2019 KIA SORENTO

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine oil consumption

    60 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    68
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 101,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone, where a representative inspected the vehicle and advised the co…"~69,000 mi, complaint #2078823
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, he started smelling a burning odor. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The contacted pulled over and checked the dip stick which indicated t…"~83,537 mi, complaint #1896639
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed…"~113,000 mi, complaint #2144254
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing into the garage, the contact’s husband noticed a large amount of oil on the ground. The check oil warning light illuminated when the vehicle was stopped. The contact’s husband changed the…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1964553
    • "My vehicle has the leaking oil pressure sensor. I have brought my car to Kia multiple times since either 65-89k based on loosing too much oil between oil changes with NO check oil light. I lost an extreme amount of oil between 113k and 115k after they changed…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1895856
  2. #2

    paint and clearcoat

    22 unsafe, 23 annoyance

    45
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Pearl white paint peeling and chipping on hood of vehicle and bumper. KIA has known knowledge and history of this defect of the 2019 Kia Sorento with the Pearl white paint and hasn't stop using this color paint. Paint flakes has to go somewhere, air, water, e…"complaint #1766436
    • "My 2019 Snow White KIA Sorento paint started peeling up on the driver side hood and wasn't caused by any type of damage. Took the vehicle to the local KIA dealership and was told that my 3 year 36000 mile warranty was expired and there was nothing they would…"complaint #1784353
    • "Front bumper (black) is peeling. Local repair shop said the bumper was not properly primed before they (KIA) painted them. Peeling started 9/15/2021"complaint #1812168
    • "The white pearl paint on my 2019 Kia Sorento has started chipping in some spots without any impacts or action that would affect it. I feel that this could expand and maybe chip a large portion of the hood paint while I am driving, which may cause me to react e…"complaint #1828949
    • "The pearl paint is chipping off exposing the metal underneath. I’ve contacted the dealer in Clermont, Fl twice trying to receive help with no results. I’ve also contacted KIA corporate and have been told my 2019 is no longer covered for paint. I have 40,000 m…"complaint #1846672
  3. #3

    engine internal

    4 stranded, 29 unsafe

    33
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 29,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LEASED THE CAR IN MARCH AND BY END OF MAY IT WAS IDELING ROUGH AND CLICKING. GOT A MESSAGE ON MY SCREEN ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT ONTO THE DEALER AND WITH LESS THAN 2900 MILES IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. NOW IT WILL BE…"~2,892 mi, complaint #1572075
    • "MY KIA SORENTO 2019 HAS BEEN ACTING WEIRD FOR A WHILE. I HAD TALKED TO THE SERVICE GUYS AND I WAS TOLD ALL IS FINE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR ISSUES: 1. THE CAR HAS AN ISSUE OF ACCELERATION. ONCE IT REACHES 45MPH IT BECOMES NOISY AND IT FEELS LIKE THE ENG…"~17,800 mi, complaint #1585976
    • "STUMBLES HORRIBLY THROUGH THE LOW GEARS DURING ACCELERATION UNTIL HITTING ~45-50MPH ON COLD START-UP (AFTER SITTING SEVERAL HOURS OR OVERNIGHT). AFTER ENGINE WARMUP THE EFFECT BEGINS TO MODERATE, THOUGH IT REMAINS PRESENT AT ALL TIMES. WORSE IN ECO AND COMFO…"~27,895 mi, complaint #1670146
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The next day, the contact stated that while driving into her independent mechanic's shop, white smoke began to emit f…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1860211
    • "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; howev…"~120,000 mi, complaint #2188579
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    7 stranded, 13 unsafe

