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…
2019 Kia Sorento engine problems
severe 115 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
115
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
5fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 115 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 115 engine 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.
Engine accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Kia Sorento exhibits systemic engine defects involving severe oil consumption, leaks at multiple points, and catastrophic failure (seizure, cracked valves, fires) often without warning lights. Owners report Kia acknowledging these as known issues but refusing proactive testing or coverage, sometimes demanding engine seizure before considering action.
The 2019 Kia Sorento engine issues fall into two broad patterns: slow-burn failures and catastrophic sudden failures, both common across this model year.
Oil loss dominates the narrative. Owners consistently report dropping oil levels requiring top-offs of 1–5 quarts between scheduled services—sometimes weekly or monthly—despite no visible leaks. White or blue smoke from the exhaust confirms burning. One owner burned through two quarts in 1,500–2,000 miles. Oil pressure warning lights either stay silent during dangerous depletion or illuminate intermittently at idle without triggering at critically low levels. Dealers have run oil consumption tests, often marked "passed" despite ongoing loss.
Leaks occur at multiple engine points: plastic filter housings crack; pressure sensor/switches weep; gaskets fail. Owners find puddles on driveways starting around 50,000 miles. Repair attempts—replacing sensors, filter housings, gaskets—sometimes fail to resolve the problem permanently.
Catastrophic failure is the endgame. Loud knocking or ticking from the engine precedes sudden motive power loss, often at highway speeds (65–70 mph). Crankshafts snap, valves crack, cylinders misfire. Engines are seized and undrivable. Notably, check-engine lights frequently fail to illuminate before or during failure, leaving drivers unaware until the car stalls. Some owners report engine fires without prior warning. Full engine replacement is the only remedy, costing owners $12,000+ out-of-pocket when Kia denies warranty coverage.
Kia dealerships acknowledge these as "known issues" but refuse proactive repair unless the owner produces consecutive maintenance records or until catastrophic failure occurs.
Same Kia Sorento engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption / Burning
Engine burns oil at abnormal rates, requiring top-offs every 1–5 quarts between scheduled changes. Owners report low oil levels without visible leaks, white/blue smoke from exhaust, and dark oil darkening quickly. Some dealers acknowledged it as a known issue. No warning lights typically active despite critical oil loss.
When: Typically 50,000–90,000 miles; one case at 112,000 miles with ongoing consumption since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops between service intervals (weekly to monthly top-offs reported); White or blue smoke from exhaust; No visible leaks despite oil loss; Oil pressure warning light absent or intermittent; Dark/dirty oil upon inspection; Strong fuel odor at startup reported in one case; Engine sounds rough; abnormal clanking/knocking
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption tests performed at dealerships; multiple owners report tests passed despite continued consumption. Fuel pump, starter, timing chain cover, and ignition coils replaced in one case without resolving issue. One owner faced $300–$400 engine cleaning offer (60% success rate) before engine replacement advised.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Customer Care acknowledged issue in some cases but refused inspection/testing until KSDS sensor triggered or engine seized. Extended warranty coverage denied in multiple cases; oil consumption excluded from standard warranties. Some owners reference class action litigation and potential recalls.
Oil Leaks (Filter Housing, Pressure Sensor, Pan, Gaskets)
Multiple leak points reported: oil filter housing (plastic, prone to cracking), oil pressure sensor/switch, oil pan, and engine gaskets. Leaks range from small drips on driveway to substantial puddles. Oil pressure warning light may illuminate intermittently or not at all despite critical loss.
When: Typically 50,000–120,000 miles; one case at 38,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddles or wet spots on driveway; Oil visibly seeping from engine bay; Oil pressure warning light illuminating intermittently or delayed; Oil level dropping rapidly; Engine overheating reported in conjunction with leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Filter housing replacement ($912.43 in one case). Pressure sensor/switch replacements reported multiple times on same vehicle without permanent fix. Oil pan replacement cited. One dealer had filter housing on back-order indefinitely. Gasket repairs totaling $1,800–$1,500 mentioned; oil light continued after repairs in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty for oil pressure sensor issued for 2018 models and earlier, manufactured before March 2018. 2019 models manufactured April 2018 excluded despite identical issue timing. No recall issued. One owner noted Kia previously issued recalls/warranty extensions for this exact defect on other models and earlier Sorento years.
Complete Engine Failure (Seizure, Crankshaft Snap, Valve Cracks, Cylinder Failure)
Catastrophic engine failure resulting in complete loss of motive power, often without warning lights. Failures include seized engines, cracked valves, snapped crankshafts, burned cylinders, and cylinder misfire. Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speeds (35–70 mph), loud knocking/ticking, and inability to restart.
When: 50,000–171,800 miles; cluster 50,000–90,000 miles common
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, ticking, or rattle from engine, progressively worsening; Sudden loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; loss of power on highway; Check engine light absent or delayed; illuminates only after failure begins; Engine stalls and fails to restart; White smoke from engine/exhaust; Burning odor (oil and coolant mixing noted in one case)
Codes mentioned: P0300 (generic cylinder misfire), P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire - burned valve)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required in all cases (cost $12,000+ to owners). Dealer diagnostics identified: cracked/fractured valves, snapped crankshaft, sludge in oil pan, cylinder misfire, cylinder #1, #2, #3, #4 failures documented. Bearing clearance test failed in one case. One owner accused of adding oil after failure (false claim per owner). Manifold melted in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia refused coverage for engine replacement, citing warranty exclusions or VIN not part of class action suit. Multiple owners referenced Kia Engine Litigation (Case number redacted) and known class action suits. Dealers sometimes informed owners of 'unknown engine recall' or stated engine could seize but still refused repair. One owner's engine replacement under warranty (refurbished motor) after dealer intervention, though Kia stated not part of recall.
