Kia · Optima · 2019
2019 Kia Optima
1
Recall
193
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 recall and 193 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (47 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2019 Kia Optima page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 47 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2019 Kia Optima currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 193 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (47), unknown or other (19), air bags (10).
- Vehicle
- 2019 Kia Optima
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 193
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 19V539000July 19, 2019
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
193 totalENGINE
FIREApr 4, 2026
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 60 MPH, she noticed there was smoke emerging from the engine. The driver pulled over safely. but was alerted by a good Samaritan who ran across four lanes of traffic to extinguish the f...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 4, 2026
Our car paint started peeling out of no where and very bad. I just found out that it is a manufacturing issue with the bonding of the paint.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 3, 2026
Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Jan 18, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure one day after undergoing a manufacturer emissions/service campaign at an authorized dealership. Prior to service, the vehicle operated normally with no warning lights, knocking, or drivability issues. After the failure, the dealers...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 13, 2026
The paint is bubbling and falling off in spots. This is ruining our trade-in value. The dealer says it always happens to white vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 27, 2025
Paint peeling off hood.
ENGINE
Dec 8, 2025
I purchased a used 2019 Kia Optima from a dealership in January 2025 with 103,000 miles. 11 months later it's burning oil. Every 2 weeks I have to add a quart of oil. I took it to my mechanic and they found cylinder 4 has been burning oil. They also found a technical service bul...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FIREDec 1, 2025
After routine maintenance replacing the valve cover gasket, the low pressure GDI fuel line developed a leak in an area away from where the maintenance had occurred. After a 10 minute drive, the car developed a fire in the engine compartment. Upon investigation by an independent a...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2025
My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They ha...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Nov 18, 2025
The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 193 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2019 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Optima Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2019 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has received 193 owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2019 Kia Optima?
The 2019 Kia Optima received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2019 Kia Optima are engine (47 reports), unknown or other (19 reports), air bags (10 reports).
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2019 Kia Optima. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.