NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Sportage scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 66 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two active recalls, both advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors due to fire risk, meaningfully affect the 2019 Kia Sportage's safety profile. This contributes to a defect-record sub-score of 6.5 out of 20, despite strong crash-test performance. The Sportage receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band.
The 2019 Kia Sportage SUV FWD holds a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Sportage ranks 85 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 66 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Sportage?
For the 2019 Kia Sportage FWD, two park-outside recall campaigns, specifically the brake control module recall, define its safety profile. This recall, issued in 2021, impacted a broad range of Sportage production years, meaning some 2019 models were in service for nearly two years before the defect was addressed. This significant defect record is the primary factor in the model's sub-score of 6.5 out of 20 points for defect-related safety, the largest drag on its overall Safety Index of 74/100, placing it in the Average band. No prior-year Index data is available to establish a trend. Crash protection for the 2019 Sportage FWD is strong, contributing 61 out of 70 points, consistent with its 5-star overall NCAP result. A perfect score in side-crash testing is a notable positive. Avoidance technology scores 6 out of 10, reflecting that while electronic stability control is standard, both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional features for this model year. The 66 owner-filed complaints, including allegations of fires, further underscore the importance of verifying recall remedy completion by VIN for any prospective purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Kia Sportage FWD achieved a perfect 5-star rating for side-crash protection from NHTSA. This strong performance contributed to its overall 5 out of 5 stars in federal safety evaluations. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Sportage FWD also earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover safety, with a 16 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in NHTSA's dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13055
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Two recalls cover the 2019 Kia Sportage, and both carry a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, the most serious safety classification. One targets the hydraulic electronic control unit in the antilock and traction-control braking system across 2017-2021 Sportage models. The other involves trailer hitches on a range of Kia vehicles including this generation.
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-09-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE21V137000
Risk: 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 cont
Reported 2021-03-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Sportage?
Owners have filed 66 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Engine with 33 reports, Unknown Or Other with 13, Electrical System with 10, and Power Train and Fuel/Propulsion System with 7 each.
66 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Sportage?
The 2019 Kia Sportage carries two open recall campaigns, both with a park-outside designation. This is a critical safety consideration for any prospective owner. Both recalls necessitate immediate attention, and confirmation of their remedy by a Kia dealer is essential before purchase.
- Both of the 2019 Kia Sportage's recalls carry a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, the highest-urgency NHTSA classification, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for any used-market transaction.
- The brake hydraulic electronic control unit recall, issued in 2021 and covering 2017-2021 Sportage vehicles, means this 2019 unit was potentially in service for up to two years before the campaign was announced.
- The defect-record sub-score of 6.5 out of 20 is the primary factor holding the Safety Index to 74/100 despite a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, not standard, which directly limits the avoidance-technology sub-score to 6 out of 10 and distinguishes this year's safety profile from trims or years where those features are included.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Sportage places
The 2019 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Sportage earned 5 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Kia Sportage, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 66 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Sportage. 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 Sportage 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 13055), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 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 85 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.