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
208 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Dec 6, 2024
Diagnostic scan of car's computer showed trouble code B138400 Side Airbag Front PAssenger-Resistance Circuit Short to Ground.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 14, 2024
Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to perform an oil change, the contact became aware that the hood latch was not operating as needed. The contact was unable to unlatch and raise the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the hood latch release cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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.
Structure, Oct 26, 2024
PAINT CAME OFF OF THE HOOD AND TRUNK (PEARL WHITE)
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 21, 2024
Under normal operating conditions all sensors malfunctioned causing all abs systems to stop working.
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2024
This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.
Engine, Aug 13, 2024
I am having to change the plugs in this car monthly. The car goes into limp mode and will not go over 15 miles an hour. There is oil getting in the plugs and causing them to burn. This car uses a lot of oil. Lots of oil!! these issues started at 100,011 miles. I have also noticed that this car has started accelerating on its own.
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.
Tires, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: PureContact LS, Tire Size: P235/45/R18, DOT Number: CNFUWD4M2622. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact felt an abnormal vibration coming the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal "booming" sound and saw in the rearview mirror what appeared to be sections of tread on the highway. The contact was called by his wife and drove to the location and replaced the defective tire with the spare and drove the vehicle to the tire dealer. The dealer confirmed that the tread had separated from the side wall. The dealer replaced the tire under road hazard warranty on the tire. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH when she heard an abnormal "booming" sound from the passenger side rear tire. The contact stated that his wife pulled into a parking lot and called the contact. The contact stated that when the tread delaminated from the tire part of the rear passenger wheel well was cracked by the debris. The contact was able to replace the damaged tire with the spare and drove the vehicle back to the same tire dealer. The contact stated that the dealer advised that the tire manufacturer would be contacted because the dealer reported that other customers were having tread separation failures with the same tire line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 47,800 and the tire failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking while driving. The contact also stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors activated inadvertently while driving or the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and the contact was advised that the failure with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors was the regular function of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,813.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2024
Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Hesitation in 2019 Kia Optima SX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite meticulous maintenance and care, I have been experiencing significant issues with the vehicle that are concerning, especially considering its relatively low mileage of only 107,000 miles. The primary issues are as follows: 1.Excessive Oil Consumption: My Kia Optima SX has been burning an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs well before the recommended oil change intervals. This is not only inconvenient but also raises serious concerns about the long-term health and reliability of the engine. 2.Engine Hesitation: The vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation during acceleration. This hesitation occurs sporadically, making it difficult to anticipate and presenting a potential safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to overtake other vehicles. These issues are unacceptable for a vehicle with such low mileage and are not in line with the quality and reliability I expected when purchasing a Kia. Given the prevalence of similar complaints from other owners of the same model, it is evident that these are not isolated incidents but potentially indicative of broader manufacturing or design flaws. I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate these issues thoroughly. Owners of the 2019 Kia Optima SX should not have to endure such significant and potentially dangerous problems with their vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt action and response.
Engine, Jun 2, 2024
My car was having to get the spark plugs once a month loosing oil. Lots of Oil is coming out through the exhaust my grandfather just saw it. I still owe 20,00 on this car. I was told by Kia I’m going to need a new engine. I stopped driving it
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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue with my 2019 Kia Optima SX 2.0 GDI Turbo, which has accumulated approximately 103,000 miles. This vehicle has recently developed several serious problems that I believe pose significant risks to both my safety and the safety of other road users. Firstly, my Kia Optima has been burning an excessive amount of oil. Specifically, it consumes over 5 quarts of oil within just 2,000 miles of driving. Despite thorough inspections, even from Kia Dealers there are no visible oil leaks, making this issue even more perplexing and concerning. Moreover, the vehicle has begun to shake violently while driving on the highway, which has led to a substantial loss of power in the middle of traffic. This unpredictable loss of power is extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds, as it compromises my ability to maintain control of the vehicle and poses a significant hazard to other motorists. Additionally, the car now emits a loud knocking noise, which appears to be related to the engine's internal components. This issue further exacerbates the vehicle's performance problems and raises serious questions about its reliability and safety. I urge the NHTSA to investigate these issues promptly. The problems I am experiencing are not isolated and may affect other Kia Optima owners, potentially leading to widespread safety risks. I believe it is crucial to determine if there is a manufacturing defect or other underlying cause that needs to be addressed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all Kia Optima drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am hopeful that the NHTSA will take immediate action to investigate these serious safety concerns and provide a resolution to protect both myself and others.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2024
Burns through oil. I have to consistently have oil on hand. 107,000 miles and being told my year does not fall under getting a new engine falls on me to replace it. This is an issue that falls on the manufacturer. Please help
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
GDI MOTOR CONSUMES A LOT OF OIL
Engine, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the oil was changed; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,008.