2019 KIA SORENTO Complaints

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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/