← All Kia Sportage years

2019 Kia Sportage VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 63 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (18), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9).

Sportage reliability snapshot

74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$462
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#6/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 77% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the KIA Sportage before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 KIA Sportage issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine18
  • Unknown Or Other10
  • Electrical System9
  • Power Train6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
  • Exterior Lighting3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 KIA Sportage

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for oil residue
  • Inspect paint condition on roof spoiler, mirrors, and door handles for peeling
  • Test the cruise control system for proper functionality and responsiveness
  • Verify that all warning lights function correctly during startup
  • Check for any unusual ticking or knocking noises from the engine
  • Inspect the sunroof glass for any signs of cracking or shattering
  • Ensure the steering wheel has no excessive play and functions smoothly

2019 Sportage recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Sportage. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022
    Park outside until repaired

    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: 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.

  2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V137000Mar 4, 2021
    Park outside until repaired

    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: 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.

Used-market value

2019 KIA Sportage resale snapshot

63.6%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$14,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 KIA Sportage on the road

88,977 2019 KIA Sportage units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 KIA Sportage stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Kia Sportage

With an 86/100 score versus a 75/100 segment average, the 2019 Kia Sportage rates as above-average for reliability. The data points to a generally solid ownership profile rather than a model that routinely underperforms its class. Recall activity is limited, which supports a lower likelihood of widespread factory-level corrections.

Complaint patterns are moderately concentrated. Engine-related reports lead by a clear margin, while a smaller but meaningful share falls into electrical system and powertrain categories. The remaining issues are scattered across other areas, suggesting some breadth but not a uniformly problematic vehicle. As year three of its generation, the record reflects a model that is not new to the platform.

Overall, buyer risk level appears low to moderate.

What you get in a 2019 Kia Sportage report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2019 Kia Sportage now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2019 Kia Sportage — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sportage reliable?

With an 86/100 score versus a 75/100 segment average, the 2019 Kia Sportage rates as above-average for reliability. The data points to a generally solid ownership profile rather than a model that routinely underperforms its class. Recall activity is limited, which supports a lower likelihood of widespread factory-level corrections.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sportage have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Kia Sportage. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Sportage problems?

The most-reported 2019 Kia Sportage problem areas are: Engine (18), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Kia Sportage?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Kia Sportage, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.