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2019 Kia Sorento VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 383 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 18 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (93), Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (57).

Sorento reliability snapshot

64/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$533
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#12/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 54% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the KIA Sorento before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 KIA Sorento issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine93
  • Electrical System61
  • Unknown Or Other57
  • Power Train43
  • Structure29
  • Exterior Lighting16

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 KIA Sorento

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for oil leaks under the vehicle
  • Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or shudder
  • Inspect the paint for peeling, especially on the hood and roof
  • Verify oil pressure sensor functionality by observing the oil light at idle
  • Check for fuel odors indicating potential fuel system leaks
  • Test infotainment system for glitches or power loss while driving
  • Inspect for signs of excessive oil consumption by checking oil levels

2019 Sorento recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Sorento. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V639000Sep 15, 2023

    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."

    Consequence: 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.

  2. TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022
    Park outside until repaired

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

Used-market value

2019 KIA Sorento resale snapshot

57.1%estimated value retained after 5 years
192listings in the model-level benchmark
$24,931median asking price from 22 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 KIA Sorento on the road

96,531 2019 KIA Sorento units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 KIA Sorento stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Kia Sorento

With a score above the segment average, the 2019 Kia Sorento reads as solid rather than standout for reliability. The data points to a generally manageable ownership profile, and the recall activity is limited, which supports a lower likelihood of widespread corrective actions compared with models showing elevated recall counts.

Complaint patterns aren’t confined to a single system. Engine-related reports lead, but electrical and powertrain concerns also take a meaningful share, alongside a notable portion logged as unknown or other. That spread suggests the risk isn’t isolated to one predictable weak spot, even if the engine category is the primary driver.

Overall, the 2019 Sorento presents a moderate buyer risk level with reliability slightly above average.

What you get in a 2019 Kia Sorento report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Kia Sorento — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?

With a score above the segment average, the 2019 Kia Sorento reads as solid rather than standout for reliability. The data points to a generally manageable ownership profile, and the recall activity is limited, which supports a lower likelihood of widespread corrective actions compared with models showing elevated recall counts.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Kia Sorento. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Sorento problems?

The most-reported 2019 Kia Sorento problem areas are: Engine (93), Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (57).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Kia Sorento?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Kia Sorento, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.