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
- 56
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 56 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 56 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
39% · 22 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On August 22nd, I was driving from the grocery story to my house (5 miles away) when the transmission started failing only going on 2nd gear and the check engine light came on, when I got home, I called my mechanic and he connected his code reader...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-16
Electrical system
23% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car caught fire
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-05
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, 2026-09-06
Also filed under Service brakes
Service brakes
18% · 10 reportsShow 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, 2023-11-27
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, 2026-07-27
Engine
18% · 10 reportsFuel/propulsion system
14% · 8 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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R
2023-12-29Power train23V534000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Kia Niro — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V534000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Niro have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.