Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 437 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Kia Sorento. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 437 · page 1 of 18
The gear was stuck in park and I can’t move it to other gears like drive, reverse. I contacted Jones Kia in Belair and was informed this is a normal wear and tear that costs over $1000.00 and the extended warranty won’t cover this repair. I purchased this SUV in 2023, which this year I needed a catalytic converter due to oil consumptions and now the SUV won’t come out of park. Waiting to be seen next week for final cost of repair.
I read about some 2019 Kia Serento with V 6 engine have recall for leaking oil sensor. Yet when I look up my vin it is not listed ? Looking for any recourse for why some vin numbers are not covered when this is a problem ??
My Car started to have extreme oil consumption around 100,000 miles I was able to keep it maintained by adding oil frequently but finally part of my motor stopped functioning and I was forced to replace my motor. I got my car back June 22,2026 but the new motor also has had the same issue. I did purchase a warranty for 3 years but unfortunately it only covers one replacement. This motor did not even last 6 months.
My check engine light came on. I took my vehicle to AutoZone so that they could tell me what the code read. The code read, cylinder 2 and cylinder 3 misfire. I replaced all 4 cylinders and spark plugs. 6 months after replacing all the parts, I had the check in light come on (flashing) while driving out of town. I was able to drive the vehicle back to town and after the vehicle sat majority of the day, it cleared on its own. Almost a year to the original date, I had my check engine light come back on. I took my vehicle back to AutoZone and the code read, cylinder 3 misfire. They were able to clear the code but it came back on within 30 seconds.
Paint is peeling.
Please see attachment
Summer 2024: The paint began peeling significantly off the hood. When I contacted Kia Support, I was told the vehicle was out of warranty. Subsequent Repairs: Expecting a minor issue, I paid $412 out-of-pocket to repaint the hood. Shortly after, the new paint failed to adhere due to the defect and I attempted minor touch-ups myself. Current Status: The paint on the roof has now begun chipping off. A recent follow-up with Kia Customer Service resulted in the same script regarding warranty limits.
On October 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., my 2019 Kia Sorento, with fewer than 100,000 miles, experienced an unexpected engine failure while I was driving on the highway in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Component or System Failure: The vehicle's engine failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being operated on the highway. The exact internal component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. However, the vehicle has since been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership, and I have been informed that the engine repair was approved. The availability of the failed engine or its components for further inspection is currently UNKNOWN. Safety Risks: What makes this incident particularly alarming is that my daughter was in the vehicle with me when the engine failed. We were traveling on the highway, surrounded by vehicles moving at high speeds, when we experienced this unexpected mechanical failure. This situation placed both my daughter and me in a potentially life-threatening situation. The sudden engine failure could have resulted in a serious collision, catastrophic injuries, or even the loss of both of our lives. As a mother, it is deeply disturbing to know that my daughter and I were exposed to such a dangerous situation while simply traveling in our vehicle. We could have been involved in a devastating accident through no apparent fault of our own. My concern extends beyond the inconvenience and financial burden of having my vehicle break down. This was a serious safety incident that endangered not only my life but also the life of my daughter and potentially other motorists on the highway. Dealer Confirmation: Following the incident, I contacted Kia to arrange an inspection and repair. Unfortunately, the earliest available service appointment was October 8, 2026, five days after the engine failure. An authorized Kia dealership subsequently inspected the vehicle and approved the engine repair. I am requesting the complete diagnostic finding
The engin cought on fire while driving. The entire car burnt. The engin burns 1 quart of oil per tank of gass consuming approximately 20 quarts beetween oil changes.
Case number 25530365 discussed with vanguard kia. Paint not adhering. Flakes off when washing by hand.
I was driving to work on the interstate and my car went into limp mode almost causing me to get hit at those speeds. I sent it to my mechanic but was told about the theta2 lawsuit so I had it towed to Kia. Was charged $300 and it wasn’t even diagnosed or looked at due to missing oil change receipts. I have since contacted bbb and Kia headquarters to just be told it’s not covered due to missing receipts of oil changes. Even though it’s a known issue with the gdi engine. Was faulty due to metal left in the drive train after assembly. I have a car that I still owe $4,000 for still making payments and I can’t use the car. I just want it fixed?
Gasoline smell is coming with the left side of vehicle. Gasoline is leaking from the fuel pump causing the gas to puddle creating the gasoline smell.
