Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My Vehicle was stolen from my residential home. My window was buss out and they stole my vehicle. After over two weeks my vehicle was finally retrieved by the police and city of Milwaukee tow lot. I was told by financing company as well as police department to go get pictures of vehicle as reported from tow company that my vehicle was completely totaled out. I went and retrieved pictures seeing that my car was totaled. With this being said i don't have a vehicle for me or my children to be able to get to work and or school and daycare. I don't know what I'm going to do with trying to not jeopardize my job with getting to work. So I'm writing this so that KIA company can be held accountable for not recalling these vehicles and putting me and my children during this pandemic at risk of losing everything home, job and more.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began shaking and a burning odor emanated from the 12V accessory outlet. The contact stated that the instrument and meter did not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
about an hour after earlier incident below we went to the beach. After unloading beach items and children I realized that the elctrical components of the vehicle were still running. The vechicle was off. Key was out of the ignition. All doors were open. AC/Infotainment Center/Lights would not turn off. I was concerned about what to do. I felt it was unsafe it leave it running. Called the dealership, left a message with the service advisor I was given the card for a week prior when mentioning ongoing issues. Video recorded the incident. Attempted to call again. Attempted to call other numbers for the dealership. Spoke with a friend who is a mechanic who suggested disconnecting the battery. Earlier incident below: While parked in a parking lot I attempted to lower the volume of the radio and the buttons were not responding. …
I am the original owner of my vehicle, which I purchased brand new from the dealership in December, 2017]. The car is now five years old and has been regularly maintained. However, I have observed significant issues with the paint, which is bubbling and peeling off in large amounts in several areas of the vehicle. This condition is concerning, as it not only affects the vehicle's appearance but also has the potential to cause rust and other mechanical issues if left unaddressed. Given that the peeling is occurring despite proper care and no external factors such as accidents or environmental damage, I believe this may be a manufacturing defect. I am requesting an evaluation of this issue and any available remedies under the manufacturer's warranty, especially considering the potential for long-term damage to the vehicle's structure and mechanical components. …
infotainment center issues after recent a/c drain hose issue and water pouring out of dash compartment due to design flaw. Concerned about water contributing to electrical issues. Dealership will not assess because electrical issue not happening constantly Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. Ongoing issues with mold smell after water as well. Dealership gave me vehicle back with carpets soaking wet 2 years in a row. Child has asthma, father has pulmonary fibrosis and is a disabled veteran. Only vehicle for family unfortunately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. Timestamped photos and video available
2019 Kia Sorento White Pearl Paint began peeling. Spoke with Kia Dealership about issue due to sister company Hyundai having the same issue which resulted in an extended warranty. I began communication with dealership on June 2, 2025. During this time, it had been told that other Kia White Pearl Paint has been defective, but nothing has been done on Kia's side as of now. My dealership has "attempted" to get a Goodwill coverage due to paint warranty expired after 36 months of the vehicle which was in 2022. I have been put back and forth and not given specific answers on how to move forward with getting my car fix for a manufacturing/defective paint error. I have also priced out other body shops and the price estimate was over $2500. I am frustrated as I do not believe I should have to take care of an error based on Kia's issue.
While parked in a parking lot I attempted to lower the volume of the radio and the buttons were not responding. Attemped to turn off infotainment center and it would not respond. A call came in and my phone was connected and car would not allow me to answer call. Attempted to disconnect phone from car and it would not work. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. Timestamped photos and video available
About 1 month ago, i noticed on the hood, several areas (10-12) of bubbling and peeling of the paint. On the Side upright panel next to the windshield on the passenger side, there is a big area of peeling and bubbling paint. Paint is called Snow white Pearl. On the driver side panel above the handle, there is more bubbling of the paint. There are several other areas all over the car that is bubbling up and will peel soon. This will start to rust very soon. It was inspected by the local dealer and confirmed. This should not happen to any car. I was told it was defective paint/sealer from manufacturer. I am on restricted income and can not afford to pay for this repainting of my car.
Paint is peeling and flaking off rapidly on my Kia. I had rocks kicked back on my vehicle while driving causing the paint to crack down to the 2nd layer of primer. It is snow white pearl color and it was told to me by a mechanic and by the insurance representative that there is a manufacturer error in the paint color on my specific model. I will continue to have these issues, forking out thousands of dollars to have the paint repaired, for every incident that may happen. I'm concerned that this will create a safety hazard while driving for me as the driver as well as other drivers. I called Kia to see what they would do about it and they said nothing because there's no recall.
Infotainment center glitching. Recent water issue. Mold smell after water issue. Carpet was not appropriately addressed by dealership for A/C drain "design flaw". I have a child with asthma and disabled vetran father and spend hours commuting daily. Mold and water are a health concern. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. Timestamped photos and video available
Body complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2019 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the body & structure of the 2019 Kia Sorento, 13% of the model year's 431 complaints. The component named most often is body (54 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Kia Sorento body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2019 Kia Sorento, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Sorento body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.