2019 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 69 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“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 drive it until it blows up. This would have put myself, my family, friends, or any other passengers or bystanders at risk. Kia is denying my claim solely on a non rod bearing failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
“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 twice in three weeks”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“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 ARE NO RECALLS AND NOT EXTENDED WARRANTIES FOR THIS AND KIA HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY THAT'S WHY THEY ONLY GIVE A 3 YEAR, 36,000 MILE WARRANTY ON PAINT.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2025
“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 vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2025
“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 not start. I replaced the battery and changed the spark plugs.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2025
“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 and extend the warranty on the paint. Kia is fully aware of the problem but is not willing to fix it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2025
“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 and they admitted they know about the problem but will do nothing about it”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 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. 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sportage by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Kia Sportage reliable?
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Kia Sportage. The most complained-about area is engine (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Sportage problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,000 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Kia Sportage have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning trailer hitches. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.