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: other or unspecified
42 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2026
My car was parked when my Kia Optima Panoramic sunroof exploded. It was between 8:00-8:30 a.m. Friday XXX. It sounded like an explosion. I was sleeping and the explosion woke me up. The sunroof was closed and the car was parked. We r not aware of anything coming in contact with the sunroof. Actually the sunroof exploded from inside the car. The broken glass was pointed upwards. I’m concerned that this is a serious hazard if it occurs while I was driving it would have caused a serious accident or even a death. I notified KIA Customer Care Center. XXX Case # XXX. I also sent them a letter concerning the event with photos. I have found information that other reported KIA panoramic sunroof failures and concerned that this may be part of a bigger problem. Customer Care rep [XXX] told me to take the car to a dealer. Cannot see me for 3 weeks and charge $209.99. Called customer care again talked to Risha, told me not to take to dealer and not pay anything. Then wait for someone to get back to me. That was XXX. If I haven’t had any contact from Kia I’m supposed to call back XXX. Still waiting. I am asking NHTSA to document this incident and review whether there is a safety- related defect or pattern involving panoramic sunroofs on KIA vehicles, including the 2019 KIA OPTIMA. Car is 7 years olds an 72,400 mi. The warranty is 5yrs -60,000. Please include this complaint in NHTSA’s records concerning the 2019 Kia Optima and Panoramic sunroof failures. I authorized NHTSA to share my complaint and identifying vehicle information with Kia if that is necessary to investigate the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 16, 2026
Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 15, 2026
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2026
The paint on my car is delaminating. There are bubbles throughout the car and a few huge bubbles have popped and now the bare body is visible. I have called Kia corporate and they have denied my request to repaint the car. They are telling me that the is a three-year warranty on the paint. My car is only seven years old, and the paint should not peeling/bubbling. I have taken my car to a collision center, and they believe it is caused by a defective manufacturer paint. After looking online, it is a nationwide chronic problem with snow white pearl. Kia is totally aware of this and doesn't want to address the problem. I do know there are many lawsuits against Kia for this particular problem. I am seeking help to get this resolved. Pictures attached.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2026, crash
Car was affected by emergency theft system locked car down when moving and caused airbags to deploy in which fractured my spine vertebra causing spinal fusion
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2025
Paint peeling off hood.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 9, 2025
Unknown needing help with new purchased car. Bought this car October/2025 with 93k on engine. Already been to dealership i Bought it from to have current issues im dealing with checked out and they only listen to it and said it was injector ticking clatter. Since then ive seen white smoke and the car burning excessive oil. I am adding oil to the car every 2-3 days. Still noticeable smoke and smell of burning oil. No recall on this vin. It seems as if this is a huge problem with this engine. Please help
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2025
I purchased this car off the show room floor in 2019 with only 10 miles on it. At some point in 2022 my car was slow to accelerate. I received the recall letter September 16,2022. no appointments until 08/09/2023. It didn't help .It was still stalling two weeks after. I have talked to the manager numerous occasions. He said it sounds like the transmission. The parts manager told me he will keep it overnight so his mechanics can drive it the following morning. That didn't happen. This car is a safety hazard. I can't pull out in front of anyone due to the car stalling. My family like to have lost our lives this weekend 05/31/2025 due to the car failing to accelerate(stalling). I have filed complaints with KIA head quarters twice. They keep telling me that if there's no warning lights on they can't identify the problem. On 01/06/2025, the manager and parts manager agreed to keep my car for a couple of days. I paid for my oil change/tire rotation and they sent me on my way. the bottom line is this car will be the death of me. God forbid!!