Engine Fire
Two narratives report spontaneous engine fires while driving or immediately after arrival at destination. No prior warning lights or symptoms in one case. Vehicle caught fire without opportunity to exit safely in the first case; second case allowed safe exit with passengers.
When: One at ~90,000 miles; one at undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights or indicators prior to fire; Smoke from under hood or vents; Flames from engine bay; All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously upon fire ignition
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle completely destroyed; second vehicle fire extinguished by independent mechanic, deemed total loss by insurance. Neither vehicle repaired. Fire department responded to second incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall notification issued prior to either fire. Manufacturer contacted and opened case in one narrative; referred to NHTSA in second. No assistance or prevention measures offered. Owner stated Kia never issued safety advisory despite fires and engine failures being common according to owner's research.
Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Failure (Electrical/Functional)
Oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently or constantly without corresponding oil pressure loss. Light activates at idle or low RPM, fails to activate when oil is critically low. In some cases, light does not illuminate despite severe oil depletion.
When: 50,000–103,000 miles; one case at 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illuminating intermittently (especially at idle or low RPM); Light does not activate when oil is dangerously low; Light remains on after oil change or top-off; Light only comes on when engine RPM drops or brakes applied (delayed response)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sensor/switch replacements: multiple attempts on same vehicle without permanent resolution. One owner replaced oil filter housing gasket, pressure regulator valve, and pressure switch in separate visits. Another owner's replacement at 103,000 miles out of warranty ($1,500 in one case for switch + harness).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty for oil pressure sensor covers 2018 models and vehicles manufactured before March 2018. 2019 models manufactured April 2018 and later explicitly excluded. Owner argues manufacture date proximity suggests defect was not corrected. One dealer verbally confirmed 'known issue' and advised monitoring but stated no recall available.
High-Altitude Engine Hesitation/Stall
Engine hesitates and near-stalls repeatedly at high elevation (8,000–10,000 ft), most pronounced at 40 mph. Issue occurs consistently on every high-altitude drive; dealership acknowledged it as a 'known issue' with Kia working on it but no timeline given.
When: Early in ownership (owner had vehicle 6 weeks when reporting)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation followed by momentary near-stall; Continuous hesitation throughout high-altitude drive; Most frequent at 40 mph; occurs at other speeds; No check engine light or warning indicators; Repeatable on every high-altitude trip
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Dealership acknowledged as known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealership confirmed 'known issue' and stated Kia is working on it, with no estimated resolution timeline.
Metal Shavings in Oil / Internal Damage Debris
Metal shavings found in engine oil upon inspection, indicating internal engine wear or damage. One case involved sludge in oil pan. Suggests internal mechanical failure and contamination.
When: One case at 149,000 miles; sludge case at 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings visible in engine oil during service; Sludge accumulation in oil pan; Air conditioning failure reported in conjunction with metal shavings
Repairs/costs cited: Oil flushed and replaced. No internal engine repair attempted in metal shavings case. Sludge case: crankshaft snapped; Kia dealer accused owner of adding oil after failure (owner disputes).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair not covered under recall or warranty per dealer.
Engine Overheating with Coolant Loss
Engine overheats without clear warning or with delayed warning light response. Coolant leaks reported; mixing of coolant and oil noted in one case suggesting internal failure (blown head gasket).
When: One case at 120,000 miles with oil leak; one case at undisclosed mileage with overheating and power loss
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge indicates overheating; Vehicle shudders and stalls; Coolant leaking (owner adds water to coolant reservoir); Temperature fluctuates (hot/cool cycling); Engine shuts off and fails to restart; Burning smell (oil and coolant mixing)
Repairs/costs cited: Blown head gasket diagnosed; full engine replacement required. Oil leak (progressive worsening after gasket replacement) and cylinder #3 failure also identified in separate case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented.
Synthesized from 115 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The engine blew up. I have all of my oil change receipts and gave them to West Herr Kia, and per Kia West Herr, Kia denied covering the blown engine because the piston went through the engine with great force. This happened at approximately 110,000 miles. West Herr Kia quoted 10,400 to replace the engine. Please let me know if you would like copies of the oil changes. I won't be able to…
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…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The next day, the contact stated that while driving into her independent mechanic's shop, white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the vehicle caught fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle with her grandchildren as the independent mechanic…
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Kia sorento. The contact stated that while stationary at a traffic light and making a left turn, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to Kia of cleveland (2492 s. Lee hwy, cleveland, tn 37311; (423)693-0505) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate…
The evening of December 13, the driver noticed an engine rattle when accelerating. No “check engine” or other warnings were displayed. The morning of December 14, the vehicle stalled. The driver waited then restarted the vehicle, which immediately turned over. The driver perceived no issues with electronics or engine and, again, the vehicle displayed no warnings or alerts. Upon accelerating from…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2019 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 115 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.