    20
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "ENGINE TROUBLE. ENGINE FAILURE AND STALLING PROBLEMS."~4,800 mi, complaint #1709980
    • "WHEN TAKING OFF, IT SPITS AND SPUTTERS AND THE RPMS GO DOWN TO ZERO AS PULLING OUT IN THE HIGHWAY. SAFETY ISSUE! THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES"~10,300 mi, complaint #1702925
    • "WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH ALTITUDES, THE CAR SEEMS TO WANT TO STALL. WE WILL BE DRIVING ALONG JUST FINE AND THEN THERE IS HESITATION FOR A MOMENT AND THEN THE CAR WILL BE GOING ALONG JUST FINE AGAIN AND THE HESITATION HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS IS CONTINUOUS THROUGHOUT…"~27,500 mi, complaint #1585848
    • "CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRVING AND A SEMI TRUCK ALMOST RAN INTO ME. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AND WEEK LATER SAME PROBLEM EXIST. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR THERE 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS HAVE H…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1740348
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed…"~90,000 mi, complaint #2166041
  5. #5

    infotainment head unit

    6 unsafe, 1 broken, 13 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began shaking and a burning odor emanated from the 12V accessory outlet. The contact stated that the instrument and meter did not illuminate. The vehicl…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1935059
  6. #6

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    18 unsafe

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 2,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CAR HAS PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING IN ECONO MODE. WILL HESITATE WHEN GIVEN GAS IN MORNING AND AT TIMES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. NOTE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE PROBLEM BEFORE LEASING OF CAR. TOLD BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. MAY CAUSE PRO…"~675 mi, complaint #1493983
    • "OUR 2019 KIA SORENTO LX V6 ENGINE IS SURGING AND HESITATING REALLY BAD. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IT WILL HESITATE AND THEN SURGE SPINNING THE FRONT TIRES, THIS IS VERY SERIOUS…"~2,120 mi, complaint #1661875
    • "WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET OR JUST STARTING THE KIA AND GOING IT WILL WITHOUT WARNING SURGE, JERK, AND JUMP. THE RPM NEEDLE WILL SHOW ACCELERATION FROM 2.5 RPM AND IT JUMPS TO 4.5 RPM AND STAYS THEIR FOR AWHILE BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN TO 2.5 RPM. THIS HAPPENS W…"~18,500 mi, complaint #1662679
    • "LIKE MANY OTHERS, MY 2019 KIA SORENTO V6 AWD STUMBLES, HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. DOES IT MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. HAD IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS A PROBLEM THAT KIA IS AWARE OF AND "THEY" WOULD…"~20,194 mi, complaint #1679593
    • "WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE WONT ACCELERATE ,PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR ANOTHER 1/8 OF AN INCH AND THE VEHICLE WILL TAKE OFF VERY FAST, ALSO IT FEELS LIKE A MISFIRE AT SLOW SPEEDS.IT HAPPENS ALWAYS."~38,000 mi, complaint #1674220
  7. #7

    other

    1 stranded, 11 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "IN STATIONARY POSITION. CAR OFF. THE PLASTIC COVERS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF. THE PLASTIC CONNECTING THEM DID NOT MATCH AND IS OF POOR DESIGN."~4,700 mi, complaint #1564334
  8. #8

    lighting exterior

    13 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM ARE AIMED TOO HIGH AND ARE BLINDING AT NIGHT. EVERY CAR THAT PASSES ME AT NIGHT FLASHES THEIR HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AT ME; EVEN A STATE TROOPER FLASHED HIS LIGHTS AT ME AND BLUE LIGHTS, HE DIDN'T PULL ME OVER. I FEEL BAD DRIVING TH…"~1,300 mi, complaint #1542149
    • "REFER TO COMPLAINTS 11111999 (7/17/18) AND 11142824 (10/26/18) ON THIS SITE WHICH ARE SIMILAR. WHEN DRIVING IN DARK, RURAL AREAS WITH LOW BEAMS ON, TWO INVERTED "HALF MOON" SHADOWS DISRUPT THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SEE. AS THE VEHICLE TURNS, THESE HEADLIGHTS…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1514889
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH HEADLIGHTS ON LOW, THE HEADLIGHT DISPLAYED A SHADOW AND BOUNCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE UNIVERSITY KIA OF DURHAM (5105 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, DURHAM,…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1659299
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was informed that parts for the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) were not available. The vehicle was taken back to the dea…"~45,220 mi, complaint #2045796
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the front passenger side headlamp failed. The vehicle was taken to Carmax where the headlamp was replaced however, the front driver's side headlamp failed. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1835604
  9. #9

