VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Kia Optima sits mid-pack among Optima years: 308 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 268, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 87 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

308

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8728%
Driver Assistance5117%
Other3913%
Electrical System258%
Brakes196%
Transmission165%
Fuel System155%
Body & Structure145%
Airbags124%
Speed Control103%
Steering62%
Tires & Wheels52%
Seat Belts21%
Lighting21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks21%
Suspension10%

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V539000Driver AssistanceJuly 19, 2019 · 11,423 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I recently had the engine replaced less than a year ago due to an engine recall on this model car, today 11/11/2025 the engine caught fire. We’ve kept up with oil changes on time and I had no alerts in the vehicle on the dash claiming the engine was hot. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2025 · fire

“On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible! ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 11, 2022 · crash

“WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 26, 2020 · crash

“I was driving on the highway and my car started smoking. I got off at the next exit and black smoke started billowing out from under the hood. As soon as I opened the car door flames started coming out from under the hood. Entire engine was on fire”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 11, 2023 · fire

“On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible! ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 11, 2022 · crash

2019 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Optima: 308 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (87 complaints), driver assistance (51 complaints), other (39 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2019 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Kia Optima earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.