2019 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 208 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 20 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency brakingJul 19, 2019
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.
Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
91 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima FE with the 2.4L GDI engine (Theta II). Despite following a consistent maintenance schedule with synthetic oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles, the vehicle is experiencing premature engine failure. Specifically, the engine has internal valve damage, and the shop diagnosed the issue as failure of an internal valve component. The vehicle also has a leaking axle inner boot, but the major concern is the engine. Kia has refused warranty coverage, goodwill assistance, or recall support despite this engine being part of a long-standing pattern of issues documented across many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Theta II platform. I still owe approximately $10,000 on this vehicle, and now face a potential $5,000+ repair due to a known manufacturing defect. Kia Consumer Affairs and the dealership both declined assistance, claiming my warranty has expired, even though this engine has been involved in class action lawsuits, extended warranties, and TSBs related to premature wear, oil consumption, and mechanical failure. I am submitting this complaint to formally report the issue and to urge the NHTSA to continue investigating Kia’s 2.4L Theta II engine failures, as they represent a potential safety and financial risk to consumers. Many drivers are left stranded or in serious debt due to an engine defect they could not have prevented.
Power train, Engine, Jun 27, 2025
•Rapid oil loss — topped off every 1–2 weeks •Engine misfires, check engine light •Spark plug fouling and performance loss •Repeated advice to “just refill oil” and “wait for failure” •Unsafe to drive, especially as a working single mom
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 23, 2025
Engine seizures.
Engine, Jun 15, 2025
Engine failure
Engine, Jun 15, 2025
The engine appears to be consuming an abnormal amount of oil. There are no visible leaks or external damage, and the vehicle has not yet stalled or failed, but oil levels drop rapidly between oil changes. The engine is available for inspection upon request Driving with low or empty oil levels risks sudden engine failure while in motion, which could lead to loss of power, stalling in traffic, or even a crash. The oil warning light came on and went off at regular intervals unexpectedly during driving this week, which prompted me to get it to my mechanic asap to avoid potential engine damage or failure. They performed an oil change (even though I had done it there for this same car only 2133 miles ago NOT YET. I have contacted the dealership and have been advised to monitor the oil level or potentially conduct an oil consumption test. I have not yet received a formal diagnostic or confirmation from Kia or a third party. Yes the vehicle was formally inspected by Gettel Kia of Bradenton on 14th Street for an engine stalling issue... Have experienced a stall only once since then Yes. The oil warning light turned on (and off several times in 1 minute intervals) for the first time around 132011 miles. Upon the mechanic checking the dipstick, the oil level was significantly below minimum. No check engine light appeared. An oil change was performed only 2133 miles since the last one. Additional Notes: I have discovered multiple similar reports from other 2016–2020 Kia Optima owners via online forums such as Reddit and Kia owner groups, suggesting this may be a widespread issue related to the GDI engine design. These cases often go unresolved until engine damage occurs. I am requesting: A formal oil consumption test A full engine inspection Repair or replacement if the issue is confirmed Consideration for goodwill or warranty extension due to potential manufacturing defect I am maintaining oil top-off records and would be happy to provide them
Engine, May 30, 2025
Original owner, received in mail that this vehicle was recalled for engine issues. Provided a lifetime warranty for engine. Noticed my vehicle began consuming oil more than normal. I constantly have to put oil in the car 2-3/ week. The shops say it doesn’t need an oil change the oil is burning fast. Never notice any leaks bit my vehicle began to not pick up speed and shop said the oil is burning and possible engine is getting ready to go. Called dealership and they said they won’t replace u less the engine is totally blown and I need to have all type documents showing I’ve been doing maintenance although this is a known issue. Constant oil changes.
Engine, May 10, 2025
I was driving in the rain on the highway and engine light started flashing!
Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal engine oil consumption was noticed. The check engine oil warning light illuminated abnormally often, shortly after an oil change had been performed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being deemed invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 17, 2025
Lights appeared on the dash and the vehicle locked and would not drive. This happened as I was actively driving. I had the vehicle towed and was told by the Kia dealership that it was my abs/hecu. Before this happened, there was no warning lamps or messages. The car was driving normally.
