repaired · 2020 Q4
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Risk. Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
2019 Kia OptimaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 214 owner complaints about the 2019 Kia Optima, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 19V-539 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Throwawayacc222, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 Kia Optima has problems
214 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
93Engine6 crash/fire/injury
36Forward collision avoidance8 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
18Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
18Power train
17Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
14Structure
12Air bags
11Vehicle speed control
3815 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 93 | 6 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 36 | 8 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 5 |
| Power train | 18 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 17 | 1 |
| Structure | 14 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 38 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2019 Kia Optima recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2019 vs. every other Optima year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2019 Kia Optima safety ratings
2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2019 Kia Optima, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What Optima owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I have a 2019 Kia Optima S with the 2.4L engine and 117,000 miles. The vehicle has diagnostic codes P1326 and POOOB. The check-engine light is continuously flashing, the engine is knocking, and the vehicle has lost acceleration and will not go over approximately 65 mph. I believe this may be…
Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated…
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, ENGINE SEIZED,WILL NOT CRANK.SUSPECTED CONECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE UNDER SAFETY RECALL SC200, I CALL KIA 18003334542 DENIED RECALL REPAIR AND BEARING CLEARANCE TEST STATING VEHICLE IS REBUILT TITLE. FEDERAL SAFETY RECALL CANNOT BE DENIED DUE TO REBUILT…
Own a 2019 Optima?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.