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.
Seat belts, Wheels, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 20, 2021
I just think theres some sort of a tech issue with my electronic dashboard. My passenger seatbelt sign goes on and beeps incessantly when there is no passenger in the seat. My caution alert button comes on saying I have low tire pressure when it’s only one number less than all the other tires. My oil change reminder never comes on. Today I was driving normally and the car in front of me barely tapped their breaks (and I was not close to them at all) and the collision alert started beeping. My car randomly gets cold and the AC smells like it’s on, but it’s not (the button isn't lit nor did I turn it on) It normally doesn’t allow me to turn the outside air button on/off. Like in the winter when it’s freezing outside and I wasn’t to press the button to only circulate the inside air in the car, it doesn’t allow me and I have to freeze and be uncomfortable in my own car.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2021
Brakes don't feel right some times when I stop. My passage side seat belt dangs for no reason even when there nothing on my set. And ever once in a blue moon I can hear a dang dang noise idk where it's coming from but it's very soft sound.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 19, 2021
Out of no where the Front Collision Avoidance Assist came on while driving as well as the automatic emergency braking sensor came on I had my kids in the car no accident or anything
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, Engine, May 9, 2021
I'VE HAD THIS CAR GOING ON THREE YEARS SOMETIMES NOT ALL THE TIME I WILL GO TO START IT AND IT WILL BARELY START SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WHEN I GOT MY OIL CHANGE AND THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY BUT THEY'RE SAYING THE BATTERY IS GOOD AND THE STARTING SYSTEM THE CAR WILL JUST BE SITTING IN MY GARAGE AND I TRY TO START IT IT JUST SOUNDS LIKE IT'S BARELY STARTING AND THEN THE NEXT TIME I STARTED IT'S FINE
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 28, 2021
I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL AND AS I REACHED THE TOP OF THE INCLINE, MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. I THEN ATTEMPTED TO USE MY BRAKES AND I BARELY TAPPED THEM, BUT THEY REACTED AS IF I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKES AND I BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. MY BRAKES WERE THEN LOCKED, I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND THEN TURNED OFF & THEN BACK ON MY CAR WITHOUT REMOVING THE KEY. I THEN PUT MY CAR BACK INTO DRIVE, HOWEVER, MY GAS PEDAL WAS STILL NOT WORKING. I THEN TURNED MY CAR OFF AGAIN, REMOVED THE KEY, PUT THE KEY BACK, THEN RESTARTED AND WENT BACK INTO DRIVE AND IT BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. THERE WAS NOT AN ISSUE AFTER THAT.
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.
Service brakes, Mar 3, 2021
THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED. THE ROAD WAS DRY. SPEED WAS 30 MPH OR LESS WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A LIGHT. THERE WERE NO CARS AHEAD OF ME, AND I HAD PLENTY OF TIME AND ROOM FOR A REGULAR STEADY DECELERATION. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. JUST BEFORE I CROSSED INTO THE CROSSWALK THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FORCIBLY KICKED BACK EXACTLY FOUR TIMES, AND THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENED ON A STATE HIGHWAY THAT ALSO SERVES AS A MAIN STREET RUNNING THROUGH DOWNTOWN. I WAS TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, PURCHASED NEW, FOR 19 MONTHS. MILEAGE IS 17,325. THE DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG AND SAYS THE COMPUTER DIDN'T REGISTER THE EVENT. WE ASSUME THE BRAKES FAILED AND ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED IN AN EXTRORDINARY MANNER. I HAVE NO DOCUMENTATION AS THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP 37 ODD DAYS LATER. THEY STILL SAY THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MALFUNCTIONED.