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.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 12, 2023, fire
I was driving on the highway and my car started smoking. I got off at the next exit and black smoke started billowing out from under the hood. As soon as I opened the car door flames started coming out from under the hood. Entire engine was on fire
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Lane departure, Sep 28, 2023, crash
Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
The engine is malfunctioning,! and is available for inspection. Within one month of owning(leasing) the vehicle, While driving on the highway, the engine light started flashing, and the car immediately decelerated. Gas pedal was to the floor, and couldn’t get over 40mph. Safely got it to my mechanic who put it on the computer, and read knock sensor. The car was 2 quarts short, and we had 800 miles to go until next oil change was due. The vehicle is BURNING oil. Not one zero leak! We are subjected to continually checking and replenishing the oil to prevent the engine to go back into safe mode. I have 3 small children. Car still under warranty, dealership can’t get car in for months and no shop can get their hands on a motor. Please help!!!
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Smart choice auto financial in Indiana sold me a vehicle with a defaulted engine. Purchased car 9/20/2022 I have been consistently changing an add oil, to up keep the vehicle til I receive help . Vehicle have been attempted to be fix 6times, 3 by dealership I purchased from, an three different kia dealership. Not yet acknowledged the so call life time warranty, I was told engine had to go out . At this point 9/14/ 2023 the engining knocking, smoking, engine light on. So I took it to another kia dealership am it's there as we speak. Waiting I fro
Engine, Aug 31, 2023
Just had oil changed on June 30th, 2023. However, for the second time now after about 1.5 month after the oil change the oil light is flashing on and off at either takeoff or breaking. Checked oil stick and it say it’s full then check again it’s spotty as if there’s no oil in the engine. Took cap off engine and it was smoking and smelling burnt. Oil on the stick was definitely darker than normal as well. What is the cause of this?
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
Engine, Aug 20, 2023
I been having problems with the oil I do the regular maintenance on vehicle I have all the repair paperwork from Dealer and Montebello Lube I put synthetic oil so that 5000 miles at 2500 oil is empty I already replaced the head gasket oil is being consumed fast constantly filling with oil every time I Drive engine light came on 2 times for no oil in engine I need something done
Structure, Jul 31, 2023
My paint is bubbling up and wanting to chip off.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
Oil consumption issues, did an oil consumption test in august of 22 at Web Chevy, which is the dealership the car was bought from.
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's husband replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the starter was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed an oil change; however, the contact stated that the vehicle had recently had an oil change performed. The contact stated that while driving from the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to an auto parts store, where a technician inspected the engine and confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer advised the contact to check the engine oil level after every fill up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 25, 2023
Car stopped suddenly and now the car doesn’t start.
Engine, Jun 12, 2023
Good Afternoon, I have a recall on my 2019 Kia Engine but since I’m over my mileage Kia does not want to help with it but i read that there is a lifetime warranty on the cars with this type of engine I got a disgusted test done and they are still not wanting to fix the problem
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system inadvertently activated, prompting the vehicle to inadvertently stop. The contact stated that there was no other vehicles or objects nearby during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised the contact that an unknown obstruction on the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor had possibly caused the inadvertent activation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Forward collision avoidance, May 31, 2023, crash
Forward collision warning failed to assist resulting in a collision that is considered a total loss.
Service brakes, May 21, 2023
Was driving try pressing on the brakes. Car would not stop brakes will sink all the way down
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 1, 2023
On my vehicle Kia, Optima, 2019 vehicle the latch on the hood broke for the second time. The first time took it to the Kia, place where I purchase the vehicle. Jim Shorkey in Irwin Pa. They could not open the hood. I needed oil in my car. I don't know where the oil is going! Took to my mechanic he had to go under the car to release the latch. This is the second time. I keep paying, this is not fair!!!!!! The warning light for oil!!!!
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 18, 2023
As i attempted to start my vehicle, it continuously made a clicking noise until i finally hit the gas and made it crank up. About halfway through my work commute, the forward collision warning came on with no visible forward threat on the road. All of a sudden the car slammed on its brakes without me even touching the break and continued to do so anytime I put my foot on the gas above 50mph. I tried to turn it off when I parked the car but it still acted like there was something in front of my car.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 4, 2023, crash
On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible!
Engine, Mar 23, 2023
My 2019 Kia Optim is starting to consume oil every 15 miles this is a problem that Kia have with thousands of 2019, 2020 and 2021 they have bad engines in them and Kia knows about the problem and refusing to do anything with the custom, you all need to make them have a recall and fix the problem with all those engines some vehicles only have 20,000 miles on them and have the same problem.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 mph approaching an intersection, an unknown pickup T -boned the vehicle on the driver-side quarter panel. While depressing the brake pedal, the attention level high / collision warning message was displayed. The air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her back and shoulder and she had several bruises. The contact was seen at the hospital where medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and than to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 93,228.
Engine, Mar 21, 2023
Engine failure
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who could not duplicate the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V539000 (Forward Collision Avoidance) since the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Engine, Feb 9, 2023
Engine Oil light come on / Low on Engine Oil