2019 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2019 Kia Sorento: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine Issues and Fire Risk
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2019 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2019 Kia Sorento
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Kia Sorento:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Engine Oil Consumption/Failure Numerous complaints detail engines consuming excessive oil (e.g., 5 quarts every 300-3000 miles), leading to stalling, rough running, and complete engine failure, often without warning lights. |
High | Common | 79000-115000 miles |
| Engine Stalling/Jerking Vehicles randomly stall and jerk while accelerating, making them unsafe to drive and potentially causing accidents. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Fires Multiple reports of vehicles catching fire while parked or driving, sometimes leading to total destruction, with one recall specifically for tow hitch harness fires. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Rearview Camera Failure Water leakage into the rearview camera causes the image not to appear, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk, addressed by a recall. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Paint Peeling/Chipping Paint, particularly 'Snow White Pearl,' peels off the roof and hood, often down to the metal, outside of warranty coverage. |
Low | Common | 36000+ miles |
| Shifter Stuck In Park / Bcm Failure The shifter becomes stuck in park, often linked to a faulty Body Control Module (BCM), preventing the vehicle from being driven. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Oil Pressure Switch Fault Oil pressure warning light illuminates at idle even with full oil, indicating a faulty switch, a known issue in previous Sorento models. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Kia Sorento:
The most frequent complaints relate to the engine, including excessive oil consumption, sudden stalling, rough running, and complete engine failure.
A significant portion of complaints are categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,' suggesting diverse issues or difficulties in pinpointing specific component failures.
Issues such as paint peeling on the roof and hood, and dashboard slits, fall under structural complaints.
Problems like the vehicle bucking abnormally, transmission warning lights, and shifters stuck in park are reported under power train.
This combined category includes issues like BCM failure leading to shifter problems and other electrical glitches.
Complaints related to exterior lighting, though less frequent, are present.
Issues such as strong fuel odor in the cabin and other fuel-related concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Kia Sorento
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2019 Kia Sorento received excellent 5-star NHTSA crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, with a 4-star rollover rating. However, NHTSA complaint data shows 394 total complaints, including 10 crashes, 18 fires, and 16 injuries. The high number of engine-related complaints (88) and two recalls (one for rearview camera, one for fire risk from tow hitch) indicate potential real-world safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Kia Sorento are related to the ENGINE (88 complaints), including excessive oil consumption, stalling, and engine failure. Other common problems include paint peeling (under STRUCTURE, 25 complaints), power train issues like the shifter getting stuck in park (20 complaints), and electrical system malfunctions. There are also 18 reported vehicle fires.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Kia Sorento?
Yes, the 2019 Kia Sorento has two recalls. One recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V639000) addresses a rearview camera issue where water leakage can cause the image not to appear. The second recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000) is for a fire risk associated with the tow hitch harness, affecting 2016-2022 Sorento models.
Does the 2019 Kia Sorento have engine problems?
Yes, the 2019 Kia Sorento has significant engine problems, as evidenced by 88 complaints to NHTSA. Common issues include excessive oil consumption (e.g., 5 quarts every 3,000 miles), sudden stalling, rough running, and complete engine failure. Some owners report needing engine replacement due to these issues.
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento prone to fires?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Kia Sorento has 18 reported fires, which is a concerning number. Furthermore, there is a specific recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000) for a fire risk related to the tow hitch harness, indicating a known vulnerability to fire.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2019 Kia Sorento boasts high crash safety ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant engine reliability concerns, including excessive oil consumption and stalling, as well as a notable fire risk and rearview camera recall. Thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine and any tow hitch installations, is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Kia Sorento
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Kia Sorento. The data includes 394 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 18 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Kia Sorento an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.