2019 Kia Sorento: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The 2019 Sorento gained a refresh and 8-speed V6 and is among the better gen-3 years, but the 2.4/2.0T GDI engine-failure history still shadows it; favor V6 examples with service proof. New, the 2019 Kia Sorento ranged from $26,290 to $44,690 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The 2019 Sorento gained a refresh and 8-speed V6 and is among the better gen-3 years, but the 2.4/2.0T GDI engine-failure history still shadows it; favor V6 examples with service proof.
Sources (4)
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/kia-sorento-reliability-and-common-problems/
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/kia-sorento-engine-problems/
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2017-kia-sorento/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $26,290 | discontinued | — | — |
| LX | $27,650 | $32,390 | — | — |
| S | $32,690 | $35,290 | — | — |
| EX Sport | $34,990 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX | $35,590 | $38,490 | — | — |
| SX | $39,990 | $42,290 | — | — |
| SX Limited | $44,690 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-kia-sorento-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sorento-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,290). Higher trims started higher (up to $44,690), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sorento/resale-value
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sorento
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/kia/sorento/insurance
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2019 Sorento gained a refresh and 8-speed V6 and is among the better gen-3 years, but the 2.4/2.0T GDI engine-failure history still shadows it; favor V6 examples with service proof.
How much did the 2019 Kia Sorento cost new?
Between $26,290 and $44,690 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $500–550/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.