2019 Kia Sportage recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Sportage and 71 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (37), unknown or other (15), electrical system (11). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2019 ranks #4 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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. I bought the vehicle used from CarMax, and I don’t know whether an aftermarket remote starter was installed.
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. Radiator and coolant was fine but they found that my engine was 2 qrts short of what should be in there. I told them that the oil was just changed not even a month…
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…
Safety ratings
2019 Kia Sportage SUV FWD
2019 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Kia Sportage.
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sportage FE AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Sportage, most recently for trailer hitches (09/19/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Sportage?
Based on 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (37), unknown or other (15), electrical system (11).
Is the 2019 Kia Sportage safe?
The 2019 Kia Sportage earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
The 2019 ranks #4 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 Kia Sportage range from 21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2019 Kia Sportage in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SPORTAGE, Sportage.