2019 Kia Optima

● Typical for this model

2019 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

2019: 205 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	143
2002	107
2003	141
2004	225
2005	144
2006	155
2007	166
2008	143
2009	116
2010	75
2011	592
2012	919
2013	1379
2014	583
2015	1006
2016	754
2017	255
2018	231
2019	205
2020	142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 42%

42% of complaints: engine — 87 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20260818

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, 20260721

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 21%

21% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASH INJURY

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 on

NHTSA ODI report, 20260715

Also filed under LANE DEPARTURE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20230928

Also filed under LANE DEPARTURE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 (87 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (44 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 19V539000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.

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 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.