There are 2 owner-reported air bags & restraints complaints for the 2019 Kia Sportagein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
[XXX], I was driving alone on [XXX] in McAllen, TX. & intersection of [XXX] St. Weather was sunny, hot, and dry. My car was 1st in middle lane, speed about 20 mph. I applied the brakes for a red traffic light. Instantly, the brakes locked and 3 air bags deployed -driver and passenger side + passenger side windows. The windshield was blocked but it seemed like the car swerved slowly, about 10-15 mph, to the right. My car sideswiped the Chevy Equinox stopped at red light in right lane. The car behind me, Toyota Corolla, hit my rear end. I didn't hear or feel either of these crashes. McAllen PD arrived and called a wrecker and ambulance for me. The airbag peeled back layers of skin on my right forearm which was bleeding profusely. Lone Star EMS #[XXX] ambulance took me to South Texas Health System ER on Ware Rd., arriving at 4:50 p.m. I didn't see the two other cars until I was on the gurney in the ambulance. Police report - wrecker and ambulance were called for driver of Toyota. The ER doctor treated 3 wounds and released me. The Police Report does not cite defective brakes and deployed air bags as cause of wreck. Also, Bert Ogden KIA in Mission where I bought the car denied any responsibility. Manager said, "Not my problem. Call Kia." I filed a complaint with KIA consumer affairs re: defective brakes and air bags, case #[XXX]. Geico declared Total Loss & sent settlement check. Geico claim #: [XXX]. Geico adjuster: Peter Valdivia, COPART Mercedes, in Mercedes, TX. Phone:281-939-2879. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The tire suddenly exploded and the curtain air bag on the drivers side exploded too for some reason. I have a huge black eye and a concussion.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026