2019 Kia Optima driver assistance problems

The 2019 Kia Optima has 51 driver assistance complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Driver Assistance complaints

17%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Driver Assistance complaints by year

Optima driver assistance complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many driver assistance complaints does the 2019 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 51 complaints about the 2019 Kia Optima driver assistance — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2019 Kia Optima driver assistance?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the driver assistance: 19V539000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.