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: structure
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Engine, Dec 5, 2025
Engine burners oil at about 1qt per 1000 miles. There is no leak, and no repair to stop the oil from burning quickly. I have to refill my engine with oil several times in between oil changes. Paint is peeling in various spots on my hood and bumper. I first noticed a small area along the border of the hood nearest the windshield (mostly visible from the driers seat). Then 3 more spots on the opposite side of the hood and eventually all over the bumper.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
Pearl white paint peeling prematurely
Structure, Aug 7, 2025
I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo in Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. At approximately 100,000 miles, I observed bubbling and peeling of the paint—no collision or exterior impact occurred to trigger this. The peeling area has since enlarged, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal, which is visible in an attached photo. I contacted Kia around 115,000 miles when I fully realized the paint failure. Kia declined to offer any repair or goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. However, this is a widely reported defect affecting many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Snow White Pearl paint. Numerous owners have experienced similar peeling and flaking without misuse or accidents. This is clearly a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion, rather than normal deterioration. It compromises both the vehicle’s aesthetics and resale value, and it may lead to rust or more serious long-term problems. There are pending class-action lawsuits in Canada for identical issues with SWP paint. Yet, U.S. owners are left to manage this defective condition on their own, without support from Kia. I respectfully request the NHTSA open an investigation into this paint failure issue involving Kia vehicles painted in Snow White Pearl, including the 2019 Optima, and consider issuing a recall or a mandatory repair campaign.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2025
My paint job is peeling away. I can not even wash my car with out it flicking off.
Structure, May 1, 2025
The snow pearl white is paint is just peeling off just peeling off there’s 34,000 miles on it I noticed a small look like a chip last week. I went to wash it today and it’s just peeling off.
Structure, Oct 26, 2024
PAINT CAME OFF OF THE HOOD AND TRUNK (PEARL WHITE)
Structure, Sep 18, 2024
Paint is peeling and chipping on the hood of the vehicle and also the trunk paint is bubbling. It is getting worse as time goes on.
Structure, Aug 9, 2024
Paint peeling off for no reason. Car has zero damage, no wrecks, no issues of any kind. Paint started coming off the hood and it’s a known issue with the color of my car. Snow Pearl White. One spot is already rusting and it can lead to body damage and frame issues in the long run.
Structure, Jul 31, 2023
My paint is bubbling up and wanting to chip off.
Structure, May 18, 2023
Paint peeling on my 2019 Kia Optima Snow White Pearl paint code. Started from the back of trunk and continues to travel through out the body, peeling started at 84,000 miles with small bubbles and continued to its now 86,000 miles. The paint issues have been known and talked about in Kia forums as well as Hyundai. Hyundai has been proactive on addressing the issues but when I called to submit a complaint with Kia, I was asked to get 3 quotes for repaint on effected areas and submit photos, after all of this I was given 2 month run around only to be told I was out of warranty. I believe this is a serious defect and should be investigated.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2022
The skid plate under the vehicle has two pieces. The main larger piece and a small piece that comes off to change the oil. The screws used to hold up the smaller part of the skid plate tend to puncture the oil pan because one of the screws holding the skid plate is directly underneath the oil pan. If people are unaware of the oil being gone it can seize the motor and stall the vehicle. After researching and looking at different forums, this is a common issue that takes place.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2022
Refer to all the complaints of the pearl white paint flaking. I am filing another complaint and the dealership is not helping. Please help! https://www.google.com/search?q=kia+pearl+white+paint+recall&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS970US971&oq=kia+perl+white+pai&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i13l2j0i22i30l7.6591j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.
Structure, Dec 22, 2021
Paint is bubbling and chipping. When I call the dealer I get voicemails or a sales rep telling me its not covered despite the warranty manual stating it is.
Air bags, Structure, Oct 25, 2019, crash
I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. TRAFFIC CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS GOING 40-50MPH AND DID NOT STOP IN TIME AND REAR ENDED ME AND PUSHED ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.