Car Yearsto Avoid

2019 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2019 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 431 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and body and structure.

431 complaints 2 recalls, 1 park outside 8th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2019 Kia Sorento problems

1

Engine problems

169 complaints (39%) name the engine.

Complaints 169 · Usually at 24,000–109,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

68 complaints (16%) name the electrical system.

Complaints 68 · Usually at 9,000–40,000 miles

3

Body problems

55 complaints (13%) name the body and structure, most often the body and dashboard.

Complaints 55 · Usually at 33,000–54,000 miles

4

Transmission problems

51 complaints (12%) name the transmission, most often the control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).

Complaints 51 · Usually at 7,000–28,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 39%
Unknown or Other 26%
Electrical 16%
Body 13%
Transmission 12%
Fuel System 7%
Lights 5%
Wipers and Visibility 5%
Emergency Braking 4%
Acceleration 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (107 of 431). The amber line is the middle value, about 28,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2019 Kia Sorento recalls

Rearview camera may fail to display image

Crash risk

Water can leak into the rearview camera because of a manufacturing error, and the camera image may not appear on the display. Without it, the driver has less view behind the vehicle, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the rearview camera, add waterproofing to the camera harness or replace the camera if needed, free of charge.

Recall 23V639000 · Sep 2023

Towing

Park outside

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. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V703000 · Sep 2022
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2019 Kia Sorento gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2019 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Sorento years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2019 Kia Sorento problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 431 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and body and structure.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, body and structure and transmission. 169 complaints (39%) name the engine.

At what mileage do 2019 Kia Sorento engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 24,000–109,000 miles, with a middle value near 73,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?

2. Rearview camera may fail to display image (23V639000); Towing (22V703000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2019 Kia Sorento?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.