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Kia · NHTSA safety record

2019 Kia Sportage

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

69

Complaints

3

Crashes

3

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2019 Kia Sportage have filed 69 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2018 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 35 of them (51%). The typical failure was reported at 32,000 miles, the median across the 23 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose by half year on year: 18 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 12 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 2 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (2)

TRAILER HITCHES

22V703000 · September 19, 2022

Park outside until repaired

The defect
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Kia America, Inc. · up to 70,887 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

21V137000 · March 4, 2021

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The 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. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Kia Motors America · up to 379,931 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

AQ23002

Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023

the hydraulic brakes

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 69.

ENGINE 35 51%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14 20%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10 14%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7 10%
POWER TRAIN 7 10%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4 6%
AIR BAGS 3 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 4%
TRAILER HITCHES 3 4%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 16.

2018 2025 2026
2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured

The tire suddenly exploded and the curtain air bag on the drivers side exploded too for some reason. I have a huge black eye and a concussion.

NHTSA complaint 11508465. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 3,999 miles

MY KIA SPORTAGE 2019 CAUGHT FIRE ON THE HIGHWAY IN NEW MARKET MD AT AROUND 10:30 AM 9/26/19. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT BACK IN 12/2019. IT HAD ONLY 3900+/- MILES ON IT. THE OIL, FILTER, TIRE ROTATION AND 27 POINT INSPECTION WAS DONE ON 9/19/19. AS I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF RTE 70 WB I NOTICED BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND SIGNALED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND WAS QUITE HYSTERICAL BECAUSE NOW THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS SMOKING A BROWNISH-BLACK. IT QUICKLY STARTED COMING IN THEY THE VENTS. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO - MAY HAVE BEEN IN SOME SORT OF SHOCK. BUT I FINALLY LEFT THE

NHTSA complaint 11265476, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

fire

the continued to over heat smoke and has burning smell and seat belt stop tracting and retracting

NHTSA complaint 11536626. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

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. The vehicle was destroyed leaving only the framing. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was inspected; however, the inspector did not find a defect in the vehicle. The vehicle was also inspected by the fire department who determined that the cause was in the rear passenger window. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11617339. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 often to check the oil level dealership are brushing this problem as they don't seem to know what is causing this issue if customer don't check

NHTSA complaint 11754692. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle suddenly entered recall limp-mode due to the ongoing engine campaign. Prior to this, the vehicle had immaculate maintenance records and zero driveability issues. The franchise dealership performed a short-block engine replacement under the safety recall, rushing the complete powertrain swap in less than a single afternoon.The dealership subsequently returned the vehicle in a dangerously malfunctioning and incomplete repair state. At delivery, the Check Engine Light was actively illuminated, and the car exhibited severe acceleration stumbles, power loss under load, and engine misfires (driving "punchy"). Because I am a non-mechanic, I gave the vehicle one week to settle, but the

NHTSA complaint 11748827, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
The engine locked up about a year ago, and since we didn’t technically have a recall we didn’t know what to do. It was able to drive again after we had a technician work on it, but now it’s not driving anymore. It shakes hard when it’s idling and driving. We have waited over 2 weeks to be diagnosed with the problem. We have had to spend $1300 on rental cars because we can’t get a loaner until diagnosed. The car is not safe to drive and puts our lives at risk to drive it. We were lucky it didn’t start shaking while we were driving on a major highway, but it did still happen while driving and was terrifying. The car is at Williams Kia now, in Elmira NY. They still haven’t diagnosed the

NHTSA complaint 11748112, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
I did not have an incident yet. I was advised by my local State representative Jimmy Gordon's office. They stated were unable to help me get reimbursement for the $8000 I just paid my Kia dealer, but that I should make a complaint on this website. What happened is that I was hearing an odd noise and it was slipping. I went in thinking it was my tires and it needed alignment- so I had them replaced , etc in April. But the sound was still there so I went back in . Then the Kia St Cloud dealer diagnosed that the AWD transfer case was the cause (pd $4704 including $130 surcharge! ). When dealer called to say it was ready, they said bad news- your transmission is also damaged (pd $3197 including

NHTSA complaint 11743447, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine was found by the dealership to be low by 3 quarts of oil after about 1000 miles during an oil consumption test, indicating abnormal oil loss. The suspected failure involves internal engine components, possibly piston rings, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine can become critically low on oil, without warning, potentially leading to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving. The problem has been reproduced and documented by the dealership during oil consumption testing. However, there are inconsistencies in the dealership’s

NHTSA complaint 11726557, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL SOME TIMES I GET NOTHING FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP

NHTSA complaint 11722182. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Kia Sportage

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 25 1 —
2025 49 1 —
2024 66 3 —
2023 185 6 —
2022 45 1 —
2021 49 2 —
2020 159 2 —
2018 162 3 —
2017 398 4 —
2016 130 2 —
2015 146 2 —
2014 122 3 —
2013 380 3 —
2012 392 5 —
2011 181 6 —
2010 20 2 1

Other 2019 Kia models

Sorento 419 Optima 204 Forte 146 Soul 134 Niro 54 Stinger 43 Sedona 36 Niro PHEV 26

Every Kia on this site — 176 vehicles, 208 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst