MYRModel Year Report

2019 Kia Optima

● Typical for this model
2019 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
210
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2019

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

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: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 210 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 210 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 210 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2019: 210 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

43% · 90 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-08

Also filed under Electrical system

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21

Forward collision avoidance

21% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15

Also filed under Lane departure

Electrical system

11% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIRE

Service brakes

9% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28

Also filed under Lane departure and vehicle speed control

Power train

8% · 17 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  2. R
    2019-08-27Forward collision avoidance19V539000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2019 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 90 reports on file for this year.
  • Forward collision avoidance: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V539000 · Forward collision avoidance
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.