FaultScore report

2019 KIA Sorento problems

Owners have filed 632 complaints about the 2019 KIA Sorento with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 22 worst.

D

61/100

CleanWorst

Measured against the other years of the KIA Sorento, never against another car.

How this is worked out

The numbers

632

Complaints

20

Crashes reported

29

Fires reported

17

Injuries reported

20,772 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

60%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

6

Safety recalls

2 US, 4 Canadian

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 50 vs 50 Severity 54 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 50
Against the median year of the KIA Sorento. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2019 compares with every other KIA Sorento

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2019 KIA Sorento

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 169 26.7%

2 crashes, 12 fires · median 74,750 mi

1 crashes, 5 fires · median 11,000 mi

3 crashes, 7 fires · median 18,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,500 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 12,600 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,175 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 75,000 mi

Lights 22 3.5%

Median failure at 8,500 miles

Median failure at 22,000 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,500 mi

Brakes 14 2.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,420 mi

Steering 11 1.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 7,450 mi

Equipment & Accessories 7 1.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 80,610 mi

Seat Belts 5 0.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,325 mi

Airbags 5 0.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi

Seats 4 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,000 mi

Suspension 2 0.3%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.2%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

Wheels 1 0.2%

Median failure at 31,289 miles

Tires 1 0.2%

Median failure at 30,845 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 53 57.0%
Warnings 13 14.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking 6 6.5%
Blind Spot Detection 6 6.5%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 5 5.4%
Assist 4 4.3%
Warning 3 3.2%
Rearview System Braking 3 3.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 20 13.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 24 16.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 35 23.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 22 14.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 12 8.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 11 7.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 19 12.8%
150,000+ miles 5 3.4%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
15% risk
2019 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
15.8% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 2018 peak 113 Sep 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2019 KIA Sorento

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP22003 Opened 12 Sep 2022 Closed 12 Dec 2023 ENGINE

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...

Recalls on the 2019 KIA Sorento

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

23V639000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

22V703000

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.

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

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024549 647,384 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2023516 12,172 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, water could leak into the rearview camera and cause the rearview camera image not to display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the rearview camera. The dealer will replace the rearview camera if necessary, and apply additional water proofing to the rearview camera wiring harness.

Recall 2021680 9,612 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness that could fail. Over time, water could leak into the control module and cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be loss of the trailer lights. Note: This recall affects trailer wiring harness kits that may have been ordered at the time of a vehicle purchase, or purchased separately from a dealer as an aftermarket accessory. Safety Risk: A loss of trailer lights could make the trailer less visible. In addition, other drivers may not recognize that the vehicle ahead is braking or intends to turn. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the trailer wiring harness. If the harness is from the lot (batch) affected by this problem, the dealer will replace it. Kia recommends that you should always check to ensure that trailer lights work properly before towing.

Recall 2019639 26,082 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Rock Hill, SC Fire

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11751488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, GA Fire

ENGINE

On Saturday February 7th, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly caught fire without any warning. Within moments, the fire intensified, and I was forced to jump out of the vehicle to save my life. Shortly afterward, the vehicle exploded. The car was completely destroyed. Every item inside was charred, and I barely escaped with my life. A police report was filed. Both the manufacturer and insurance company were notified as well as the bank that the vehicle was purchased from. There were no warning lights or messages prior to. When the vehicle caught fire, all warning lights came on at the same time. Following this incident, I began researching similar cases and was alarmed to learn that fires and engine‑related failures appear to be a common issue in this model. Despite this, I was never notified of any recall, safety advisory, or service campaign related to fire risks. Had I been informed, I would have taken immediate action to prevent such a catastrophic and dangerous event.