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 27, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM HIT HIM FROM BEHIND WHICH PUSHED HIS VEHICLE INTO A 270 DEGREE ANGLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, HIS DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIT HIS HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR; HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT AND WAS TOWED TO HIS INSURANCE COMPANY'S COLLISION CENTER. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY LESS THAN 200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Engine, Nov 30, 2020
I PURCHASED ON MY 2019 KIA OPTIMA ON 6/19. AND SINCE THEN OFF AND ON THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT STARTING ISSUES. NOW I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NEITHER ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. WHEN PRESSING THE STOP/START BUTTON THE CAR WOULD HESITATE TO START NO LIGHTS OR CODES ARE STORED IN THE COMPUTER. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA ABOUT THE ISSUE ALL I WAS EVER TOLD WAS TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT IT. THE DEALER WOULD RESET AND UPDATE FIRMWARE. THAT WOULD LAST FOR A MINUTE BUT EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULD GO BACK INTO THE SAME THING OF HESITATING. THE CAR HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE KIA HAS OPENED CASE AFTER CASE BUT NO SOLUTION. THE CAR IS CONSIDERED A LEMON BY STATE STATUES. NOT ONE TIME HAS KIA OFFERED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE THE ONLY THING I'M TOLD THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN BRING IT BACK. I WOULD SPEND MORE AND MILES TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ALWAYS NEED TO BE ALIGNED I'M NOT SURE WHY BUT WHEN I TAKE THE CAR FOR AN ALIGNMENT THAT WHEEL IS ALWAYS OUT OF SPECS.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2020
PARKED. STARTED CAR & ALL DASH LIGHTS LIT UP. TRIED RESTARTING NO CHANGE. WHEN BACKING UP THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. TURNED OFF IGNITION, PUMPED GAS PEDAL 3 TIMES, RESTARTED & IT SEEMED TO FIX PROBLEM. TOOK CAR IN FOR ELECTRICAL RECALL 1 WEEK LATER & WAS TOLD THIS MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM. 2 WEEKS LATER IT OCCURRED AGAIN. SAME SOLUTION USED WITH SUCCESS.
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
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 21, 2020
WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD AND A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF US (WHILE ONLY GOING 25MPH) THEN THE CAUTION FRONT SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR HAD A NOTIFICATION THAT POPPED UP SAID FRONT CAMERA IS BLOCKED. STAYED ON FOR 5 MINUTES THEN JUST SHUT OFF. *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.
Power train, Mar 9, 2020
I HAVE A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. IN DECEMBER I WAS GOING UP A HILL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING. I WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS AND NOT GOING ANYWHERE. I HAD TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK DOWN 2 RODS TO GET BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. IT WAS NOT SHOWING ANY "CODES". THEN ON 02/26/2020 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD IT TOWED TO KIA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS SHOWING A BUNCH OF CODES. THEY SAID THEY CLEANED THE "KNOCKER" AND WAS COMMUNICATING WITH THE TECH LINE AND WAS TOLD TO CLEAR DATA AND RELEARN SYSTEM. ONCE THEY DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT AWAY AND NO MORE CODES DISPLAYED. ON 03/07/2020 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS CLOSED BY THEN AND THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY. MADE A CALL TODAY TO GET IT BACK IN THE SHOP. THEY SAID I CAN BRING IT TOMORROW. I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A 2019. PLEASE TELL ME
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH AND MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PUMPED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,800.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 27, 2020
