2019 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2019 KIA SORENTO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Kia Sorento
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Kia Sorento. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (394) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 28 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Kia Sorento with 21 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Kia Sorento before buying across this generation. |
Kia Sorento Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Sorento years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Sorento | 121 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 240 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Sorento | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Kia Sorento | 766 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | 166 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1212 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Kia Sorento Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Kia Sorento, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
88 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
44 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyStructure
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Kia onlyPower Train
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyPower Train,Engine
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Kia onlyElectrical System,Structure,Unknown Or Other
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure,Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2019 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 80 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Kia Sorento
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption Several owners report excessive oil consumption, with some adding nearly 5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structural Issues Structural issues, including paint peeling and roof damage, have been reported. These issues can affect the vehicle's safety and appearance. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Engine Rattling A failing alternator can cause engine rattling and other engine issues. This can be a safety concern and should be addressed promptly. |
Medium | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Several owners report excessive oil consumption, with some adding nearly 5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed. |
High | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Engine issues are a significant concern, with 88 reports of engine problems.
Structural issues, including paint peeling and roof damage, have been reported.
Power train problems, including oil consumption and oil leaks, are frequent.
Electrical system issues, including alternator failure, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2019 Kia Sorento
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Kia Sorento by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Kia Sorento
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 involved fires.
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 mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to a...
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 progressively worsened. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to p...
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 there was oil blown onto the exhaust and down the underside of the vehicle. After looking further, I noticed a semi rect...
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 constantly to prevent engine damage. No knocking, ticking, or check engine light has appeared yet. This level of oil consum...
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 leak detector on it. Several gaskets in engine had to be repaired. There was some other issues with engine concerning oil....
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 is white) he said the white cars are having a major problem with paint peeling.
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 additional water proofing to the camera harness was added, but the rearview camera was not replaced. The contact stated that the...
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 kept up with all the maintenance.
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
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.
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 item inside was charred, and I barely escaped with my life. A police report was filed. Both the manufacturer and insura...
A failing alternator caused me to take my kia into a mechanic for OEM replacement. The mechanic informed me that the engine rattles. I got to talking with the mechanic and told him that my car has been experiencing high oil consumption with no 'low oil' warning light on the dash and ive checked my oil periodically between changes and have found the dip stick bone dry multiple times. A year later, ...
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 problem with this sensor has not been resolved and presents a major possibility of fire occurring due to oil leakage. I ...
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that while packing the vehicle for a planned family trip, the contact noticed the fire. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The contact and ...
I took my 2019 Kia Sorento to Alan Jay Kia 0n 12/05/2025 because of the 2 slits on the top of the dashboard. I spoke to the Service Manager, and he sent the General Sales Manager out to take pictures of the dashboard. He stated that the slits are outlines of the air bag. I asked if it would be ok to drive since I was going out of town for a month and he said it was ok to drive. I also showed him a...
BCM went out causing the shifter to not shift out of park. Reading online shows this is a very common issue with Kia vehicles
The oil pressure switch is faulty. The oil indicator light comes on when I'm idling, and I'm also losing 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This was reported on previous Kia models of this make and model, which extended the warranty to 15 years/150k miles. Kia isn't honoring this anymore, even though my switch was diagnosed as bad. Seems Kia never fixed the problem, as my Kia has 113,000 miles ...
Warning lights for ABS, Traction Control, and Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) appear simultaneously. The FCA system may fail to engage or display warnings. Causes: The issues are frequently tied to a faulty ABS module, malfunctioning wheel speed sensors (often the rear), or corroded connectors. Unsafe to drive. Also paint is just peeling off the car in huge chunks all the way down to the metal f...
Showing 20 of 394 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2019 Kia Sorento
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Kia Sorento
Has the 2019 KIA SORENTO been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 KIA SORENTO has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 KIA SORENTO have?
The 2019 KIA SORENTO has 394 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 10 involved crashes. 16 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
The 2019 KIA SORENTO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 KIA SORENTO involve engine (88 complaints), unknown or other (44 complaints), structure (25 complaints). Other affected components include power train, power train,engine, electrical system,structure,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2019 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 10 crash reports associated with the 2019 KIA SORENTO out of 394 total complaints (2.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 18 fire reports for the 2019 KIA SORENTO out of 394 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 KIA SORENTO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
16 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 KIA SORENTO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 KIA SORENTO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 KIA SORENTO is extreme caution advised. It has 394 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 KIA SORENTO are: 1. ENGINE (88 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (25 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (20 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (17 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 88 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 KIA SORENTO?
Be aware of potential engine oil consumption and structural issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs and safety concerns. The 2019 KIA SORENTO has 394 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
The 2019 KIA SORENTO receives a reliability score of 80/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 394 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 28 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Oil Consumption and Structural Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2019 KIA SORENTO?
Known issues with the 2019 KIA SORENTO include: Engine Oil Consumption, Structural Issues, Engine Rattling, Excessive Oil Consumption. These are based on patterns found across 394 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common engine issues in the 2019 KIA Sorento?
Common engine issues include excessive oil consumption and oil leaks, which can lead to engine damage.
Are there any structural issues that owners should be aware of?
Yes, structural issues such as paint peeling and roof damage have been reported.
What should I do if I notice excessive oil consumption?
Address the issue promptly to avoid engine damage. Regular oil changes and inspections are recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine oil consumption and structural issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs and safety concerns.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16