a common problem with these vehicles. His comment was what color is your car (it i…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing in rainy weather, the rearview camera image was distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V639000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where addition…
The 'Gear' on the drivers seat towards middle of car (right hand drivers seat) snapped in some fashion and the seat rocks. I hear this is quite common in this car and that it costs upwards of $2,000 to repair because the entire seat has to be replaced.
Vehicle starting 'eating' excessive amounts of oil about 95,000 miles. We are now about 115,000 miles and I am adding nearly 5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles
I have a 2019 Kia Sorento that the paint is pealing all the way down to the metal on the roof and the hood of the car. I am past my 3 year 36K mile warranty and I've been to the dealership and they have told me there is nothing they can do for me. I have taken care of my car and …
Car would randomly stall and jerk while accelerating. Unsafe to drive. May cause accident. Having to constantly set hazard lights to prevent accident.
Shifter stuck in park
On Saturday February 7th, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly caught fire without any warning. Within moments, the fire intensified, and I was forced to jump out of the vehicle to save my life. Shortly afterward, the vehicle exploded. The car was completely destroyed. Every…
The oil pressure switch on my 2019 KIA Sorento comes on when coming to a stop. This has occurred even after an oil change and checking the oil the dip stick showed full. I understand that Kia had a recall on these sensors for Kia Sorentos up to year models 2018 but evidently the …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Kia Sorento.
2019 Kia Sorento Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Sorento. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 400 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (152 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (103 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (66 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 18 fire reports out of 400 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is TRAILER HITCHES. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2019 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.