2019 Kia Niro
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 80 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 55 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
24% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Car caught fire
NHTSA ODI report, 20240305
Also filed under STRUCTURE
2019 Kia Niro. While driving normally on the street, the driver attempted to brake & the brakes would not respond. This is a very scary situation and Kia needs to handle immediately!!
NHTSA ODI report, 20260906
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
18% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Breaks seized to respond when doing a sharp break. Vehicle did not break and slid off until it hit the vehicle up front. Waiting for vehicle inspection to begin. No warning signs, lights, or prior issues happened before the incident.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231127
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
18% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V534000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Kia Niro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Niro is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Niro?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Niro have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.