2019 Kia Sportage

▲ Better than typical

2019 Kia Sportage
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:04:04.513Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2019: 70 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	380
2014	122
2015	146
2016	131
2017	399
2018	163
2019	70
2020	160
2021	50
2022	46
2023	190
2024	68
2025	50
2026	26

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 51%

51% of complaints: engine — 36 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show 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, 20240930

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, 20260913

The vehicle is have issues every time I get and oil change the vehicle loses about 2 qt of oil there are no leaks that are notice but the lost of engine oil still happens this oil could cause the engine to turn on fire it is nerve reacting to every...

NHTSA ODI report, 20260804

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

CRASH FIRE

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, 20190708

Also filed under AIR BAGS

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20181016

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210430 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 21V137000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230727 — trailer hitches

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.

Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires