What 416 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

At 79,000, the engine started running very rough. I took it to the dealer. It’s got a cylinder that won’t fire. I have an extended warranty( big $!) but I’m getting the runaround from Kia. It’s been almost 3 weeks. They’re dragging their feet because they know these Theta II engines are JUNK! I’ve maintained my own vehicles my entire adult life, and I don’t drive crazy either. It also had a knock sensor recall, which most likely kept this issue from being a recall

NHTSA ODI 11707881

Paint peeling issues with the snow white paint

NHTSA ODI 11707683

A noisy steering wheel column while driving ,car suspension was check everything was ok

NHTSA ODI 11707323

The Snow White Pearl Paint Color is peeling off my entire car, compromising the vehicle since the metal is no longer being protected. I took it into a KIA dealership and they acknowledged the paint defect but said they can’t do anything about it even though they know that there is a manufacture defect with this specific paint color. There was no warning, my car is parked in the garage and so it’s not even exposed to the elements all the time and the paint just started peeling. This paint color has a known defect for not adhering to the primer and KIA won’t do anything about it.

NHTSA ODI 11707140

Oil pressure sensor light came on when I would stop or park after 10-20 minutes of driving. Vehicle was low on oil so I added a quart. About a week later the light came on again so I took it to get oil changed at an independent shop. They said a change wasn’t necessary as I still had 2000 miles left, but said they would top it off if needed. It was half a quart low so they topped it off. On the way home the light came on again. Took it to the dealership where it was diagnosed as an oil pressure sensor failure. Vehicle has 103,000 miles so I was out of warranty. This vehicle is not eligible for the extended warranty for the oil pressure sensor issue provided by Kia as the extended warranty was only for models up to 2018, or vehicles manufactured up until March 2018. This is a 2019 that was manufactured in April 2018. Because of how close the model year and manufacture date is to the Kia provided extended warranty, it is apparent the issue was not corrected for this model year either and it should be part of the extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11706175

The paint peeled off on my hood in several places and on the fenders, I was driving in the rain and a big sheet of the paint on my hood peeled off and flew up on my windshield on the driver side causing me to run off the road because I couldn’t see, I took it to the Jenkins Kia dealership in Ocala, Fl and was told by the service people there that they would not fix it that it was my responsibility, they were very rude even though I was really shaken after running off the road now I have small rust spots all over my car , can you please help me?

NHTSA ODI 11705940

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 ODI 11705499

Headlights burn out within weeks to months after replacing them, overheat, flicker when driving. Has been a recurring problem since being bought in 2019.

NHTSA ODI 11705005

2019 with 56,000 miles and the oil pressure sensor AND the fuel pump need replacing. Both items should be considered part of the powertrain but of course they’re not. Called corporate but got the “there is no recall” monologue from their representatives. Needless to say, I won’t make the same mistake with my next purchase.

NHTSA ODI 11704854

My vehicle is a sorento 2019 model, April 2018 production, and is experiencing oil pressure switch failure that requires $1500 of repair, there is a recall/warranty extension WTY026 for the same model but only up-to March 2018 production, kia claimed that they modified the sensor to eliminate the problem in 2919 models, but unfortunately many of the 2019 model year owners are still experiencing the same problem as the previous year. Please extend this recall to cover 2919-2020 productions as well

NHTSA ODI 11704881

Car has 77,593 miles. The oil light came on only at idle. Immediately hauled to dealership and was told it was a faulty pressure switch and not covered by the warranty even though its part of the powertrain and the earlier models had the same problem and were extended. Should I expect every 77,000 miles or so to have to spend $1700? The tech said no because they are replacing the known faulty switch with new version of it.

NHTSA ODI 11702892

I have a huge paint peeling situation on the roof of my vehicle. I do have a white Kia Sorrento and there is about a 24" by 6" spot where the paint is either peeling or is gone. It's directly above my front window on the roof of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11702763

I am submitting this safety complaint regarding a critical oil leak on my 2019 Kia Sorento, currently at 125,000 miles. I observed a significant amount of engine oil leaking onto the ground where the vehicle was parked, indicating a substantial loss of lubricant. The oil pressure warning light has been illuminating intermittently on the dashboard, confirming that the engine's oil pressure or level has dropped to a critical point. This has been an ongoing issue for several years with this car. What started as a small oil leak that nobody could find has turned into a big issue and safety issue. I am requesting that an investigation be made into this model for oil pressure sensor. The oil dummy light only comes on when the rpms drop or brakes are applied.

NHTSA ODI 11702414

When I purchased this car in 2020 it had approximately 30,000 miles on it and the paint was already flaking in one place. The paint is snow white pearl and it is now flaking in several places. I would like to request an investigation into this specific paint and flaking issues.

NHTSA ODI 11702415

2019 Kia sorento with the 2.4 is consuming so much oil and is very noisy. I just changed the oil 4k miles ago and the dipstick doesn’t show any oil. Dealer says it’s normal. There is clearly a problem with these motors. The Kia dealership doesn’t want to figure it out unless they’re getting paid a ridiculous amount of money. Kia should take care of this and pay the bill. They basically said to drive it until it dies and maybe the motor will get replaced. So basically my family and I have to drive this thing and hopefully we don’t get hurt if it seizes up. They want to charge me for an oil change, oil consumption test and an 800 cleaner for a maybe temporary fix. I don’t have a date when this started because it’s been so long with getting the run around. Kia is avoiding our problems when we spend so much money.

