TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Kia Sorento electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento have filed 62 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 18,200 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
62
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Sorento | 52 |
| 2016 Sorento | 83 |
| 2017 Sorento | 81 |
| 2018 Sorento | 28 |
| 2019 Sorento (this page) | 62 |
| 2020 Sorento | 19 |
| 2022 Sorento | 19 |
| 2023 Sorento | 30 |
3crashes
7fires
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 62 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SC340_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC340) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC340.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report a cluster of electrical failures in 2019 Sorentos, with water intrusion into the dash area being a recurring culprit. Rain causes water to collect and spill from the dash when turning, correlating with subsequent infotainment center failures—screens restart unexpectedly while driving, go black, freeze on safety prompts, or become unresponsive. Backup camera failures happen simultaneously with screen blackouts, disabling safety features when reversing. These glitches escalate to complete electrical shutdowns while driving at highway speeds, where owners lose power steering and brakes while the engine continues running.
Water pooling in the dash also triggers mold growth and musty odors; dealerships return vehicles with saturated carpets despite repair visits. More severe cases involve burnt wiring creating fire risk—one owner experienced flames at the rear bumper immediately after battery replacement, with internal wiring burnt so extensively it came within an inch of the fuel line.
Steering wheel control buttons fail intermittently, sometimes calling the last-dialed number unexpectedly. Power windows operate only full-open or full-closed with no mid-point stop, trapping at least one child's finger. Headlights replaced four times in two years still malfunction. Oil pressure sensors leak onto wiring harnesses, creating fire hazard, with the recall window excluding this vehicle model year.
Dealerships consistently refuse to service vehicles when failures aren't occurring at the moment of visit, despite owners providing videos and documentation. Kia has kept some vehicles for 90+ days without diagnosing or resolving issues, then returning them with problems unchanged.
Same Kia Sorento electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Infotainment center and backup camera glitching/failure
Screen restarts spontaneously while driving (showing Kia logo and safety prompt), goes black, freezes, or becomes unresponsive. Occurs randomly with no warning, often during highway driving. Backup camera fails simultaneously with screen blackouts, creating safety hazard when reversing. Happens more frequently after rain or water exposure to the vehicle's electrical systems.
When: Throughout ownership; most complaints dated 2020–2023. Many owners report onset after AC drain hose backup caused water intrusion into dash.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen restarts as if car just powered on; Screen goes black then returns with Kia logo; Screen freezes on safety acknowledgement message; Backup camera goes black while reversing; Buttons become unresponsive (radio volume, station change, phone controls); Infotainment center will not turn off when vehicle is off and key removed; Phone calls cannot be answered or disconnected via steering wheel controls; GPS/navigation unavailable during failure; Increased frequency after heavy rain or car wash
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealerships have kept vehicles for extended periods (27–91 days in some cases) without identifying root cause or performing repairs. Dealers claim they cannot diagnose intermittent issues if failure is not occurring at time of visit. One complaint mentions technicians suggested checking every wiring harness for water exposure. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia states these are not safety features and should not be relied upon for safety. Kia has refused to investigate, claiming intermittent issues cannot be diagnosed without constant reproduction. Multiple owners report Kia claiming 'they can't throw parts at it.' No recalls issued for this specific failure in narratives.
Water intrusion into dash/electrical system
Water leaks into cabin from dash area during rain or when turning; AC drain hose design flaw suspected. Water collects in dash compartment and falls into cabin. Carpets become saturated; mold and musty odor develop. Water exposure correlates with subsequent electrical failures across multiple systems.
When: Begins shortly after purchase (within weeks to months). AC drain issue noted in multiple complaints; one owner's vehicle purchased 8/15/2019, problem began early October with rain.
Symptoms owners cite: Rainwater falling from dash area when turning; Sizzling or hissing noise with water sloshing in dash; Soaking wet carpet after service visit; Mold smell and musty odor; Fish fly infestation in vehicle; Electrical components fail or behave erratically after water exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships return vehicle with excessively wet carpets and do not dry or remediate mold. No permanent repair documented. One owner reports carpet was soaking wet two years in a row after dealership service.
Complete electrical system failure/power loss while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while operating at highway speeds (65–70 mph). Battery warning light flashes, all dashboard warning lights illuminate, instrument cluster flashes, infotainment loses power. Power steering and power brakes cease functioning. Engine may continue running but no other systems respond. Vehicle cannot be started afterward and sometimes cannot shift out of park.
When: Multiple incidents reported across different model years/mileage; one incident in 2023, another in 2024/2025.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light flashes, then all warning lights illuminate; Instrument cluster flashes; Infotainment center loses power; Power steering failure; Power brakes failure; Engine runs but nothing else functions; Vehicle cannot be shifted out of park; Vehicle will not start after event
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership had vehicle over 90 days in 2023 claiming to fix issue; problem recurred. Another incident resulted in roadside assistance and tow to dealership. No repairs completed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia will not honor warranty claims, attributing failure to 'acts of God' in at least one case with severe wiring damage.
Burnt wiring and electrical fire
Internal wiring burns beyond recognition, creating fire risk. In one case, after battery replacement, smoke and flames appeared at rear bumper/tail lights/liftgate area. Towing wiring visibly damaged by fire. In another case, all internal wiring burnt, with burnt wire located approximately one inch from fuel line—owner told by dealership fire could have caused fuel line explosion.
When: One incident occurred shortly after battery replacement (December 2025). Other burning wiring incident timing unclear.
