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 2, 2022
The paint is chipping on the right side of the vehicle it is through the primer.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2022
As soon as I pulled onto the parkway, I heard a loud bang almost like a gunshot. Pulled over to inspect the vehicle and my sunroof had exploded. No rocks or foreign objects. The sunroof looked as if it blew up from the inside out forming almost a “volcano” shape. After trying for an hour to get ahold of Kia, they inform me this won’t be covered under warranty. Filed a claim with insurance. This is very dangerous and if my visor was opened, I could have been cut to pieces. This could easily cause a wreck and danger myself and others
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022
I have had my AC have 4 problems now and continue to have different problems since I bought the car a little over 6 mo ago. KIA is a pain and I'm constantly taking my vehicle in. The first time it wasn't major, the second time it was something electrical with the AC that tore apart my whole dashboard. Now I have a mold and mildew smell in my car and water leaking excessively under my car. My daughter who is 5 yrs old hasn't had ac for multiple weeks and now we are inhaling mold and mildew. I changed the cabin filter that was in the car and it had water stains all over it. This is a safety concern for the health of me and my child and I want things made right. My lawyer has been contacted and will proceed if nothing is done.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
my car has been broken into and stolen twice by the same people because of how easy it is to steal it (Kia and Hyundai). Kia hasn’t fixed the issue of their car door locks can be busted with a screen driver and the ignition can too. My car has been stolen twice the same way they bust my door lock bust my ignition and steal the car. Kia won’t even acknowledge the issue despite their being many complaints about the same thing happening to other peoples cars. Filed insurance claims both times and both times the car has been recovered
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
Optima SXL, 2019, 5,678 miles. When using the air conditioning, liquid on passenger side fills up on my mate about 1/2 inch. Took to dealer Three times. States the hose gets clogged and they have to clear this. Now car starting to smell like mold/mildew. Rug is getting wet. They did not want to detail the call. Service person tells me to bring it back and they will unclog it. But I want it fix not keep coming back to unclog the hose. They stated this happens all the time. This sees to be a problem to me. It’s a New Vehicle. What can I do?
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2021
ther are two Problems with my car when my phone is connected via USB to the vehicle the screen turn black and completely shut off while driving the other issue is the forward collision when there’s a car in front of me and I go to put on my for my brakes the car beats and slides rather than breaking
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2021
THE CARS USB PORT ALWAYS DISCONNECTS FROM THE CELL PHONE CORD. IT CUTS OFF MY SIRISXM AND MAPS. I HAVE TO RE-PLUG IN THE CELL CORD TO HAVE THE THINGS COME BACK ON. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING BOTH ON CITY AND HIGHWAY. WHEN I WAS AT A KIA DEALERSHIP THERE WAS SOMEONE ELSE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CELL PHONE STORE SAID THEY RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT FROM THEIR OTHER CUSTOMERS. NOT SURE WHEN IT STARTED. IT SEEMS LIKE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE OVER 120,000 MILES ON MY CAR. OVER THE SMALLEST BUMP THIS CAN HAPPEN. IF I PUT MY CELL ON MY CAR WINDOW HOLDER IT HAPPENS LESS FREQUENTLY. I HAVE BOUGHT NEW CORDS AND A NEW CELL AND IT STILL HAPPENS.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 24, 2020
LAST NIGHT A WARNING MESSAGE POPPED UP THAT SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT CRASH COLLISION SENSOR AND IT WAS TURNING OFF. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING HOME AND THIS MORNING IT WAS OFF BUT POPPED BACK UP AFTER AROUND 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 6, 2020, crash
WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2020
FROM DAY ONE I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DRIVER ASSIST FRONT CAMERA SHUTTING OFF BY ITSELF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I WAS TOLD BY MY KIA DEALER THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. IT HAS REOCCURRED MANY MORE TIMES SINCE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ORANGE DISPLAY LIGHT GOES OFF.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 29, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON 8/28/2020 AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD THAT READ MY FORWARD COLLISION CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING AND IT STAYED LIT FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING AND EVENTUALLY WENT OFF BEFORE I PARKED THE CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IF THE BRAES MAY FAIL.THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION INITIALLY APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WHEN THE MESSAGE CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD. I WAS ON A CITY STREET DRIVING.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2020
PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING 6/5/2020 WHILE IN MOTION IT HAS BEEN 110 DEGREES IN PHOENIX, AZ FOR THE PAST WEEK. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2020
HARD STARTING AND WHEN IT DOES START IT ACTS LIKE IT SLUGGISH. YOU CAN TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON AND IT IS FINE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2019
I WAS LOOKING ON CREDIT KARMA AND READ THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I HAD NO CLUE AND HAVEN'T HAD ANYONE CONTACT ME IN REGARDS TO THIS! I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2019
I BOUGHT MY 2019 OPTIMA BRAND NEW BACK IN NOVEMBER. IT IS NOW JUNE AND I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR RANDOMLY NOT STARTING ON ME. I GET THE SAME ANSWER EVERY TIME. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, NOTHING COMES UP ON THE COMPUTER WHEN THEY PLUG IT IN. THEY SAY, "IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, CALL US AND WELL TAKE IT IN". BUYING THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND MY PAYMENTS BEING THAT OF A RANGE ROVER, I AM EXTREMELY UPSET. TO TOP IT OFF, THE BACK WINDSHIELD IS SLIPPING DOWN. I AM OVER THIS CAR AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN. BUT, MY FIGHT IS NOT OVER, SOMETHING WILL HAVE TO BE DONE. IT ALSO HESITATES AT TIMES, FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS STRUGGLING TO GO. ALSO, TWO TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, THE DASH LIT UP WITH ALMOST EVERYTHING LIKE, I WAS IN A CRASH, THE EXCLAMATION POINT, ETC.