MYRModel Year Report

2019 Kia Optima

● Typical for this model
2019 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Optima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2019 highlighted. 2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 143 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 589 complaints 2012: 916 complaints 2013: 1371 complaints 2013 2014: 576 complaints 2015: 998 complaints 2016: 747 complaints 2016 2017: 252 complaints 2018: 227 complaints 2019: 200 complaints 2019 2020: 136 complaints 2020
2019: 200 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008143
2009116
201075
2011589
2012916
20131371
2014576
2015998
2016747
2017252
2018227
2019200
2020136

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 43%

43% of complaints: engine — 85 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 14%

14% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 28 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled

NHTSA ODI report, 20230928

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20190827 — forward collision avoidance

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.

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.

Campaign 19V539000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (85 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V539000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2002 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2015 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Optima is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.