Engine, Apr 3, 2025
My engine is burning oil at an alarming rate, my car is not recognizing low oil, so I no oil lights are appearing. I have to go to the oil change place weekly to have my oil checked. When my oil is low, I have to pay to have my oil replenished between months of my oil changes. My and my son safety was put at risk, when I found out at an oil change visit, I had less than an quart of oil I was driving around with. Which can cause engine failure while driving, overheating, and reduced performance while driving. This was confirmed by an oil change facility. I am currently in a ongoing dispute with the dealership I received my car from. The Kia dealership is refusing to do any maintenance until I can produce five years of oil change records that are not showing on car fax. To date my car oil light is not coming on, no signs are shown in my car showing this issue. I have to just get it checked weekly and pay for oil to be safe until, I can get a new engine.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 31, 2025
Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to Kia Service department several times in the past 2 months.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 26, 2025
UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the Dash lighting up erratically.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
My 2019 Kia Optima purchased brand new. Kia released a service bulletin on 3/1/22 citing “excessive oil consumption for 2011-2021 Optima's”. I took it in for the "updates" for said service bulletin for the engine and was told that my engine is good and covered now for the life of the engine even past the 100k miles (mind you no one mentioned doing an excessive oil consumption test at this time). On 3/22/24 car had 104k miles on it and the oil light came on. I had an oil change just 2500 miles or so prior. Pulled into an autozone and it was almost bone dry. I put oil in it and the light went off. I took it to Evans Kia and was told that they couldn't do anything because it was past 100k warranty and that they couldn't run the DX test to determine if it was excessively consuming oil as per the recall. Apparently during the recall they did the DX tests if the consumer stated it was burning oil fast or something to that extent. Mine did not get said test, only the upgrade. They should have done the test, but they just did an "upgrade" which clearly did not work. They said since I had the "upgrade", if the engine fails, then Kia would fix it under warranty. Since then, this happened at least 4 more times with the oil light coming on and engine oil practically gone. Each time took less and less miles. I showed up to Kia 2 of those times in 2024 to show them the the oil change date, mileage, and check oil light on. Also physically showed them the oil being almost empty, yet they did nothing but say when the engine dies or "knocks" they can fix it under warranty. One of those times I had it towed but they determined it was the fuel pump, never mentioned anything else. Fast forward 3/15/25 the engine starts knocking and engine light comes on. I managed to drive it to Evans Kia without any accidents. After my car sat for 9 days, they call me on 3/25/25 and tell me there is a "burnt valve on cylinder 4 and the engine will need to be replaced and it is not covered. How? Help!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 23, 2025
HAD CAR FOR 2 AND 1/2 YEARS STARTING ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH OIL LEAKING ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING CAR AND MADE SHAKING SOUND BOUGHT TO MECHANIC AND TOLD ME THE OIL LEAKED HAVE TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND HAVE DONE ABOUT 4 TIMES NOW SEPT 2024, FEB 2025, 03-14-25 AND THIS MORNING 03-23-25. I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR BESIDES COSTS FOR REPAIRS. THANKS APPRECIATE ANY HELP. MY MECHANIC SAID WHEN ENGINE WAS BUILT NOT PUT IN STRAIGHT IN VEHICLE WONDERING IF THIS RELATED TO MY ISSUE.
Engine, Mar 6, 2025
Oil consumption
Engine, Feb 7, 2025
Excessive oil consumption for a car with 45,000 miles with no observed leaks under the car or on the outside of the engine
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 2, 2025
P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.
Engine, Jan 4, 2025
I recently had an oil change and not even 600 miles later the oil is completely gone. My engine is burning oil like crazy. This just started happening at the 95,000 miles mark
Engine, Dec 13, 2024
Since January 2024 I have had to replace the spark plugs more than 3 times. It has also had to have an oil change done at least every two months regardless of the miles that were put in it. BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY Mid October 2024 a full tune up was done as well as oil change and less than two weeks later it started bucking like a bronco and all oil was gone out of it. Check engine light is on and oil light goes on and off. Cannot drive at all
Engine, Dec 7, 2024
Defective piston rings leading to excessive oil consumption, spark plug deterioration, and potential engine failure.
Engine, Nov 9, 2024
Engine is consuming too much oil engine is shaking and knocking engine light is on reducing speed will cut off in mid drive
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving 65 MPH, the driver came to a stop, and upon accelerating, the check engine warning light started flashing. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact used a code reader and determined the failure was with the knock sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who determined that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound and started vibrating and shuddering. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced engine failures and electrical fuse failures. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery was previously replaced three times. The contact had taken the vehicle to two local dealers. The second dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Engine, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, a flashing check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,449.
Engine, Aug 19, 2024
The car is using oil like crazy and is not leaking anywhere out of the vehicle. Stalling out while driving and then accelerating. Has completely lost power and rolled down an onramp. Completely unsafe. Took for diagnostic and they wanted to say I needed a new gas cap. Replaced, still doing same thing. Hesitant to start even and the alternator is less than a year old.