2019 Kia Sorento: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine. 2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 39% about engine & cooling.
Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Known problems on the 2019 Kia Sorento
Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine $4,000–$7,000 to fix
If equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0T Theta II GDI (most were), this generation has a documented rod-bearing failure — knocking, then seizure or fire. Covered by huge recalls, a class-action settlement, and a knock-sensor software update (KSDS); a lifetime warranty applies to many, but only for the original-owner chain in some cases.
Check for: Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Basis: NHTSA recalls 15V568/17V226/others; Hyundai/Kia engine class-action settlement; KSDS campaign
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2019 Kia Sorento recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Sorento. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Trailer HitchesPark outsideFire risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Details 22V703000
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.
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. 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.
- Driver-assist systems
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 23V639000
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."
Fix: 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.
2019 Kia Sorento safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Fuel system: The low-pressure fuel pump in the subject vehicles may develop a fuel leak over time and after prolonged exposure to extreme high temperature due to insufficient thickness of the fuel pump port.
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2019 Kia Sorento safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
426 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2019 Kia Sorento is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $11,025 |
| 120,000 mi | $10,148 |
From new to now
New, a 2019 Kia Sorento started at about $26,290. At a typical 84,000 miles today it trades in for about $10,937 — roughly 58% less.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Kia Sorento years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator