2019 Kia Sorento Driver assistance Problems

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)

NHTSA ID

11746864

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Multiple lights on dash same time. Auto Hold, Fwd Collision, Adaptive Cruise and ABS. Code said ABS Module faulty. Multiple Safety System affected and rendered useless.

NHTSA ID

11742753

Incident

May 28, 2026

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 failure persisted after the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11720692

Incident

Feb 26, 2024

Mileage

49,000 mi

Car would randomly stall and jerk while accelerating. Unsafe to drive. May cause accident. Having to constantly set hazard lights to prevent accident.

NHTSA ID

11718973

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

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 for no reason.

NHTSA ID

11713193

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

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 cameras. In addition the drivers mirror will not reset from the reverse setting to drive mode. When driving it needs to be manually adjusted each time in order to see.

NHTSA ID

11690362

Incident

May 15, 2025

My car started to act crazy not wanting to move when in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11684101

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

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 take it back in and they told me I needed to spend $5,000 for a new Transmission at less than 100,000 miles. When doing research a lot of others have had this issue as well. They said there maybe a recall eventually but until then I had to pay for it. I paid for it there is still no recall. Also the rear cross traffic goes off as a car is behind you, there’s not really a warning before the car is behind you

NHTSA ID

11679293

Incident

Jan 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 95 MPH. The check engine and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and was able to stop the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the throttle shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following day, and while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 80 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side lane and turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle gradually slowed to a stop. The check engine warning light and hazard light were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and slowly driven back to the same deale,r and the contact was informed that additional diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11676178

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

Upon starting my vehicle after going to the grocery store, the ABS, ESC, Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System, and Auto Hold warning lights illuminated. The cruise control was then inadvertently deactivated. When vehicle is started the Check Forward Collision error comes on. After a few months when entering the freeway and accelerating I received an error regarding unknown engine issue. Took vehicle to Kia dealership and was who diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) needed to be replaced. Manufacturer being notified, vehicle not repaired at dealer due to cost.

NHTSA ID

11667820

Incident

Apr 5, 2025

The forward collision system warning system the warning that it's not working stays on for a couple of days then goes off but then it comes back on. My other problem is the Pearl White paint is peeling off the hood and roof of my Sorento. Kia said not their problem because it has 80,000 miles. I have read thousands of complaints about this problem. There seems to be a problem with the paint they are using.

NHTSA ID

11634853

Incident

Jan 4, 2025

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 Sorento. Similar problem occurred a few months ago when car died while going at highway speeds. This resolved after cleaning radar cover, cameras and sensors, but are not resolving current problem. Lane assist and departure are not working. We have not taken it to dealer yet. Our 2019 Sorento has not been included in recalls for this specific problem.

NHTSA ID

11632284

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

I have been without transportation for 3 months now and I’m about to lose my Job

NHTSA ID

11628147

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

Multifunction front camera unit part number 95740-c6560. Warning lights come on every day. They continue to alert while driving causing issues with attention to the road. The high beams will not work unless the lights are set to on instead of auto. Vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, and they diagnosed a complete failure on the part. This part operates several of the safety functions of the vehicle. There have been several people who have had this issue.

NHTSA ID

11625948

Incident

Nov 26, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11618508

Incident

Sep 18, 2024

Possible components/systems with issues: Engine, Suspension, Electrical, Emergency Parking Brake and Auto Hold, Back-Up Camera, Parking Collison Warning, et al Been trying to get my vehicle issues resolved. I have not been able to enjoy nor use my vehicle. I've had numerous repeat service appointments. I feel unsafe using the vehicle. Issues have almost caused accidents. It is now at the dealership and I've been in a loaner vehicle almost 3 months. 1. Suspension problems: I had to drive at reduced speeds and avoid highway usage. Poor driveability and rough handling. Felt like tires would pop off. 2. Oil consumption: Poor performance, reduced power and fuel economy. Check engine light came on. Dealership said I had no oil, history codes, and code for injector misfire. They cleared the codes, told me to come back if codes come back. Had me to do oil consumption tests every 1,000 miles which showed low oil levels. I had to restrict usage of my vehicle for the testing. They ultimately said someone did not properly do the testing and there was never an issue with oil consumption. I believe there was an issue. Check engine light keeps coming on. 3. Back-up camera was replaced for recall. New camera had issues causing inverted images, distorted views, and malfunctions with parking and blind spot sensors. Could not use camera. Took back to dealership multiple times, they checked and said they fixed it but it was not. 4. Emergency Parking Brake and Auto Hold Malfunction: Dashboard indicator for Auto hold malfunction and messages for activation/deactivation of emergency brake/Parking. Vehicle would stop abruptly while driving without notice. Almost caused several accidents. Auto hold would not function as designed so vehicle would keep moving when it was activated, however, the vehicle is not supposed to move when it is activated. Had to pull over, turn vehicle off and back on. Sometime it cleared, sometimes it didn't. Dealership could not replicate so had me record

