2019 Kia Niro Phev
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 26 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
My car sometimes lurches when I am moving from a stopped position. This is dangerous as it causes the car to hesitate when I am sometimes pulling out across traffic for a left turn. It is especially frequent when I am on a slight incline.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231031
THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES GO FORWARD EVENTHOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE R POSITION FOR REVERSE. AND THE OPPOSITE HAPPENS. I MAY GO IN REVERSE EVENTHOUGH THE GEAR IS IN THE D POSITION FOR DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200117
4 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
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Recall letter from KIA states "WARNING: You may experience illumination of the HEV warning light. If this occurs, pull over to a safe location and contact Kia Roadside Assistance ...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231212
3 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
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On 7-31-2022 while traveling on the freeway the gas engine shut down, HEV triangle came on and the information center on the car displayed "turn off car restart" on this trip it happened three times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231213
2 of 26 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA NIRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION WHILE TAKING THE EXIT AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200828
SAFETY TIMELINE
Pedestrian alert sounds
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 23V534000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Kia Niro Phev — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V534000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2019 Kia Niro Phev reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Niro Phev?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Niro Phev have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.