Owners have reported 10 crashes, 18 fires and 16 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 KIA Sorento. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints93
ENGINE
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and oil leaks, often linked to a faulty oil pressure sensor. These problems typically manifest as the oil pressure warning light illuminating, noticeable oil loss, and in some cases, significant oil leakage visible on the ground. Complaints suggest these issues commonly appear between 56,000 to 132,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of engine stalling, loss of power, and engine failure, sometimes requiring full engine replacement. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of engine fires, with five incidents involving fire and one injury noted, emphasizing the potential risk to occupants and surrounding traffic.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 5 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints61
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the infotainment system in the 2019 Kia Sorento, including glitching and restarting while driving, which disrupts the use of hands-free calls and GPS. Many describe these issues occurring primarily during highway driving. Complaints also highlight electrical system malfunctions that result in total power loss, with some incidents leading to crashes or fires, and in one case, a fire originating from the rear of the vehicle after a battery replacement. These problems often appear after several months of ownership, and in some instances, at mileage as low as 15,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from the infotainment issues and the risk of vehicle fires or power loss while driving.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 7 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints57
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's paint, specifically the Snow White Pearl color, which tends to peel significantly from various parts of the car, including the hood, roof, and doors. Many complaints also highlight problems with excessive oil consumption, where the oil level drops rapidly without warning lights, necessitating frequent checks. Additionally, there are reports of fuel odors and leaks from the fuel pump pressure hose, posing potential safety risks. Some complaints involve serious incidents, including fires, one of which resulted in a total vehicle loss, and a crash caused by paint peeling off and obstructing the driver's view. These issues are reported across varying mileage ranges, with some occurring under 100,000 miles.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 3 fire, 5 injury reports
Owner complaints43
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and transmission malfunctions. Common symptoms include the oil indicator light illuminating at idle, rapid oil depletion without warning, and engine rattling or stalling, often occurring around 70,000 to 113,000 miles. Transmission problems are described as hesitations, stumbling, and failure to shift properly, with some reports of burnt transmission fluid and the need for transmission replacement. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe loss of power, vehicle stalling, and difficulty accelerating, posing risks of accidents in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may require costly repairs and impact vehicle reliability.
Owner complaints10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and erratic vehicle speed control. Common symptoms include the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly, often when the accelerator is applied from a stop or at low speeds, and cruise control systems disengaging or accelerating beyond set speeds. Complaints often describe these issues occurring at various mileages, with some reports noting recurrence shortly after repairs. One complaint involves a crash where unintended acceleration led to a collision at a gas station, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers considering a used 2019 Sorento should be aware of these reported issues, particularly if the vehicle exhibits similar symptoms.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints10
STEERING
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento report issues primarily related to steering difficulties, with several complaints highlighting a "sticky" or "tight" steering wheel, especially at higher speeds or during curves. This problem often results in overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane position. Some owners experience complete power steering failure, often accompanied by illuminated warning indicators, with occurrences noted as early as 3,100 miles. Additionally, there are reports of steering-related noises and physical damage to steering components. Safety implications are evident, with one owner reporting a crash following vehicle theft, although the theft is not directly attributed to steering issues. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding steering reliability and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine failures. Common symptoms include low oil levels, oil leaks, engine stalling, abnormal knocking sounds, and illuminated warning lights such as the check engine light. Complaints often occur at mileages ranging from approximately 74,750 to 164,000 miles. Some reports mention engine overheating and the need for engine replacement, with no crashes or fires directly noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues, particularly in higher-mileage vehicles, as they may require significant repairs.
Owner complaints9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly involving fuel pump leaks and related malfunctions. Common symptoms include a strong fuel smell both inside and outside the vehicle, hesitation during acceleration, and unintended acceleration. Several complaints describe these issues occurring without any warning lights or diagnostic codes, complicating diagnosis and repair. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, with some owners reporting problems around 89,600 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a vehicle fire and symptoms of fuel fumes causing health issues, such as headaches and dizziness. These issues may present significant risks, especially for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, specifically involving the ABS and related warning lights. Common symptoms include the illumination of ABS, traction control, and stability control warning lights, often accompanied by a lack of ABS function during hard braking. Several reports describe intermittent warning light activation that increases in frequency over time, with one owner noting issues as early as 13,040 miles. A significant safety concern is highlighted by an incident where the vehicle rolled back while parked, resulting in a crash and two injuries. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with two incidents involving crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries. In one case, a head-on collision at approximately 55 MPH resulted in multiple injuries, including rib fractures and knee injuries, at around 60,000 miles. Another incident involved a crash into a lamp post, with a reported fractured vertebra and hip injuries at approximately 50,000 miles. Additionally, one owner reports a crack on the dashboard near the airbag, raising concerns about potential airbag functionality. These complaints suggest safety implications related to airbag performance, particularly in high-mileage vehicles.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