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento and an engine failure related to Kia’s Product Improvement Campaign/KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) campaign. I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. Prior to the engine failure, I was never notified of any Product Improvement Campaign affecting my vehicle. Had I been notified, I would have immediately taken the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to have the campaign completed. My engine subsequently failed, and Kia denied coverage, stating that the Product Improvement Campaign was not completed before the engine failure occurred. Kia stated that notices were mailed to affected owners, but they have not provided me with documentation showing when my specific notice(s) were mailed, what address they were sent to, or proof that I was properly notified. I am concerned that affected owners may not be receiving adequate notification of this engine-related issue before a failure occurs. An engine failure can create a serious safety concern, especially if it occurs while driving, and owners may unknowingly continue operating vehicles affected by this condition without having the opportunity to complete the required update. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether Kia’s notification process for this campaign was effective and whether additional investigation is needed regarding engine failures associated with this issue. Vehicle Information: Year: 2019 Make: Kia Model: Sorento Date of engine failure: June 2026 I have documentation from Kia Customer Care regarding their denial of coverage and their statement that the campaign was not completed prior to engine failure.
Engine seized per Kia Inspected by Kia after AAA TOWED AND COULD NOT START CAR warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and stalled in the driveway. After restarting the vehicle, the engine immediately shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who confirmed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. While purchasing the vehicle, the contact was advised to constantly monitor the engine oil due to a known oil consumption issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the extended warranty program. The failure mileage was 125,202.
Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots
Engine, a Lambda 3.3 v6 started knocking periodically and consuming oil at about a half a quart a week. It is a know problem with this motor and well documented in its existence in all Hyundai and Kia vehicles using this engine. We now have been told that the head bolts are partially stripped. Another known problem and we are consuming coolant. This can is not trustworthy and could fail at any time. We are still paying off the loan if it matters.
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 similar vehicles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an alignment, tire rotation, and wheel balance were performed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The failure was associated with the flexible rubber coupler, PN: 56380C1500. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,222.
The paint is peeling in sheets, especially above the windshield, leaving the vehicle unprotected and vulnerable to rust. There were no chips or damage in this area prior to the paint beginning to peel away and once it started it's been progressing very quickly. Other owners have reported similar issues with this paint color (I believe it's pearl white) in Kia other forums online
Spontaneous fire under hood. Nothing was malfunctuoing, no warning lights. All fluids were good, no temp issues. Parked to to run inside to use rr, was paged and came out car is on fire
My rear backup camera stopped working this year it's either a black screen or blinking screen no video will play. When I first started the video was foggy like moisture was in the camera and now it shows nothing. Other Kia sorento's my same model year have had a recall for the backup camera but mine is not on the recall list for some reason.
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 they could be overcome by the exhault fumes.
My Kia Sorrento 2019 model has dashboard cracks on the driver as well as the passenger side. I tried calling the KIA dealership that sold me the car to help me with the goodwill repair and they refused to do so. Its very expensive to replace or repair but most importantly it poses a grave risk to me and my family. Airbag Danger: Cracks near the passenger airbag can become shrapnel during deployment.Electronics: Dust and moisture can fall into the cracks and ruin hidden wires causing extensive damage to the car. KIA needs to take responsibility for this and either change the material used to make this for the future and repair the existing customers cars.
My 2019 Kia Sorento suddenly began making loud knocking noises from the engine and immediately lost all acceleration while I was driving with my children in the car. The vehicle would not respond when pressing the gas, and the check engine light came on. This created a terrifying situation because I had no power to merge or move out of traffic, and I had my [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX] children with me.The engine now knocks severely and has almost no power at all. The oil level is full, so this is not due to low oil or lack of maintenance. This appears to be a sudden internal engine failure consistent with known Kia engine defects involving rod bearings, timing issues, and loss of compression.I am reporting this because the vehicle is unsafe to drive and put my children at risk. Kia is refusing to cover the engine failure even though this matches the same symptoms seen in other Kia engine recalls. I am extremely concerned that this defect could have caused an accident or left us stranded in a dangerous situation. I need this investigated as a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine failed and is now inoperable. The vehicle has been consuming excessive oil since I purchased it in 2022. I have all oil change records and top offs documented. In May 2026 the engine had a total failure, was making excessive noise, was shuddering and vibrating, blowing lots of smoke from the exhaust and then would not start. The check engine light came on. I towed it to Roseville Kia for diagnosis. Kia refused to honor the lifetime warranty under the class action lawsuit, claiming the engineer failure was due to a damaged exhaust valve. The did not complete the diagnosis. They did not follow the NHTSA engine replacement flowchart past flowchart A because code p1326 was not present. However the flowchart specifies engine noise and failure to turn over qualify the technician to perform flowcharts B and C. Kia is refusing to complete the diagnosis and evaluate the rod bearings for damage, which would likely qualify the engine for replacement under warranty.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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