Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Engine problems, transmission problems, electrical system problems, and structural problems were most commonly reported for the 2019 Kia Sorento.
Two recalls have been issued for this vehicle: one for the tow hitch harness module potentially causing a fire, and one for the rearview camera not displaying anything.
As with any product, the last thing a consumer wants to encounter in their newly purchased car is a defect.
Unfortunately, even with modern manufacturing techniques, vehicles with defects are still produced and sold regularly across the entire United States.
Thankfully, also across the entire United States are lemon laws, which consumers can use to hold manufacturers accountable for selling defective warrantied vehicles.
Continue reading to find out more about the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sorento, as well as how you can use the lemon law to be compensated!
Common 2019 Kia Sorento Problems
- Engine Problems: Stalling, engine misfiring, oil leaking, sudden engine failure, excessive oil consumption
- Transmission Problems: Hesitation when accelerating, loss of motive power, hard shifting between certain gears
- Electrical System Problems: Infotainment system glitches, backup camera doesn’t work or is blank
- Structural Problems: Water leaking, moldy smell, paint chipping
2019 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
Engine problems were by far the most reported by consumers regarding the 2019 Kia Sorento. Consumers reported things like their engine stalling, misfiring, leaking oil, suddenly failing, and consuming too much oil.
Most if not all of these problems either are or can cause serious defects and should be treated seriously by the consumer.
Inspection and repair by an authorized dealer is always recommended if you believe something is wrong with your vehicle.
When the problems are engine problems, this is even more important, given how dangerous it can be to drive a vehicle with a problematic engine.
2019 Kia Sorento Electrical System Problems
Also commonly reported were electronic system problems, which are generally reported frequently in most modern vehicles. In the 2019 Kia Sorento, the primary issues reported were infotainment system glitches and the backup camera not working.
These two types of defects are very common in vehicles that have infotainment systems and rearview cameras, and can often be addressed through a software update provided by the manufacturer. Otherwise, an authorized dealer may be able to fix them.
Kia issued a recall for their rearview cameras not functioning properly in September 2023 under NHTSA Recall ID 23V639.
Additionally, Kia issued a recall for the tow hitch harness installed in these vehicles under NHTSA Recall ID 22V703.
If debris and moisture accumulate on the module, it could cause an electrical short which could potentially result in a fire.
2019 Kia Sorento Structural Problems
Generally, less common are structural problems, though consumers reported a fair number of them being present in the 2019 Kia Sorrento.
Consumers mention water leaking and staying in the car, causing it to develop a mold smell. Some consumers describe this as being the result of an A/C hose being improperly placed.
Additionally, consumers described the paint on the exterior of their vehicle chipping and flaking away. Vehicle paint serves as a protective layer that keeps the metal of the vehicle from deteriorating.
Structural issues such as those mentioned by 2019 Kia Sorento owners should also be addressed by an authorized dealer if they make themselves known to the vehicle owner.
Complaints from 2019 Sorento Drivers
“Infotainment center glitching Attemped to resolve with KIA 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. There is no warning before failure.”
“I bought a 40,000 Sorrento… top of the line. It is 3 years old and the dealership has had it for almost a week to replace the computer which was supposed to take 1 hour to fix. To top it off the dealerships are horrible…take much longer than they say and they never call to give you an update. DON’T BUY A KIA!!!!”
“Bought used with 32k miles, bottom end went out in first month of owning it and engine was replaced under warranty. Now at 86k miles with regular service intervals and it is burning an absurd amount of oil. Cruise control works selectively, overall a cheap built car.”
Legal Avenues for Your Defective Sorento
As the owner of a defective 2019 Kia Sorento that is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty, you may be eligible for compensation under your state’s lemon law!
This process comes into play when a vehicle experiences repeat repairs for the same or similar issue that significantly impairs its use, value, or safety. Such a vehicle is commonly referred to as a “lemon.”
In most states, a vehicle is deemed a lemon based on a “reasonable number of unsuccessful repairs” standard.
Typically, this means that the car must have been subject to two to four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue.
This threshold is designed to give manufacturers an adequate opportunity to fix the problem while protecting consumers from endless repair cycles.
The lemon law process begins when a consumer identifies a defect in their vehicle and takes it to an authorized dealer for inspection and repair.
If the issue persists despite multiple repair attempts, the consumer can initiate a lemon law claim.
The more documentation the consumer has, the better: repair attempts, including dates, descriptions of the problems, and the outcomes of each repair effort are all very important to keep track of and have.
It is often beneficial for consumers to seek the assistance of an attorney who specializes in lemon law cases.
Such legal counsel can provide expert guidance through the process, helping to compile the necessary documentation and ensuring that the claim is properly filed.
Importantly, most states mandate that if a consumer wins their lemon law case, their reasonable attorney’s fees will be paid for by the defendant.
If the lemon law claim is successful, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle of similar value, or a refund of the payments made towards the defective vehicle.
This compensation aims to make the consumer whole, relieving them of the burden of owning a faulty car and mitigating any financial losses incurred.
Secure the Best Results with the Lemon Law Experts!
While the specifics of the lemon law process can vary from state to state, its overarching goal is to ensure fair treatment for consumers.
It provides a structured pathway to resolve disputes over defective vehicles, offering peace of mind and financial protection.
By understanding and utilizing the lemon law process, consumers can effectively advocate for their rights and secure a satisfactory resolution when dealing with a lemon.
If you are planning on bringing a lemon law claim against a manufacturer for selling you a defective vehicle, don’t wait!
Lemon law claims can be time-sensitive, and waiting could jeopardize your claim. The Lemon Law Experts are here to assist you in bringing your claim.
Our team of powerful attorneys will advocate for you and ensure you are compensated properly. Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or visit our website to fill out a form for a free case evaluation!