    transmission automatic

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 7,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "INCONSISTENT POWER TO THE WHEELS ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD BUT ALSO ON FREEWAY. UNEVEN DELIVERY OF POWER TO THE WHEELS IS USUALLY CALLED TRANSMISSION SURGE FROM A LACK OF CONSISTENT FLUID PRESSURE BEING MAINTAINED IN EACH GEAR. HAS BUCKED HARD ENOUGH IN 3RD AND 4…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1690781
    • "TRANSMISSION IS GIVING HESITATION FROM 1ST TO 2AND GEAR AND POSSIBLY 3RD."~8,975 mi, complaint #1673058
    • "WE ONLY HAVE ABOUT 14000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED TWICE NOW FOR THE TRANSMISSION HAVING A PROBLEM. YET THE "DEALERSHIP" KEEPS TELLING US THAT IT IS NOT "REPRODUCIBLE" YET THEY "TELL ME THEY RESET THE COMPUTER" EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT K…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1666351
    • "THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHILE ACCELERATING. ACCELERATION IS VERY SLOW IN EVERY MODE EXCEPT SPORT. THE TRANSMISSION STILL HESITATES. VERY UNSAFE. THIS OCCURS WHEN KIA IS FIRST STARTED OR ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. IT'S ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1680410
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control m…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1963274
  10. #10

    fuel pump

    11 unsafe, 1 broken

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was parked outside the garage due to the strong fuel odor. The vehicle w…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1981840
  11. #11

    wiring harness

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ATLANTA WEST KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LITHIA SPRINGS, GA 30122) BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE KNOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…"~9,166 mi, complaint #1628520
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, RADIO ON AND ONLY CONNECTED VIA BLUETOOTH. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS FLICKERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN AS IF I MANUALLY TURNED OFF . AS THIS HAPPENED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I HAD TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND BY THE TIME T…"~18,200 mi, complaint #1627593
    • "I BEGAN SMELLING BURNT PLASTIC AND MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DASHBOARD. SHORTLY AFTER, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY DASHBOARD (ENGINE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC). MY VEHICHLE WOUND UP DYING COMPLETELY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I BROUGHT IT TO THE…"~46,500 mi, complaint #1721678
  12. #12

    backup camera

    7 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 de…"~49,000 mi, complaint #2180877
  13. #13

    glass and windshield

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "IN ANY DARK AREA WHEN USING LOW BEAMS ARE USED A SHADE COMES DOWN ACROSS FRONT WINDSHIELD AND YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT IN MOTION AND STATIONARY DARK CITY STREETS , BACK RDS.ANY WHERE IT IS PITCH DARK."complaint #1509801
    • "I WAS DRIVING IN A NORMAL FREEWAY, BEAUTIFUL DAY, SUDDENLY FOR NOT REASON MY FRON WINDSHIELD GOT A CRACK, OUT OF THE BLUE, VERY SCARY. I DID CALL KIA RIGHT THE WAY, I TOLD THEM I WAS DRIVING FROM LA TO SAN FRANCISCO ON THE FREEWAY 5, ON VACATION FOR 4 DAYS, WH…"complaint #1539892
    • "WITHIN ON WEEK OF PURCHASING MY NEW KIA SORENTO, I EXPERIENCED A WINDSHIELD CRACK THAT SPREAD QUICKLY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD BE BUILT BETTER. I'VE NEVER HAD SUCH AN ISSUE WITH OTHER MAKES FROM PREVIOUS CARS. I HAD PURCHASE…"complaint #1611577
    • "I was driving at 65 mph on the freeway. The weather was clear and the road is clear and there was no traffic. While I was driving, I heard a loud explosion and heard wind right after. I pulled at the first exit to check what had happened and saw the sunroof w…"complaint #1757552
    • "Today, while driving on the road, the sun roof of the vehicle just exploded. Nothing was thrown into it nor was it caused by an object. It sounded as loud as a gun shot, and and it exploded into many pieces of glass. Because the shade was pulled up, these pi…"complaint #1845601
  14. #14