NHTSA ID

11615304

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Infotainment/back up camera failure when reversing and while driving today. Kia corporate has been aware of issue since April 2021 and has yet to resolve to attempt to fully diagnose. Dealership claimed they checked "every" wiring harness for water exposure due to ongoing water issues from dash. Kia claimed they would work with me during our BBB arbitration and have had zero contact since. Car was manufacturered weeks before current back up camera recall on other 2019 sorentos. Camera in car shows no work was done. Car sat on Dealership lot on 2 different occasions for 27 days in 2022 and then over 87 days. Per Kia "they can't throw parts at it" This has caused an accident and is concerning regarding backing up with children. "Safety features" do not actually work for safety purposes. Kia states they are not meant for safety during recorded arbitration

NHTSA ID

11600104

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

blind spot collision system failure ongoing off and on since 2021 alarms are a distraction while driving 70 on highway roads when it is icy kia aware of issue due to multiple cases opened

NHTSA ID

11598742

Incident

Mar 7, 2023

infotainment screens failed while driving. As a result call failed and this makes hands free phone usage unavailable. Kia case manager emailed directly due to open case regarding ongoing electical issues causing accident earlier in year. Kia unable to provide rental/transportation due to "covid" and "shortages". Appointment was missed 10/30/2021 due to unavailable transportation and issues potentially taking weeks to diagnose at dealership. Kia did not arrange/approve transportation as promised. Kia had vehicle 3/3/2022 to 3/30/2022

NHTSA ID

11598734

Incident

Jul 3, 2022

Days prior to routine scheduled maintenance, several warning lights came on. There was a display of Front Collision Warning. Service department could not replicate the warning lights. Days later, the warning and lights came on more frequently. Took car into dealership and they confirmed a problem. Service department replaced: BR001 HECU 26238 C and 58910-C9600 Hydraulic Unit Assy. As I understand this motor is the main component in having the anti-lock braking system functioning normally. The service department told me to keep the receipt, since it wasn't under warranty, in the event there was a product recall. My concern: Even though there were warning lights the warning wasn't significant enough to indicate that there was a potential safety hazard with a malfunctioning brake system. I submit this in the event there are other incidents of this nature that could possibly warrant a recall.

NHTSA ID

11580622

Incident

Mar 20, 2024

Check forwarded collision was on and it has disabled my traction control and abs light was on kia had me make an appointment 3 weeks out. Was leaving for work and it was rainy I was doing 30 in a 40 and I tried stopping to slow down because there was a car in front of me stopped at a yeld so I tired to stop harder but back of car stating sliding our so I had to quickly make a move to get to the lane next to me and there is no one over there and I went over a curb and resulting in totalling my car

NHTSA ID

11577468

Incident

Jan 8, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Infotainment screen and back up camera, it is available for Kia at anytime they choose. A complaint has been filed with kia and they have yet to respond. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure of the system causes Safety issues for passengers as well as anyone outside of the vehicle while operating said vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It is unclear whether or not they have made a Legitimate attempt To reproduce the issues. The Dealership that it was purchased at refused to make any attempt to acknowledge the issue. Kia requested that it Be serviced at a dealership, they had it for 27 days consecutively in 2022 and 91 days in 2023 and made no attempt to reproduce the issue. multiple recordings have been provided to Kia. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. Kia has had possession of the vehicle 27 consecutive days on 2022 and 91 consecutive days in 2023 Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. Screen malfunctions during use. Flash black Last date of malfunction 11.21.2023. There was a heavy rain 11.20 to 11.21

NHTSA ID

11557124

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Infotainment center and back up camera failure as well as multiple other system failures that have been ongoing since 2020 after water damage when ac drain hose backed up. Kia has been contacted multiple times since April 2021 regarding this issue after it caused an accident while backing up in April 2021. Kia did not inspect the vehicle until March 2022 due to failure to arrange appropriate appointments and transportation. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ongoing failures are a safety issue because they make it impossible to safely drive and not be distracted. The screen failures when backing up make it unsafe regarding backover protection and the sensors also fail for back up and blind spot. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown. The manufacturer has been provided with multiple videos of the issue and has had the vehicle for over 100 days total. Kia states they have the right to manufacture vehicles with features and that they should not be relied upon for safety, under oath and recorded. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Manufacturer has had access to the vehicle. They are not sharing what occured when they had it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Failure is not consistent or anticipated. It does occur more often when it has rained.

NHTSA ID

11551510

Incident

Apr 27, 2021

When driving at certain lower speeds the vehicle is jerky. The car will go into high RPM's when excelerating even when not fully pressing the gas pedal. The engine is burning through oil very quickly. In less than a month from my oil change I have had to put 5 quarts in. When the cruise control is on it sometimes excelerates faster than what it is set for. This has been ongoing for about a year. I have confirmed with 2 shops that I do not have an oil leak.

NHTSA ID

11523887

Incident

May 25, 2022

Screen turned off and then lights on dash started flashing. ABS, power steering, blind spot warning, tire monitoring failed. Battery light was flashing. Parking break light came on. Loss of power. Now it will not turn on

NHTSA ID

11518533

Incident

Apr 23, 2023