NHTSA complaint #11718382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Okeechobee, FL Fire

TRAILER HITCHES

The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that while packing the vehicle for a planned family trip, the contact noticed the fire. In addition, the contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The contact and other family members extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers that were at the contact's residence. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The insurance company condemned the vehicle as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that the insurance investigation confirmed that the fire started as an electrical fire. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Euclid, OH Fire

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed in stop-and-go traffic, the driver noticed smoke emerging from under the hood, pulled over, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw flames. The contact removed items from the vehicle and exited safely. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11710318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Noblesville, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On December 16, 2025 at approximately 0830 hrs. EST my wife attempted to start the above vehicle. There was an "odd" odor in the garage by the vehicle at the time. She was unable to start the vehicle, there were not functional lights and no other accessories were functional. I perfomed a test on the battery later in the afternoon using a battery testing probe, it indicated the battery was non-functional. At approximately 1515 hrs. EST I replaced the battery in the above vehicle. Upon replacement of the battery the vehicle was started and run for approximately 3 minutes to ensure all systems checked alright and there was no damage from the loss of the. I then was standing at the back of the vehicle and noted smoke coming from the tail lights and from under the liftgate. I opened the rear liftgate and felt heat and saw smoke. As I was removing the trim from around the vehicle to access the area of origin for the smoke, the rear bumper cover melted and flames were visible where the bumper cover had melted. I used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the visible fire then accessed the area under the bumper to ensure the fire had been fully extinguished. Visible under the bumper was the tow wiring whch was visibly damaged by fire. I reported the fire to Kia of Muncie from where the vehicle was purchased new in December 2018 and to the Kia Care Line. Pictures of the damage were sent to both. The vehicle had been checked and cleared of all recalls associated with the tow wiring recall.

NHTSA complaint #11705499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

High Ridge, MO Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I’m contacting you regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ), which was completely destroyed in a fire on [XXX]. I had gone for a run at the city park, and as I was walking back, I saw my vehicle in flames. Police were already on-site, and just as I approached, the back windshield exploded. The fire department arrived shortly after and extinguished the flames. The vehicle is a total loss. After reviewing the VIN, I found the vehicle is subject to Recall SC249F / NHTSA 22V703 for a fire risk related to trailer hitch wiring. I want to emphasize that this vehicle did not have a trailer hitch installed, which raises concerns that it may have been pre-wired at the factory or otherwise contained faulty components. Additionally, I had previously brought the vehicle to the dealership twice for electrical problems, including complete failure of all lights, the windshield wiper motor, and power outlets. These issues were never fully resolved and may have been early signs of the defect that led to the fire. I am requesting: 1.A factory build sheet or Monroney label to confirm if any recall-related components were installed. 2.Guidance on how to initiate an official claim or investigation with Kia. 3.Clarification on whether Recall SC249F applies to vehicles without a hitch but with related electrical systems. Photos of the fire damage are available INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11660585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Anaheim, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monmouth Beach, NJ

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monmouth Beach, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monmouth Beach, NJ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manahawkin, NJ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,202 miles San Bernadino, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11761295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsburgh, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11758613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampstead, NH

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11758557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsburgh, PA

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11758613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,222 miles Watertown, CT

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11758277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11755415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rock Hill, SC Fire

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11751488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Biloxi, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11751075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11750965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lighthouse Point, FL

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lighthouse Point, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maricopa, AZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 complaint #11746864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maricopa, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11746864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maricopa, AZ

ENGINE

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 complaint #11746864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Lake Tahoe, CA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11745421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ossining, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11742753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ossining, NY

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11742753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ossining, NY

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11742753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seguin, TX

ENGINE

My 2019 Sorento 3.3L suffered high oil consumption followed by a severe oil leak at the back of the head/engine block threads. There is an odor of coolant which smells sweet with no visible coolant leak meaning there is likely coolant seeping into the engine mixing with the oil. I believe this an ongoing engine failure caused from Kia not correcting the issues over many years.

NHTSA complaint #11741862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Veblen, SD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is a recall for the HAVOC system foe the years 2021-2023, 25V649 recall. My car is a 2019 kia sorento and I m having the same issues, I have already replaced blower motor, resistor, air filter replaced, fuses, air compressor clutch relays, 3 times. Coolant is fine. After reading this recall my car same issues, please add my car to the recall list, I have spent over $600 in mechanic fees and parts, now the problem is recurring. Its a wiring issue, there was melted part on the blower motor when everything was replaced in February, I can't afford more repairs. I can get reciepts from parts i had to buy and a invoice from my mechanic, the issue of AC/heater reoccurring on May 29th. 2026. I had pur in a relay last week, now needs another one. Cost of them $25.00.

NHTSA complaint #11741175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.