NHTSA ODI 11702057

I have been having heavy oil leaks with my vehicle and when I check my oil a few days after adding oil it registers bone dry. Excessive oil can be seen in my drive way after pulling in and out. The oil ight has been coming on intermittently and now it stays on. Took it to Kia dealership and inquired about problem and possible recall and they said their was none and instead tried to sell me a nother vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11701059

Exterior paint (Snow White Pearl) has delaminated resulting in chipping in several places on the hood. This has been previously identified in 5 other NHTSA complaints (11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038). The root cause of the issue seems to be a known (but unconfirmed) manufacturer paint defect by Kia. Problems as far back as 2012 involving the paint (Snow White Pearl) have been reported on the Kia owner forum, Reddit, Facebook, and possibly other social media sites. I have always maintained my vehicle to the highest standard and my vehicle mileage is significantly UNDER the average annual mileage of 10K. I have just begun the journey to seeking remedy for this unfortunate situation and would appreciate an investigation by NHTSA on behalf of all who have filed complaints and told their stories. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11700960

1. Vehicle Information Make: Kia Model: Sorento Model Year: 2019 VIN: [XXX] Approximate Mileage: 87,000 miles 2. Incident Details Complaint Title: Critical Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Leak Leading to Oil Warning Light, Rapid Oil Loss, and Safety Risk Narrative: I am submitting this safety complaint regarding a critical oil leak on my 2019 Kia Sorento, currently at 87,000 miles. The leak originates specifically from the Oil Pressure Sensor (Switch). Symptoms and Diagnosis: 1. I observed a significant amount of engine oil leaking onto the ground where the vehicle was parked, indicating a substantial loss of lubricant. 2.The oil pressure warning light has been illuminating intermittently on the dashboard, confirming that the engine's oil pressure or level has dropped to a critical point. 3.A dealership/mechanic officially diagnosed the issue as a severe leak at the Oil Pressure Sensor. Safety Concern and Precedent: The rapid and severe loss of engine oil creates an unreasonable risk of sudden engine failure/seizure while driving, which is an extreme safety hazard. Additionally, oil leaking onto hot engine components poses a potential fire hazard. I note that Kia has previously issued safety recalls and/or substantial warranty extensions for this exact type of Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch leak on other Kia models and earlier model years of the Sorento. This defect appears to be recurring in the \text{2019} model year, suggesting the core safety defect has not been resolved for this vehicle group. I request that NHTSA investigate this specific issue in the 2019 Sorento and mandate a proper safety recall to replace the faulty component and eliminate the serious risk of engine failure and fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11700706

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil level after arriving at the residence and noticed that it was very low, almost empty. The contact added two quarts of oil to the engine. Several weeks later, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an oil consumption test needed to be performed. The contact stated that the vehicle passed the oil consumption test. The dealer cleaned off the top of the engine. The contact needed to add two quarts of oil every 1,500 to 2,000 miles driven. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to drive back to the residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was told that the manifold had melted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The contact was informed that a bearing clearance test needed to be performed. The vehicle failed to pass the test. The contact was informed that cylinders #1 and #4 had misfired. The dealer changed the ignition coils. The contact stated that the failure had recurred, and the vehicle was parked and was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11700804

Engine has a leak, the engine oil sensor was defected ,front axel leak and needs replacement

NHTSA ODI 11699008

The paint is peeling terrible. Has not been inspected by anyone

NHTSA ODI 11697040

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed and instructed the contact to return after driving 1,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be returned to the dealer on multiple occasions due to exceeding the 1,000-mile interval. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11696426

My backup camera had a safety recall issued previously. In March of 2024 I received a letter from Kia notifying me of the recall related to this issue, and offered a remedy. I took the car in for inspection, but it was working at the time. Now in Oct of 2025 the backup camera starting getting moisture inside, and has completely failed. I contacted the Kia dealership that I purchased it from, and they told me to bring it in. When I did, the technician told me that it had been a bracket that was the recall issue, and it was repaired, in direct conflict with what my paperwork said. They refused to repair the backup camera for free. Please inform me of my recourse, as my backup camera does not work at all, and it is expensive to repair/

NHTSA ODI 11694686

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the oil level was constantly checked since purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated she was aware of the oil consumption because the oil had to be topped off after each oil change. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer performed several oil consumption tests, and confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was informed that a local Kia dealer was contacted and informed the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, to allow the owner to drive the vehicle until the engine failed and then have the vehicle towed to the Kia dealer for evaluation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11691044

Knocking noise started when pulling off the interstate. No engine light came on. No oil registered on 'dip stick'. Oil change was due at 130,449. The mileage on the car was 132,635. Had towed to Kia dealership where they said there was no test that could be done due to the vehicle being a 6 cylinder engine. They said the 'sound' points to needing an engine replacement. I inquired about a oil pressure switch test and oil consumption test due to past recalls and known engine issues. I was told due to the car being out of powertrain warrenty they would not perform such tests. I have video that shows the car is burning oil. Visible out of the exhaust. This is not something I was aware of until after this incident. These are the same issues as noted in previous recalls. Dealership said would need full engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11691074