Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Kia Sorento Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Kia Sorento scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 383 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 received a 2017 facelift update for the Third generation (UM).
Recalls
2
Complaints
383
Complaint Rate
39.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$533
About avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a 2017 facelift update for the Third generation (UM).
- Changes: Updated grille and bumper design; New LED lighting features.
- Year 4 in this generation (2016–2020).
- 3rd generation Sorento (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Third generation (UM)
Should You Buy the 2019 Kia Sorento?
The 2019 Kia Sorento scores 64/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 received a 2017 facelift update for the Third generation (UM).
Its complaint rate (39.7 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 20.3. The most common reports involve engine (93).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (93). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Kia Sorento, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2018 Kia Sorento for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- ENGINE issues reported (93 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (61 complaints)
Compare 2019 Kia Sorento With
2019 GMC Terrain
Score: 68/100
2019 Mazda CX-5
Score: 75/100
2019 Toyota RAV4
Score: 66/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 Nissan Rogue
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (93)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (61)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (57)
- POWER TRAIN (43)
- STRUCTURE (29)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (16)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10)
- STEERING (10)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9)
- TRAILER HITCHES (6)
- LANE DEPARTURE (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
- SEAT BELTS (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- FIRERELATED (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SEATS (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Kia Sorento has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
39.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
18
Injuries
16
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Kia Sorento Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Kia Sorento. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
2019 Kia Sorento NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.8%
Safety Technologies
Kia Sorento Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$533
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Kia Sorento
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for oil leaks under the vehicle
- Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or shudder
- Inspect the paint for peeling, especially on the hood and roof
- Verify oil pressure sensor functionality by observing the oil light at idle
- Check for fuel odors indicating potential fuel system leaks
- Test infotainment system for glitches or power loss while driving
- Inspect for signs of excessive oil consumption by checking oil levels
Check Any 2019 Kia Sorento's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Sorento in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Kia Sorento with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Kia Sorento Common Problems by Component
383 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
93 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and oil leaks, often linked to a faulty oil pressure sensor. These problems typically manifest as the oil pressure warning light illuminating, noticeable oil loss, and in some cases, significant oil leakage visible on the ground. Complaints suggest these issues commonly appear between 56,000 to 132,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of engine stalling, loss of power, and engine failure, sometimes requiring full engine replacement. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of engine fires, with five incidents involving fire and one injury noted, emphasizing the potential risk to occupants and surrounding traffic.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
61 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the infotainment system in the 2019 Kia Sorento, including glitching and restarting while driving, which disrupts the use of hands-free calls and GPS. Many describe these issues occurring primarily during highway driving. Complaints also highlight electrical system malfunctions that result in total power loss, with some incidents leading to crashes or fires, and in one case, a fire originating from the rear of the vehicle after a battery replacement. These problems often appear after several months of ownership, and in some instances, at mileage as low as 15,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from the infotainment issues and the risk of vehicle fires or power loss while driving.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
57 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's paint, specifically the Snow White Pearl color, which tends to peel significantly from various parts of the car, including the hood, roof, and doors. Many complaints also highlight problems with excessive oil consumption, where the oil level drops rapidly without warning lights, necessitating frequent checks. Additionally, there are reports of fuel odors and leaks from the fuel pump pressure hose, posing potential safety risks. Some complaints involve serious incidents, including fires, one of which resulted in a total vehicle loss, and a crash caused by paint peeling off and obstructing the driver's view. These issues are reported across varying mileage ranges, with some occurring under 100,000 miles.
POWER TRAIN (43 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
43 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and transmission malfunctions. Common symptoms include the oil indicator light illuminating at idle, rapid oil depletion without warning, and engine rattling or stalling, often occurring around 70,000 to 113,000 miles. Transmission problems are described as hesitations, stumbling, and failure to shift properly, with some reports of burnt transmission fluid and the need for transmission replacement. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe loss of power, vehicle stalling, and difficulty accelerating, posing risks of accidents in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may require costly repairs and impact vehicle reliability.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and erratic vehicle speed control. Common symptoms include the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly, often when the accelerator is applied from a stop or at low speeds, and cruise control systems disengaging or accelerating beyond set speeds. Complaints often describe these issues occurring at various mileages, with some reports noting recurrence shortly after repairs. One complaint involves a crash where unintended acceleration led to a collision at a gas station, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers considering a used 2019 Sorento should be aware of these reported issues, particularly if the vehicle exhibits similar symptoms.
STEERING (10 complaints)
STEERING
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento report issues primarily related to steering difficulties, with several complaints highlighting a "sticky" or "tight" steering wheel, especially at higher speeds or during curves. This problem often results in overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane position. Some owners experience complete power steering failure, often accompanied by illuminated warning indicators, with occurrences noted as early as 3,100 miles. Additionally, there are reports of steering-related noises and physical damage to steering components. Safety implications are evident, with one owner reporting a crash following vehicle theft, although the theft is not directly attributed to steering issues. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding steering reliability and safety.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine failures. Common symptoms include low oil levels, oil leaks, engine stalling, abnormal knocking sounds, and illuminated warning lights such as the check engine light. Complaints often occur at mileages ranging from approximately 74,750 to 164,000 miles. Some reports mention engine overheating and the need for engine replacement, with no crashes or fires directly noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues, particularly in higher-mileage vehicles, as they may require significant repairs.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly involving fuel pump leaks and related malfunctions. Common symptoms include a strong fuel smell both inside and outside the vehicle, hesitation during acceleration, and unintended acceleration. Several complaints describe these issues occurring without any warning lights or diagnostic codes, complicating diagnosis and repair. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, with some owners reporting problems around 89,600 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a vehicle fire and symptoms of fuel fumes causing health issues, such as headaches and dizziness. These issues may present significant risks, especially for used car buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, specifically involving the ABS and related warning lights. Common symptoms include the illumination of ABS, traction control, and stability control warning lights, often accompanied by a lack of ABS function during hard braking. Several reports describe intermittent warning light activation that increases in frequency over time, with one owner noting issues as early as 13,040 miles. A significant safety concern is highlighted by an incident where the vehicle rolled back while parked, resulting in a crash and two injuries. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for used car buyers considering this model.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sorento report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with two incidents involving crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries. In one case, a head-on collision at approximately 55 MPH resulted in multiple injuries, including rib fractures and knee injuries, at around 60,000 miles. Another incident involved a crash into a lamp post, with a reported fractured vertebra and hip injuries at approximately 50,000 miles. Additionally, one owner reports a crack on the dashboard near the airbag, raising concerns about potential airbag functionality. These complaints suggest safety implications related to airbag performance, particularly in high-mileage vehicles.
When Do 2019 Kia Sorento Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Kia Sorento Years
Best Kia Sorento Years to Buy
The best Kia Sorento year is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2020 (71/100).
Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Sorento year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to engine (93) issues.
2019(this page)
2 recalls · 383 complaints
Kia Sorento Reliability Score Trend
Kia Sorento reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 70/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Kia Sorento Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento?
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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