2019 Kia Niro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2019 Kia Niro ranks 3rd worst of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 75 and 56 NHTSA complaints. Transmission & Powertrain issues dominate at 39% of complaints, backed by one recall covering the hydraulic clutch actuator, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Niro years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Niro years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 56
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 49
- 51 city / 46 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 1
Top 2019 Kia Niro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (39%)
- Engine15 (27%)
- Electrical System14 (25%)
- Brakes10 (18%)
- Fuel System8 (14%)
- Other6 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (5%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Steering2 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission unexpectedly moves forward when shifted into reverse, with the gear indicator still showing reverse.
- Vehicle jerks and makes a loud noise when starting to move from a stop, reportedly happening about once every two days for some owners.
- Car loses power and stalls unpredictably while driving, in one case stopping in an expressway lane for hours awaiting a tow.
- Air conditioner stops working followed by warning lights for the hybrid system and oil, with metal shards later found during inspection.
- Brakes fail to respond during hard braking, resulting in a collision with no prior warning signs.
- Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, including one collision severe enough to total the vehicle.
2019 Kia Niro recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V534000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain121,411 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids
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.
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.
2019 Kia Niro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 51 MPG
- Highway
- 46 MPG
- Combined
- 49 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Niro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Niro reliable?
- Among the 9 model years with data, the 2019 Niro ranks 3rd worst with a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict, driven mainly by Transmission & Powertrain complaints.
- What problems does the 2019 Kia Niro have?
- NHTSA lists 56 complaints for the 2019 Niro, with Transmission & Powertrain issues making up 39% of them, followed by Engine (27%) and Electrical System (25%) problems.
- Does the 2019 Kia Niro have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (23V534000) covers 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles where fluid can leak into the hydraulic clutch actuator's circuit board, posing an engine compartment fire risk.
- How does the 2019 Niro compare to other years?
- The 2019 Niro's complaint index of 75 is worse than 2018 (25, Good), 2020 (38, Good), and 2021 (0, Best), but better than 2017 (88, Avoid) and 2023 (100, Avoid).
- What is the median mileage for transmission failures in the 2019 Niro?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 54,700 miles at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Niro.