NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Niro Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Niro scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 79 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Kia Niro received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it within the "Strong" safety band. This rating is supported by generally solid NHTSA crash-test performance. However, a single open recall, coupled with 79 unverified owner complaints, introduces a degree of caution for those considering this model in the used market.
The 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV FWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA NCAP and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Niro ranks 56 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 79 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Niro?
The 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV received a 5-star rating from NHTSA in side-crash protection. This strong performance anchors its overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Frontal crash and rollover protection each earned 4 stars. The computed crash protection score, 61 out of a possible 70 points, is the largest factor in the Niro Hybrid's index. Its active-safety suite is a more modest contributor. The avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional features for the 2019 model year. Electronic stability control was standard. The Niro Hybrid's defect record sub-score is 13 out of 20. This reflects one recall campaign concerning transmission fluid intrusion, which impacted multiple model years. Additionally, 79 unverified owner complaints were filed, with a notable concentration in powertrain and electrical issues.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Niro perform in crash tests?
A perfect 5-star side-impact rating anchors the 2019 Kia Niro's overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. The vehicle scored 4 stars in both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance. Its rollover risk was measured at 12 percent, with no tip in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13330
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Niro have any recalls?
The 2019 Kia Niro carries one recall campaign. It covers a powertrain concern: fluid may leak into the printed circuit board of the automatic transmission's internal clutch actuator or solenoid assembly, spanning certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS23V534000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-07-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Niro?
NHTSA has logged 79 unverified owner allegations for the 2019 Kia Niro. The most frequently reported components are the powertrain (30 reports), electrical system (15), and engine (14). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
79 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Niro?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Kia Niro should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the transmission recall remedy has been completed. An unresolved recall on a 7-year-old vehicle should be resolved before purchase or factored into negotiations.
- The 2019 Niro's side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is its strongest individual NHTSA result, while frontal and rollover each came in at 4 stars with a 12 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 within the Safety Index.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting fluid intrusion into the automatic transmission's internal clutch actuator or solenoid circuitry across a wide span of Niro production years including 2019.
- NHTSA has received 79 unverified complaints tied to this model year, with powertrain allegations (30 reports) outnumbering all other categories and the most recent report filed in 2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Niro places
The 2019 Kia Niro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Niro safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Niro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Niro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Niro crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Niro earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Niro have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Kia Niro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Niro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 79 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Niro. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Niro years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13330), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 56 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.