2019 Kia Sportage: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Kia Sportage? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 65 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2019 Kia Sportage trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Kia Sportage SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Kia Sportage has 65 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sportage
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 65
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Kia Sportage Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Kia Sportage?
The 2019 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Kia Sportage
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Kia Sportage, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2019 Kia Sportage has 65 NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in engine problems. There are 2 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints.
- Electrical faults and fuel/propulsion system issues are also notable.
- Brake system and transmission/drivetrain complaints are present but less frequent.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Fuel/Propulsion System
All 2019 Kia Sportage Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 35 | — | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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, possib…
WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL SOME TIMES I GET NOTHING FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V703000 (Trail Hitches) and 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the recall repair requests were denied by the manufacturer. The contact stated that while attempting t…
I have a 2019 Kia Sportage with 41k miles on it and the paint is peeling. As of now, the roof spoiler is completely peeled off. The side view mirrors, and the door handles, have paint peeling and bubbling. I have reported it to Kia and they are unwilling to stand by their product…
This complaint is in reference to my vehicle which is involved with Federal Class Action Lawsuits and the fact that my engine was defective from the day it was built. My engine was consuming oil at a rate of 1 quart every 361.1 miles driven. I was advised to not put oil in it and…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil change was performed. Th…
The brake peddle keeps jamming and sticking . The steering wheel is now very lose and a lot of play . There is a steering wheel with exclamation point flashing on the dash . When the card turns off it makes electrical noises . It is consuming oil . A pint a week . It’s been towed…
My check engine light started blinking and the car was stalling out. I have now parked the car in my driveway. I bought the car October, 2024
Severe oil consumption issue at 100k miles. Same issue seen on kia class action lawsuit for GDI engines. No leaks present, after 800 miles from oil change, no oil seen on dip stick.
Engine went out at 150,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for maintenance, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil warning light had only illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, wher…
CLEAR COAT PAINT IS PEELING. ON TOP OF HATCHBACK. I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT STARTED, I JUST NOTICED IT TODAY 9-29-25. iT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. NO WARNING MESSAGE PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PAINT WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 1922 AND THERE A…
My oil consumption is approximately 1.5 quarts every 200 miles. I get my oil changed every month and every other week I need to top off. When my oil, is low there is no indication on the dash. I have to preform inspections on my car on a daily basis. Now, my car will randomly n…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact researched and learned of an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin concerning the failure with the halogen bulbs on the 2020 Kia Telluride. The ve…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detect…
My engine has been burning through oil very fast, it is only 6 years old. I have to put oil in it approx 3 times before another oil change is due. My mechanic suggested I see if there were any recalls but there are none. I have no lights on or any other issues.
The paint started peeling on my 2019 Kia Sportage
The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia an…
The car started stalling anf an engine light came on
Oil consumption issues that kia is not taking responsibility for
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Kia Sportage.
2019 Kia Sportage Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Sportage. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Kia Sportage Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 65 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (35 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Kia Sportage?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Kia Sportage, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 65 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Kia Sportage. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2019 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Kia Sportage based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.