2019 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Sorento and 431 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (158), unknown or other (111), electrical system (68). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2019 ranks #8 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (496). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Summer 2024: The paint began peeling significantly off the hood. When I contacted Kia Support, I was told the vehicle was out of warranty. Subsequent Repairs: Expecting a minor issue, I paid $412 out-of-pocket to repaint the hood. Shortly after, the new paint failed to adhere due to the defect and I attempted minor touch-ups myself. Current Status: The paint on the roof has n…
The engin cought on fire while driving. The entire car burnt. The engin burns 1 quart of oil per tank of gass consuming approximately 20 quarts beetween oil changes.
On October 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., my 2019 Kia Sorento, with fewer than 100,000 miles, experienced an unexpected engine failure while I was driving on the highway in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Component or System Failure: The vehicle's engine failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being operated on the highway. The exact internal component responsible for t…
Safety ratings
2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
2019 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Kia Sorento.
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sorento AWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Sorento, most recently for back over prevention · sensing system · camera (09/15/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
Based on 431 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (158), unknown or other (111), electrical system (68).
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2019 Kia Sorento earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2019 ranks #8 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (496). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 Kia Sorento range from 21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2019 Kia Sorento in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SORENTO, Sorento.