    adas collision warning

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING MESSAGE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WITHOUT ANY OTHER VEHICLES IN THE VICINITY. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RES…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1610909
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY FOR A DURATION OF 1 TO 3 HOURS THE "COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM" FAULTS OUT, LIGHTS A WARNING ON THE DASH AND TOTALLY STOPS FUNCTIONING. THE TEXT WARNING GOES AWAY AFTER A FEW SECONDS AND A TRIANGULAR WARNING LIGHT STAYS…"~21,350 mi, complaint #1731322
  15. #15

    control module

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "LEFT SIDE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS FOR RADIO VOLUME, MUTING, CHANGING STATIONS, CHANGING RADIO MODES, PHONE AND PHONE HANG UP INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO FUNCTION. PROBLEM OCCURS ALMOST DAILY AND LAST ANYWHERE FROM A FEW SECONDS TO 15-20 MINUTES. THE DEALER…"~2,700 mi, complaint #1663654
    • "ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS (2 OF WHICH OCCURRED 3/1/20). AFTER STOPPING MY VEHICLE, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART. NO DISPLAYS, NO LIGHTS AND OF COURSE THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. AFTER EXITING AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES EV…"~35,600 mi, complaint #1650868
  16. #16

    fuel tank and lines

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519000 (Fuel S…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1812118
  17. #17

    abs module

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes would pulsate as the vehicle would shake until the vehicle came to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to two deal…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1948399
  18. #18

    sunroof

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "FRIDAY ON AN OPEN STREET (NO BRIDGE OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL FORCE KNOWN) MY SUNROOF BASICALLY IMPLODED COVERING MY PASSENGER DRIVER AND MYSELF IN 1000 OF GLASS PIECES. I WAS LUCKY THERE WERE NO SUBSEQUENT INJURIES SINCE I SLOWED DOWN AND HIT THE BREAK AND NOONE…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1636973
    • "DRIVING EASTBOUND ON I-[REDACTED ADDRESS], MY SORENTO'S SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AT MID-MORNING, NO CONSTRUCTION IN THE AREA, SMOOTH PAVEMENT, I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH. EXPLODING SOUND, I THOUGHT IT WAS A BLOWOUT. DISCOVERED LARGE HOLE IN THE MI…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1658473
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof failed to properly close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable motor and fractured cables. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact s…"~48,900 mi, complaint #2200760
  19. #19

    airbag system

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I WAS OUT OF TOWN WHEN MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS. I CONTACTED KIA AND WAS TOLD THE REPAIR SHOULD TAKE 2-4 HOURS. HOWEVER, AFTER TRYING A FIX THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT A WIRING HARNESS IN THE FRONT CONSOLE…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1591350
    • "The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a lamp post. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's wife later received medical t…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1804980
    • "The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle crashed head on into a second vehicle. During the crash the vehicle was destroyed but the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained multiple rib f…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1913865
  20. #20

    brake hydraulics

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP (19TH AVE AND VINEYARD) THE CAR WILL HESITATE THEN TAKE OFF AT A FAST RATE OF SPEED. THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKE SYSTEM HESITATES TO STOP, ALMOST LIKE A DELAYED REACTION (MOSTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON LOCAL STREETS SUCH AS…"~12,600 mi, complaint #1680991
  21. #21

    adas lane keeping

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Vehicle has LKA FCA and HBA error lights on. Dealer inspection found Active DTC C180508 LKAS Can-Signal error. C160649 ECU Software Error. CAN Line inspection found incorrect Can-Signal from Multifunction Camera."complaint #2030555
    • "Master warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and high beam assist warning lights on. Message boards mention similar problems and there have been front and rear camera recalls for Telluride and other models of Kia, but not for Sorent…"complaint #2050549
    • "I get an error message on all the forward collision and lane departure system. A mechanic has looked at this and they cannot determine the issue. They say maybe the front cameras are acting up but the car has never been in a accident that would impact the came…"complaint #2134933
  22. #22

