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2019 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

23 reports with mileage · 47 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

70 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

1) Vehicle is burning oil and engine is overheating quite fast. 2)Vehicle has stalled or shut off on its own during use 3) Kia dealership refused to address the specific issue due to car being out of warranty because of the mileage. They also wanted to run different tests not directly associated with the issue; Wants to do trial…

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1) Vehicle is burning oil and engine is overheating quite fast. 2)Vehicle has stalled or shut off on its own during use 3) Kia dealership refused to address the specific issue due to car being out of warranty because of the mileage. They also wanted to run different tests not directly associated with the issue; Wants to do trial and error which is only creating a humongous bill for the customer. 4) Insurance was contacted and currently awaiting instruction at the present time this form is completed on September 14, 2024 11:35 AM MST 5)No warning lamps or messages appeared. Only found out about initial issue when vehicle was taken in for yearly inspection in accordance to state laws for Tag renewal at a local Pep Boys. The mechanic informed me that my vehicle had an engine recall, the vehicle is burning oil drastically, and that the vehicle will need a new engine. After this and Kia refusing to do anything, all my vehicle issues became worse(April 2024-Present). I must put oil every 1k miles now presently. I revisited Oil Changers multiple times for a top off before it was even time for an oil change. The mechanic also made it so my oil would burn slower but it did not work.

NHTSA ODI #11614592

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

On my way driving to pick up my kids my vehicles check engine light started flashing and went into limp mode. It wouldn't go above 15 mph. The oil lamp started to flash. I had to ease it out of traffic and park the vehicle. I proceeded to check the oil and the dip stick was completely dry. I had to walk to the nearest autozone p…

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On my way driving to pick up my kids my vehicles check engine light started flashing and went into limp mode. It wouldn't go above 15 mph. The oil lamp started to flash. I had to ease it out of traffic and park the vehicle. I proceeded to check the oil and the dip stick was completely dry. I had to walk to the nearest autozone purchase 5 quarts of oil, walk back to the vehicle and put it into it. I then had to bring it home. I ran a diagnostic test and it was putting out a P1326 code. The car is not drivable. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they currently have it and I am awaiting further details.

NHTSA ODI #11613488

46,206 miles · Sep 9, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and Hill Descent Assist message was displayed. The contact also stated that while in park(P), the speedometer intermittently fluctuated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and Hill Descent Assist message was displayed. The contact also stated that while in park(P), the speedometer intermittently fluctuated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the wheel speed sensor and the rear engine bearings were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,206.

NHTSA ODI #11613478

60,000 miles · Jun 12, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, on several occasions while in reverse, there was a loud noise coming from…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, on several occasions while in reverse, there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer five times; however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an unknown code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11593887

75,490 miles · Apr 18, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electrical and mechanical systems became inoperable. The headlights, signal, and hazard lights became inoperable. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in park, and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking so…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electrical and mechanical systems became inoperable. The headlights, signal, and hazard lights became inoperable. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in park, and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced and the tie rod had excessive play. The dealer denied repairing the vehicle due to sludge in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,490.

NHTSA ODI #11583756

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle very briefly lost all motive power before quickly returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The v…

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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle very briefly lost all motive power before quickly returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11579993

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Engine

Fully maintained services with my 2019 Kia Sportage with my local Kia dealership. I am a sales rep and use my car daily. I have 155k miles on my car. My car was needing oil changes about every 2500 miles because it was burning so much oil. Yesterday, 2/08,I turned on my car during my work day and while ideling my car in park, my…

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Fully maintained services with my 2019 Kia Sportage with my local Kia dealership. I am a sales rep and use my car daily. I have 155k miles on my car. My car was needing oil changes about every 2500 miles because it was burning so much oil. Yesterday, 2/08,I turned on my car during my work day and while ideling my car in park, my engine light came on. The car immediately started to shake uncontrollably. No other indication prior to the shaking of the car did I think something was wrong. Again I get services done frequently to my car. I took it to Kia immediately. They diagnosed that in cylinder 2 one of my intake valves was broken. This is not covered under the recall already put in place or with the extended warranty with the software update. According to my Kia Dealership, the current recall for an engine replacement is only for the under rod bearing. The dealership wants $7300 for a completely new engine. I have never had a car that has ever had an engine go. Nor have heard of one having the engine fail within the first 5 years. I have looked online and many people have complained about this exact same problem and Kia says they can’t do anything for us. I do not have current documentation because my car is still at Kia. I am trying to figure out what to do before I drive it off the lot.

NHTSA ODI #11571139

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2023
Engine

Complained since buying car noise in motor was told it was fine on dec 7th car broke down 200 miles from home was told it was the rod bearings that was under recall

NHTSA ODI #11559055

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2023
Engine

I have been fighting with Cronin Kia over my engine that needs replaced due to a known problem with the GDI engine. This vehicle is burning so much oil and I have reported the problem. I was told to perform oil consumption tests, which I have been compliant with. The problem is that on 11/16/23, I had to go to an oil change co…

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I have been fighting with Cronin Kia over my engine that needs replaced due to a known problem with the GDI engine. This vehicle is burning so much oil and I have reported the problem. I was told to perform oil consumption tests, which I have been compliant with. The problem is that on 11/16/23, I had to go to an oil change company due to my engine having no oil, yet again. I called Cronin Kia and was told that since I put oil in the car, I have to start all over again. I hadn't even gone the 1,000 miles that they requested me to do. I called the dealership and the service manager, Josh Hopkins, told me he could not help me even though I had photos. I then called the Kia corporate office number and spoke to Angel and was told that I should have let my engine blow up on the road and have it towed to the dealership. This would have caused an accident and they told me they didn't care that is what I needed to do. I feel this is so unacceptable and needs to be reported to you. This could cause a major accident and I have a daughter wo has special needs and I need to drive a safe vehicle and telling me to take the chance of an accident is so scary. I would really appreciate any help you can offer. [XXX] (formerly [XXX] ). [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11556695

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2023
Unknown Or Other

On the computer radio area the screen is showing green and red saying to insert USB drive . Press Power key or ACC off and on. Total Update Mode. Caution! Keep the power and don't remove USB. Kia dealership told me I should receive a USB drive in the mail from Kia corporate to do the update at home at no charge. Kia corporate to…

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On the computer radio area the screen is showing green and red saying to insert USB drive . Press Power key or ACC off and on. Total Update Mode. Caution! Keep the power and don't remove USB. Kia dealership told me I should receive a USB drive in the mail from Kia corporate to do the update at home at no charge. Kia corporate told me my vehicle is not a part of the current update. Then the Kia dealership in Saltillo, MS advised me to but my own USB drive and download the update on my own to do it. The whole situation seems unsafe. I feel someone needs to be advised of this situation. The case # is notated on the screenshot of the email from Kia corporate.

NHTSA ODI #11549678

Official recalls

2

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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.

21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 4, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · 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.

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