NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Sorento scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 414 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 Kia Sorento, a park-outside recall and heavy complaint volume around the engine temper an otherwise solid safety picture. This model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band, driven by genuinely impressive NHTSA crash-test performance.
The 2019 Kia Sorento SUV FWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Sorento ranks 54 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 414 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Sorento?
The 2019 Kia Sorento FWD secures a Strong band rating with a NHTSA Safety Index score of 81 out of 100. This result is predominantly fueled by its exceptional crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. This model year achieved a rare sweep of 5-star ratings across overall, frontal, and side impact categories in federal testing. The rollover sub-score is 4 stars, indicating a 15-percent risk. However, the dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip," providing important context for this result. The primary area for improvement for the 2019 Sorento FWD lies in its defect record sub-score of 9 out of 20. This reflects two active recall campaigns and a substantial 414 owner complaints. Of particular operational significance is the park-outside trailer hitch recall, issued years after the initial sale and potentially still unresolved on individual VINs. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional for this model year. Consequently, not all 2019 Sorento units will be equipped with these features. Prospective buyers should confirm the presence of specific safety technologies on any individual vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Kia Sorento FWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its performance in both frontal and side impact crash tests earned 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover assessment resulted in 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13001
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. Two federal recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves the trailer hitch assembly and carries a park-outside designation, meaning owners were advised not to park the vehicle in an enclosed space due to fire risk. The second addresses a rearview camera sensing system where a manufacturing error may allow water intrusion, potentially disabling the back-over prevention feature.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V639000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.
Reported 2023-09-15
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Reported 2022-09-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has received 414 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged issues are concentrated in the Engine category with 150 reported cases, followed by Unknown Or Other at 105, Electrical System at 67, Structure at 54, and Power Train at 50. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
414 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Sorento?
The 2019 Kia Sorento was subject to two recall campaigns, one of which specifically advised owners to park outside due to the potential for fire originating at the trailer hitch harness. Any prospective buyer of a used 2019 Sorento must verify, via the VIN, that all recall remedies have been completed by a Kia dealer.
- The 2019 Sorento FWD achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA rating with perfect 5-star frontal and side scores, but rollover came in at 4 stars with a 15-percent risk figure.
- A park-outside recall covering the trailer hitch assembly was issued for this model year and may still be open on individual vehicles, requiring a VIN-specific check before use.
- A separate recall targets potential water intrusion into the rearview camera on 2019 Sorento units, which could disable the back-over prevention sensing system.
- Engine-related complaints account for 150 of the 414 unverified NHTSA reports filed against this model year, the single largest complaint category by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Sorento places
The 2019 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Sorento earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Kia Sorento, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 414 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Sorento. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sorento years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13001), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 54 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.