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.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2025
I own a 2019 kia that is garage low milage 35,757 when not driving. the paint had a spot of paint missing on the hood and i ordered touchup paint to protect and before it arrived i noticed a larger spot. I drove to town and a large spot flaked. I call the dealer and they said they didn't handle that. I called kia customer service and they said would write a work order and i haven't heard any thing from them. i have gone to computer to see if any recalls and none. there are a lot of complaints from owners but no help from Kia . I read an article from Kia that they had stopped using the pearl white paint due to so many complaints. This need to be address and something done. I took to a reputable body shop today and received estimate and it was not just my hood found spots on right fender and trunk with estimate of almost $4,000.00 . I can not make Kia repaint my car and i can not leave it to rust nor can i afford a new car. Canada did recalls on this matter the United States needs to stand up for the people of the United States.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 2, 2025
P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
On October 30th 2024, I purchased a 2019 Kia Optima from San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. On November 26th the car was stolen from in front of my house, while the alarm was activated and the key was in our possession. I went online to the Kia website to find some information and found that there was a recall on that vehicle to install an anti-theft device. San Diego Chrysler did not have this done. I contacted them in regards to that not being done and they replied that they offered me to purchase a GPS system. They don't seem to feel anything was done wrong but if a car has an open recall, it would seem that a dealer needs to have that done PRIOR to selling a car to a consumer who is unaware of the theft problem. I had the car for three weeks, lost my trade-in, deposit and still have it financed. Big conglomerates need to be held accountable.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2024
I currently have 119500 miles on my 2019 Kia Optima. I am losing oil somewhere between oil changes, and the car is beginning to hesitate while driving. I don't see oil on the ground but I have had to put in 2-3 1/2 quarts of oil way too often. For this to happen on some many vehicles, it must be a manufacturer defect. The hesitation just started and I'm taking it do get a diagnostic test. 11
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2024
I own a 2019 Kia Optima whose paint is peeling off rapidly. The paint began peeling in a tiny spot that I thought was a chip from a rock but has now grown to several spots peeling all over. I first noticed this in 2020 I visited my dealer on January 2024 to no avail. Not only was their technician rude, but he also said the paint was not covered under KIA’s bumper to bumper warranty. I have bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty at the dealer. I’ve owned several cars in my life and have never had this problem with any of them. I currently own a 2003 Toyota whose paint is in much better condition than my 2019 Kia. I believe this is a factory defect with this paint color and would like you to further investigate and help to restore my KIA so that the peeling stops. I’m attaching several photos for your review. The color is Snow White Pearl.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2024
Clear coat paint is peeling rapidly on the driver side door. This is the only affected area and this car has never been in an accident, so it’s the original manufactured part. Car has 59K miles on it
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 2, 2024
I like kids however I purchased a Kia used in 2021, I started to notice that all consumption was going out fast before oil changes was due. I still have this ongoing problem but they say there's no recall on these GDI motors however other people I see informs or experiencing the same issues. I now have to try to get an appointment with Kia for an oil change before it's time for the oil change and to do a oil consumption test and then hopefully the main factors or kia will replace this motor even though there's no warranty on the car. I might also have a issue with the front collision feature because I have been noticing in the past few weeks that this feature comes on even when there's no car in front of me it will start to break however it says that my car is not a part of a software upgrade so I got to ask them about that as well. There is definitely a issue with the GDI motors and Kia really needs to recall them all and replace the motors it should not burn all the way that it does I've never had any car of any brand or manufacturer burn oil the way that this car is burning oil. I cannot financially afford to go out here and trade this car in and get another car with the type of payment that I have for this car since I had my bank finances car.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2024
Vehicle safety immobilizer is not present as a result vehicle cannot be insured in the state of ct
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 17, 2023
Since I have had the vehicle I have had to have multiple Spark Plugs and Engine Coils replaced, literally every 4-6 months. One diagnosis said there was a problem with the motor, when I told Kia, they did not come back with the same diagnosis, well they sort of did, but did not noter it as an issue. Also, my car burns oil way too fast. I'm having to put in 2-23 quarts every 2-3 weeks. I have been told that the GDI motors are the culprit for this. Have even heard Hyundai had a enough complaints and has recalled the motor, but Kia did not, so we are still running around here paying excessive amounts on oil and repairs.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2023
It’s a 2019 KIA optima the color is snow pearl white and it is peeling off. the car only has 31262 miles on it it’s peeling on top at the windshield
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 26, 2023
ABS light came on for no apparent reason and took car to Kia dealership and was told it needs ABS Issue: “Your car is going to need an ABS Actuator, this controls how the ABS modulates the brakes when under dangerous braking conditions so that your brakes don't lock up..$2676.56 just for that repair if you'd like us to replace it” and I searched online and do see that some 2019 Kia models had a recall for this very issue, but my VIN is not showing up as affected. The lights came on about 6 mos ago, cleared and then came back on again. Car is at Moritz KIa in FW, TX right now.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2022
The paint on the roof of the 2019 Kia Optima is peeling back. Also, have paint that has let go around the hood. I inquired at the dealer at around 40,000 miles. The employee said that the paint was only warranted through the first 36,000 miles. I drive a lot of miles to work, and this was within the first year I purchased the vehicle. The employee said that the pearl white color was the one color that they saw the most complaints with the paint.