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALERT DID NOT CHIME WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED. THE CONTACT CALLED SOUTH HILLS KIA AT [REDACTED PHONE] (LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], MCMURRAY, PA 15317) WH…"~800 mi, complaint #1501953
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASED WITHOUT A WARNING CHIME SOUNDING. GERALD KIA OF NORTH AURORA ([REDACTED ADDRESS] N, AURA, IL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEH…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1620716
  23. #23

    steering electric assist

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "There is a hiss noise coming from the steering when you are making a left or right turn."complaint #1813789
    • "Steering is Sticky/Tight especially when going into a curve. Had dealer check it and they said they couldn’t find why it was doing it and that it was okay There was no accident and still driving the car. "complaint #1983303
    • "Steering wheel "sticks" at higher speeds, making it difficult to make fine adjustments. When steering un-sticks, it then overcompensates and you end up zig-zagging down the highway. It is very uncomfortable and it feels unsafe."complaint #2005473
  24. #24

    adas blind spot

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BLIND SPOT WARNING QUITS AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN. WHICH I UNDERSTAND BUT IT WILL NOT WORK FOR A WEEK OR SO AFTER. DEALER WORKED ON IT TWICE ALREADY. KIA TEC SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL IF, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING DU…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1528698
  25. #25

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2019 KIA SORENTO EXPERIENCES SWAYING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. MUST CONTINUOUSLY STEER LEFT AND RIGHT TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE. IN LIGHT WIND IT IS MUCH WORSE. KIA DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS 3100 MILES ON IT. WHEN PURCHASED IT ONLY HAD 16 MILES ON IT."~3,000 mi, complaint #1572387
  26. #26

    battery and charging

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH, AUTO LANE CORRECTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING SOMEHOW MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL WHICH WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE WHEEL AND VEER TO…"~10,200 mi, complaint #1644430
  27. #27

    engine head gasket

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a few days later, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust.…"~186,016 mi, complaint #2210849
  28. #28

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CARPETING. GAP IN THE CARPETING AT THE THIRD ROW. THE SEPARATION OF THE CARPET WAS NOT SOMETHING WE KNEW ABOUT BECAUSE IT WAS HIDDEN BY DEALER PREP. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FIRST TIME WE USED THE 3RD ROW FOR OUR GRAND CHILDREN AND WERE ALSO INSTALLING BETTER FL…"~11,070 mi, complaint #1651790
  29. #29

    power steering hydraulic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCOTT KIA OF SPRINGFIELD (321 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064, [REDACTE…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1614581
    • "DAYS PREVIOUS TO EVENT WAS GETTING WARNING ALERTS ON DIFFERENT PROBLEMS. CALLED DEALERSHIP WHEN WARNING ALERTS CONTINUED HAPPENING. ON DAY OF EVENT WAS DRIVING ON MAJOR ROUTE, WHEN POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AS I PULLED OVER THE ENTIRE CAR SHUT DOWN. N…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1641055
  30. #30

    steering column

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 64 MPH, the contact detected a shimmy and knocking coming from the front wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a common failure with si…"~122,222 mi, complaint #2237487
  31. #31

