2019 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (93), Unknown Or Other (44), Forward Collision Avoidance (36).
Key takeaways
- 214 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 20 involve a crash, 7 a fire, 16 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 93 | 43% |
| Unknown Or Other | 44 | 21% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 36 | 17% |
| Electrical System | 23 | 11% |
| Service Brakes | 19 | 9% |
| Power Train | 18 | 8% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | 8% |
| Structure | 14 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 12 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 5% |
| Lane Departure | 7 | 3% |
| Steering | 6 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2019 Kia Optima
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-11-03
I have a 2019 Kia Optima S with the 2.4L engine and 117,000 miles. The vehicle has diagnostic codes P1326 and POOOB. The check-engine light is continuously flashing, the engine is knocking, and the vehicle has lost acceleration and will not go over approximately 65 mph. I believe this may be related to the KSDS connect...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-31
2019 Kia Optima EX, 1.6L turbo, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Second owner, purchased August 2019 at Jeff Wyler near Cincinnati, Ohio, not Certified Pre-Owned. Transmission was previously replaced under warranty in my first year of ownership. In spring 2026 I reported rough low-speed shifting. The dealer performed ...
Unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-10-09
Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated by manufacturer and ...
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More for the 2019 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.