2019 KIA OPTIMA, IN JULY OF 2019.1ST INSTANCE, 2/4/2020 (LATE AFTERNOON) I DROVE BACK FROM NEW ALBANY IN AND AS SOON AS I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY ON KEYSTONE, I TRIED TO TURN A CORNER AND THE CEL LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY ACCELERATE (HEAVY HESITATION). THEY SAID DO NOT DRIVE, GET A TOW.I DID, THEY HOOKED IT UP. AN ERROR TO CONTACT KIA ENG. THEY INDICATED ITS 1 OF 2 THINGS, ROCK SENSOR HARNESS/ROCK SENSOR. 1ST THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SENSOR BUT THEY ONLY REPLACED THE HARNESS.MILEAGE ON THIS DATE 2/7/2020 8,801 MILES. PICKED UP MY CAR ON FEBRUARY 7, 2020. 2ND INSTANCE 2/24/2020 @3PM(ISH)- RETURN TRIP TO INDIANAPOLIS FROM LAFAYETTE (ROUND TRIP) APX 2:59P ON THE WAY BACK TO WORK, I GOT OFF IN ZIONSVILLE TO RUN TO THE STORE. I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT AND TRIED TO TURN RIGHT, THE EXACT SAME SCENARIO AS THE 1ST INSTANCE. CEL LIGHT, MAJOR HESITATION AND VERY LITTLE ACCELERATION. CALLED SERVICE AT KIA TO GET MY RENTAL READY AND I WAS ON MY WAY IN TO THE SHOP. THE RENTAL WAS READY AND IT WAS LATE MONDAY. HE CONTACTED WHO IS THE GM CALLED ME 2/24/2020 @6:16PM TO SAY THAT HE WILL LOOK INTO THIS ASAP IN THE MORNING. HE ALSO INDICATED THAT HE IS PART OWNER OF LIA DEALER.ON MONDAY EVENING I CONTRACTED KIA CORP OFFICE TO FILE A CASE # SAME EVENING, I TEXT MY SALESMAN BUT THE GMCALLED 8:07A EXPLAINED ITS ON THE RACK AND THE ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED FOR THE RESOLUTION AND HE WILL CALL ME WHEN THEY KNOW MORE. TUES GM AND GM OF ALL LOCAL SERVICE DEPTS) CALLED AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE, ATTEMPT AT A RESOLUTION CHANGE THE SENSOR AND DRIVING 10 MILES TO MAKE SURE IT FIXES IT. HOW IS 10 MILES GOING TO 'TEST' HE AGREED 30 MILE TEST. HE SAID IF THIS SENSOR FAILS THEY (KIA CORP) WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE! WELL THE SENSOR IS WORKING 2 DAYS SO FAR. (LAST TIME IT TOOK 11 DAYS AND 1,177 MILES TO FAIL) I PICKED UP CAR ON 2/26/20. L
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2020
WHEN MY PHONE IS PLUGGED INTO THE CHARGER, MY SCREEN WILL GO BLACK ALL OF A SUDDEN, AND I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND UNPLUG MY PHONE AND TURN THE CAR BACK ON FOR THE SCREEN TO COME BACK ON. ALSO, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE MY BRAKES LOCK UP ON ME, AND I ALMOST HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN, AND I HAVE EVEN HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A COLLISION. IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN MOTION DRIVING AND GO TO STOP. THE RADIO SCREEN THOUGH HAS TURNED OFF ON ME WHETHER I AM DRIVING OR IN PARK.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2019
IF I SLOW DOWN THEN SPEED UP IT TAKES OFF SLOW. IF I GO UP A HILL IT PUTTS AND WHEN I DRIVE IT JUST FEELS LIKE ITS PUTTERING THE WHOLE TIME. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP OF COURSE THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING BUT THIS IS A NEW CAR I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG. I JUST GOT THE CAR IN MARCH DROVE FINE NO ACCIDENTS OR ANYTHING AND IT'S KIND OF DISAPPOINTING THAT MY CAR IS LIKE THIS BUT KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT'S WRONG.
Air bags, Nov 25, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND OWNS A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER THAT JUMPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK PAIN AND HIS DAUGHTER, WHO WAS SEATED BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT, SUSTAINED NECK PAIN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH OCCUPANTS WOULD BE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR THEIR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY WAITING TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,168.
Service brakes, Nov 20, 2019, crash
I WAS IN TWO LOW SPEED REAR ENDED CRASHES BECAUSE THE CIB DIDN'T ENGAGE AND I HAD NO BREAKING POWER. ONE WHO ON THE HIGH WAY AND ONCE IN AN EXIT RAMP