VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Niro Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Niro Phev year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 8 Niro Phev years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Niro Phev years?

Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted33 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 33 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 4 complaints
Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Niro Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission927%
Other618%
Engine412%
Electrical System39%
Fuel System39%
Lighting26%
Brakes26%
Steering26%
Driver Assistance13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2019 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V534000TransmissionJuly 31, 2023 · 121,411 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“From a stop, I step on the gas quickly and it feels like the transmission has just broken. It causes my pulse to increase and scares and distracts me so much I've almost had an accident a several times. I have scheduled an appointment with Kia to assess the problem. I will provide an update once…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 14, 2023

“1. STEERING WHEEL COUPLER MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. 2. TOXIC NAUSEATING AMMONIA TYPE FUME IS EMITTED FROM THE HEATER CORE WHEN THE HEATER IS TURNED ON. I HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. DEEKER CLAIMS NOTHING IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 20, 2020

“Recall letter from KIA states "WARNING: You may experience illumination of the HEV warning light. If this occurs, pull over to a safe location and contact Kia Roadside Assistance ... to request to have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Kia dealership as soon as possible." This implies…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 12, 2023

“Received automated message that my engine may be compromised and to schedule maintenance, I took my car to the dealership service that same day. I was advised that the fuel injectors needed replaced, the car still was not working the was advised a cylinder needed to be replaced that did not correct…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 31, 2021

“My 2019 Kia Niro LX PHEV is or has recently been the subject of multiple including NHTSA Recall Number [XXX] and Service Action [XXX]. Despite coordinating repair of these defects with the University Kia dealership located at 5105 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707 (hereafter 'University…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 23, 2024

2019 Kia Niro Phev — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Niro Phev reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 8 Niro Phev years. It is one of the Niro Phev years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Niro Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), other (6 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Kia Niro Phev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Kia Niro Phev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Niro Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Phev years to avoid are 2019. The cleanest record among Niro Phev years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.