2019 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento Issue: Engine Failure / Safety Concern Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that experienced sudden engine failure after clear warning signs that created a serious safety concern. The vehicle began making a loud ticking/knocking noise that progressively worsened over time. While driving, the vehicle struggled to accelerate and lost power. The noise became louder when pressing the gas. Shortly after, the vehicle shut off completely and is now unable to start at all. This failure occurred without any warning lights appearing on the dashboard, including no check engine light, which prevented me from knowing the severity of the issue in advance. After contacting Kia, I was informed that there were multiple recalls on the vehicle that were not completed. However, I was never notified of these recalls as the current owner. I was told that recall notifications were sent to the previous owner, and no effort was made to notify me directly. Kia has refused to assist with the engine failure, stating that recalls must be completed first. However, the vehicle is now completely inoperable and cannot be driven to complete recall repairs. Requiring a non-running vehicle to complete recall updates is unreasonable and places consumers at risk. This situation raises serious safety concerns because: The vehicle lost power while in operation, creating a dangerous driving condition There were no warning indicators prior to failure The engine failure appears consistent with known issues involving Kia engines I am requesting that this matter be investigated, including Kia’s handling of recall notifications and their refusal to assist with a known engine failure issue under these circumstances.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vents, with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several oil changes were needed. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the oil levels were constantly low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was advised to go back to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The approximate failure mileage was 146,060.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle bucked abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown engine recall, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

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.

The oil pressure switch on my 2019 KIA Sorento comes on when coming to a stop. This has occurred even after an oil change and checking the oil the dip stick showed full. I understand that Kia had a recall on these sensors for Kia Sorentos up to year models 2018 but evidently the problem with this sensor has not been resolved and presents a major possibility of fire occurring due to oil leakage. I believe Kia for safety sake should be required to replace this faulty sensor at no cost to the owner

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an engine oil leak on the driveway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured oil pan, causing the engine oil leak. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being under recall. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 19V101000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.

I have 2019 Kia Seranto . In November 2024 started leaking oil the oil filter casing was cracked. January 2026 oil light came on. Oil was changed 2 months before. Took it to the shop and no oil was in the engine. No oil under the car to tell it was leaking. Shop had to run oil leak detector on it. Several gaskets in engine had to be repaired. There was some other issues with engine concerning oil. $1800.After changing gaskets the oil light kept coming on and off. The oil light sensor and switch had to be repaired. $1500. Car had 107,000 miles only. The auto shop in my town fixed it. This auto shop reports everything to car fox. I would not drive it when oil light came on.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

It need to fill the oil ever two to three weeks - oil consumption? Now this morning it has the a lot of oil in the ground - I won’t drive the car

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.

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

The engine is completely burning all of the oil. I can feel a hesitation in the engine while driving

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.

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

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)

I am the original owner of this vehicle. The engine is consuming approximately 5 quarts of oil every 7–10 days while I drive about 300 miles per week. The rear of the vehicle is covered in black soot from the exhaust, indicating severe oil burning. I have been topping off oil constantly to prevent engine damage. No knocking, ticking, or check engine light has appeared yet. This level of oil consumption is far beyond normal and poses a serious risk of engine failure.

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed because the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that the vehicle was not due for an oil change at the time of the service. Despite the oil change, the failure worsened as the sound became increasingly louder. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with engine failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000. The VIN was not available.