Symptoms owners cite: Burnt plastic smell; Smoke from tail lights; Smoke from under liftgate; Flames visible at rear bumper; Rear bumper cover melted; Heat felt at rear of vehicle; All internal wiring burnt (in one case); Towing wiring damaged by fire
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced battery at 1500 hrs after vehicle failed to start; fire developed immediately. Owner used fire extinguisher to control fire. Repairs required new alternator, battery, engine harness, O2 sensor in another case. Owner had to use insurance due to warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia of Muncie was notified but no recall or service bulletins mentioned in narratives. Owner notes vehicle had been cleared of all recalls associated with towing wiring recall prior to fire.
Steering wheel control buttons intermittent failure
Left-side steering wheel buttons for radio volume, muting, station/mode changes, phone, and phone hang-up intermittently fail to function. Buttons become unresponsive for seconds to 15–20 minutes, then resume working. Dealership replaced affected buttons and steering wheel clock spring; problem persists. When buttons fail, system has called last-dialed number unexpectedly and will not disconnect via steering wheel controls.
When: Intermittent malfunction beginning since vehicle was new (November 2019) and continuing. One complaint dated May 2020 at 14,000 miles with issue ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio volume buttons unresponsive; Mute button unresponsive; Station/mode change buttons unresponsive; Phone button unresponsive; Phone hang-up button unresponsive; Buttons fail for seconds to 15–20 minutes; System dials last-dialed number when button fails; Cannot hang up from steering wheel when problem occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced affected steering wheel buttons and steering wheel clock spring; problem continues but now with unexpected dialing behavior.
Vehicle will not turn off / electrical systems remain active
Vehicle cannot be turned off. Radio, AC, fan, lights, and other electrical components continue running even after engine is shut off and ignition key is removed. All doors open and vehicle is parked, yet electrical systems remain active. Problem occurs sporadically and is not reproducible on demand at dealership.
When: Multiple incidents from 2020 onward. One incident at beach in Wisconsin (July 2020); another in parking lot (timing unclear).
Symptoms owners cite: Radio will not turn off; AC will not turn off; Fan will not turn off; Lights will not turn off; Electrical components remain active with engine off and key removed; Doors open but systems stay on
Repairs/costs cited: Owners disconnected battery to stop electrical drain. Dealership unable to reproduce or diagnose. One owner was told dealership could do nothing because problem was not occurring at time of visit.
Automatic power windows safety hazard
Power windows operate on automatic up/down feature only—cannot be stopped mid-travel or positioned halfway. Touching button causes window to travel all the way up or down without stopping capability. Child's finger was caught and injured when owner attempted to raise window partway.
When: Issue present from new vehicle; complaint dated referencing class action lawsuit for 2016–2020 models.
Symptoms owners cite: Windows travel all the way up or down with no stop capability; Cannot position window halfway; Window traps child's finger
Repairs/costs cited: Service advisor stated this is how Kia designed it and nothing can be done.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit referenced (2016–2020 models) suggests ongoing manufacturer awareness.
Headlight malfunction
Headlights fail to function on multiple occasions despite service and replacement. Right headlight fails randomly; left headlight backing cover appears to have exploded with plastic puffed out. Both headlights affected. Replaced four times in two years without resolution.
When: Ongoing since 2022. Dealership had vehicle from 5/4/2023 to 8/1/2023; returned unresolved.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights do not work on multiple occasions; Right headlight fails randomly; Left headlight cover backing looks exploded; Plastic cover puffed out
Repairs/costs cited: Headlights replaced four times in two years. Dealership service did not resolve.
Warning light illumination (ABS, ESC, Forward Collision, airbag, check engine)
Multiple warning lights illuminate on instrument cluster indicating various system failures: ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, airbag, check engine. In one case, Forward Collision warning disabled traction control and ABS light illuminated, leading to loss of braking stability in rainy conditions and vehicle crash.
When: Incidents reported 2020–2023. One case dating to early 2020 with cruise control inadvertently deactivated.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; ESC/Traction Control warning light; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist warning; Airbag warning light; Check engine warning light; Cruise control deactivated inadvertently; Instrument cluster flashing
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as faulty wiring harness in front console requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired due to cost. Another case indicated Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) replacement needed; not repaired due to cost.
Oil pressure sensor leak and harness damage
Oil pressure sensor leaks oil onto wiring harness, creating fire hazard. Owner reports losing excessive oil between changes with no warning light. Dealership told owner multiple times there was no leak until sensor and harness damage was confirmed at higher mileage.
When: Problem present at 65–89k miles; worsening oil loss at 113–115k miles. Vehicle manufactured June 2018; recall for 3.3L engines only extends through March 2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil loss between oil changes; No check oil warning light; Oil pressure sensor leaking; Oil dripping on engine wiring harness; Risk of electrical fire from oil on harness
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repeatedly told owner there was no leak despite evidence of excessive oil loss. Sensor leak confirmed later at 115–120k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for oil pressure sensor issued for 3.3L engines until March 2018; this vehicle (manufactured June 2018) falls outside recall window.
Rodent damage to wiring harness (soy-bean-based insulation)
Wiring harness to engine insulation damaged by rodents. Insulation is soy-bean based, making it susceptible to rodent damage. Damage discovered during knock sensor replacement diagnostic.
When: Identified at approximately 9,166 miles (early in vehicle ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Wiring harness insulation chewed/damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replacement ordered; wiring harness replacement needed due to rodent damage. Repairs not covered under warranty.
Synthesized from 62 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 62 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,166 and 46,500 miles, with the median around 18,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,166; a quarter make it past 46,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.