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I purchased my Kia Sorento in 2020. It was a used 2019 with 7,000 miles. I immediately noticed that it would squeak rather loud and bounce high when driving over very small humps on the roads. Being that I'm no mechanical savvy, I assumed this was normal for S…"complaint #1838700
    • "I purchased my 2019 Kia Sorento with 7,000 miles on it. A few moths after purchase, I began having suspension issue with it. My rear tires were being worn out very quickly and a tire repair shop suggested that I have Kia dealership check out the shocks, which…"complaint #1972689
  32. #32

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ALL THE TIME EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL OF…"~10,500 mi, complaint #1603481
  33. #33

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON 7/25/2020, MY 2019 KIA SORENTO HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 4 MONTHS. I TOOK MY SORENTO TO MY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A "DEFORMED BOOSTER BRAKES VACUUM HOSE"WHICH THEY REPLACED (2 DAYS IN THE…"~9,850 mi, complaint #1682054
  34. #34

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET THE VEHICLE WILL WITHOUT WARNING SURGE , JERK AND JUMP. THE RPM NEEDLE WILL SHOW ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE AND NOT ON ANY INCLINE OR DECLINES, ON STRAIGHT AWAYS. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SE…"complaint #1564868
  35. #35

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I am reporting a recurring defect with my 2019 Kia Sorento’s front axle assembly, which has failed multiple times despite repeated replacements. The vehicle was serviced at Ron Tonkin Kia, where the front axle assembly was replaced three times due to leaks: •J…"complaint #2062772
  36. #36

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I have a 2019 Sorento my car was loud when I start it so I took it into my KIA dealership. They found that my muffler had come apart at the seam, but that it is not under warrenty. My concern is that if anyone is sitting in a parked car with the windows up th…"complaint #2226523
  37. #37

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Engine has a leak, the engine oil sensor was defected ,front axel leak and needs replacement "complaint #2148080
  38. #38

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's seat was not able to move forward or backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the v…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1815688
  39. #39

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "It might not seem like a big deal but I've owned a 2016, 2018 and now 2019 Kia Sorento and all 3 yrs. the luggage lamp, or (dome light), does not work. I have brought this issue up about all 3 vehicles. Nobody has ever attempted to fix it. In fact I've been to…"complaint #1882276
  40. #40

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE POWER WINDOWS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. THEY ARE ALL ON AN AUTOMATIC FEATURE, SO WHEN YOU TOUCH THE BUTTON THEY WILL EITHER GO DOWN OR GO UP ALL THE WAY, AND YOU CANNOT STOP THEM. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT THE WINDOW DOWN OR UP PART OF THE WAY. MY CHILD'S FINGE…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1672830
  41. #41

    seat mechanism

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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."complaint #2180152
  42. #42

    starter

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position. "complaint #1959491
  43. #43

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "LOUD ENGINE RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTING ENGINE THAT HAS BEEN SHUT OFF OVERNIGHT.SOUNDS LIKE THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN HYDRAULIC TENSIONER IS BLEEDING DOWN.TENSIONER DOES NOT MAINTAIN A CORRECT INITIAL POSITION.NOISE DIMINISHES WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO OF STATIONARY ENGIN…"~700 mi, complaint #1586883
  44. #44

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the…"~30,845 mi, complaint #1866211
  45. #45

    torque converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I bought this car back in January 2024. I had it for about a week and the check engine light came on. When I had it read it was a torque converter clutch solenoid. I took it to Kia they said it needed reprogrammed, it was fine. Then a few months go by and I ta…"complaint #2118523
  46. #46

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY FROM STOPPED AND AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS UNINTENDED AND ABRUPT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THERE IS THE ONGOING POSSIBILITY OF CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBSTRUCTION. "~22,000 mi, complaint #1628224
  47. #47

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THERE HAS BEEN A DRONING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AT SPEEDS OVER 15 MPH FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, AND IT CONTINUES TO GET LOUDER. *TR"~31,289 mi, complaint #1662493
  48. #48

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During use wipers at times will random stop in up position on windshield. Intermittent problem will start working again after toggling wiper switch."complaint #1806545

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA SORENTO directly.