The 2019 Kia Sportage has a elevated safety risk profile with 2 recall campaigns and 68 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V1370002021-04-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

22V7030002022-19-09

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

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

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 68 owners have filed complaints about the 2019 Kia Sportage. ENGINE issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Engine18

02Unknown Or Other9

03Power Train3

04Exterior Lighting3

05Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System3

68 total across 1 model years (2019–2019)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Sportage Fuel Economy

21–25mpg combined

20-23city

23-30hwy

$2,700-$3,200/yr

Across 6 configurations, the 2019 Kia Sportage returns 21–25 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Sportage FE FWD - Automatic (S6)

25mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city30 hwy~$2,700/yr5/10 Average

Sportage FWD - Automatic (S6)

25mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city29 hwy~$2,700/yr5/10 Average

Sportage AWD - Automatic (S6)

23mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

21 city25 hwy~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Sportage FWD - Automatic (S6)

23mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

21 city26 hwy~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Sportage FE AWD - Automatic (S6)

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

21 city25 hwy~$3,050/yr4/10 Average

Sportage AWD - Automatic (S6)

21mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

20 city23 hwy~$3,200/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2019 Kia Sportage

36States

28%in top 3

10% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 36 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

2,63210%

FLFlorida

2,3909%

CACalifornia

2,1969%

PAPennsylvania

1,5916%

OHOhio

1,3635%

ILIllinois

1,0714%

NJNew Jersey

9264%

NYNew York

9134%

DEDelaware

8723%

DCWashington DC

7983%

AZArizona

7763%

MOMissouri

7413%

MDMaryland

6673%

GAGeorgia

6533%

NCNorth Carolina

6322%

OKOklahoma

5782%

WAWashington

5772%

MIMichigan

5222%

INIndiana

5042%

OR428

MN420

UT361

CO358

NH338

TN334

WI305

RI282

KY219

NV217

AR216

MA205

NE191

VA180

AL143

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2019.

Buying a 2019 Kia Sportage?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sportage a good car to buy?

The 2019 Kia Sportage has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report engine as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2019 Kia Sportage?

There are 2 documented recalls for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2019 Kia Sportage?

You'll get between 21 and 25 MPG combined from the 2019 Kia Sportage, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2019 Kia Sportage?

Out of 68 owner complaints, engine issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.