VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 83 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Niro year — the 2019 model ranks #2 of 9 Niro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (25% of the total).

83

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted109 complaints2017: 109 complaints2018: 79 complaints2019: 83 complaints2020: 48 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 40 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 19 complaints
Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2125%
Engine1417%
Electrical System1214%
Fuel System810%
Brakes810%
Other67%
Driver Assistance45%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Lighting11%
Body & Structure11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2019 Kia Niro 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.

“2019 Kia Niro DCT engaged REVERSE during manual 1→2 upshift attempt in Sport Mode, causing violent reversal. Resets with ignition cycle. Smell of burnt clutch present. Happend at 41,000mi, then 73,000mi then again today at 154,584. Believe it may be a faulty range selector, corrupted tcu logic,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 2025

“The contact's customer owns a 2019 Kia Niro LX. The contact stated that his customer stated that the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 20, 2024 · crash

“KIA NIRO 2019 SAFETY RECALL As described in the safety recall (previous page), my KIA Niro 2019 alarm went off with the following error message "Engine Overheating". Kia of America and its dealership refused to fix the problem. The car dealership -said- has no direction as to how or when to fix the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 9, 2024

“Breaks seized to respond when doing a sharp break. Vehicle did not break and slid off until it hit the vehicle up front. Waiting for vehicle inspection to begin. No warning signs, lights, or prior issues happened before the incident.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 27, 2023 · crash

“Starting battery (which operates the safety systems) was getting progressively worse until vehicle could not be started. Upon inspection it was determined that the 1.5 year old starting battery was swollen and defective. NOTE: Vehicle did sit for 12 months in estate litigation. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 20, 2022

2019 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Niro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 83 complaints put the 2019 model at #2 of 9 Niro years. It is one of the Niro years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (21 complaints), engine (14 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Niro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Kia Niro. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Kia Niro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 2018. The cleanest record among Niro 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.