2019 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 205 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 205 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.”Owner report · Lane Departure · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on two occasions, the vehicle lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven over to the side of the road and then towed to the dealer twice; however, the failure was not duplicated on the first visit. During the second visit, the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Apr 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Our car paint started peeling out of no where and very bad. I just found out that it is a manufacturing issue with the bonding of the paint.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
“Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2026
“Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend's house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their "findings" a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“The paint is bubbling and falling off in spots. This is ruining our trade-in value. The dealer says it always happens to white vehicles.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
“Brought vehicle in for Recall-SC340 Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM S/W Upgrade. After service was performed I took my vehicle back home and noticed that my down shifting was different, jolty and clunky. Prior to the upgrade my vehicle shifted flawlessly. Took my vehicle back in to have them check it out and they told me that they couldn't feel it and that the upgrade wouldn't cause that. Called Kia Corporate and filed a complaint.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2025
“I just recently purchased my 2019 Kia optima sx turbo. After purchase, I immediately began experiencing issues with the braking system and the forward collision warning light coming on. The cruise control stopped working as well. I googled and saw that there was a recall on the forward collision warning system but the local Kia dealership to me says there is not one. I almost had a head on collision in this car with my granddaughter coming from daycare as I completely lost brakes. I have put so much money into purchasing this car believing it to be a good car.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2025
“Red oil light came on along with check engine light took to shop got oil change and they test pressure all is good but oil light and engine light still on replaced oil pressure sensor switch and variable valve solenoid lights still on took to kia dealership they said say thing as first shop replaced oil pressure sensor switch again because they said the aftermarket one doesn't work on my car so bought part from dealer changed it light still on.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
How other years compare
Check your exact Optima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA has 205 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2019 Kia Optima. The most complained-about area is engine (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 33,000 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.