2019 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 71
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
52% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 71 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
52% · 37 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and smoke started emitting smoke from the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-30
Also filed under Electrical system
I have a 2019 Kia Sportage with a conventional ignition key. Three times in five years, the engine has apparently started by itself while parked. The key was not in the ignition. I stopped the engine by inserting the key, turning it ON, then OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-19
Also filed under Electrical system
The car engine is losing oil without any leaks being found. I got my oil changed and was told to have it done every 3k miles. Within a month of that oil change, my engine ran hot. I had all of my components checked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-13
Electrical system
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
I was recently involved in a collision with a deer. I was travelling at 55MPH when I hit the deer square on and my air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-08
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
10% · 7 reportsFuel/propulsion system
10% · 7 reportsService brakes
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. While reversing the vehicle out of a school parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the side of the school building.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-16
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2021-04-30Service brakes, hydraulic21V137000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
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.
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V137000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2019 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sportage have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.