2019 KIA OPTIMA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima. This model year has 193 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2019 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2019 Kia Optima. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 85 | — | 4 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 38 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 33 | 8 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 19 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 9 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 193 most recent complaints
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 60 MPH, she noticed there was smoke emerging from the engine. The driver pulled over safely. but was alerted by a good Samaritan who ran across four lanes of traffic to extinguish the f…
Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.
The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November…
Our car paint started peeling out of no where and very bad. I just found out that it is a manufacturing issue with the bonding of the paint.
The car had a complete engine failure at 92,000 miles. I was the second owner so this was not covered by any warranties. Well serviced and maintained vehicle.
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure one day after undergoing a manufacturer emissions/service campaign at an authorized dealership. Prior to service, the vehicle operated normally with no warning lights, knocking, or drivability issues. After the failure, the dealers…
The paint is bubbling and falling off in spots. This is ruining our trade-in value. The dealer says it always happens to white vehicles.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was sputtering sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was…
I purchased this vehicle on [XXX], with approximately 170,150 miles. On [XXX], during a routine oil change at approximately 172,636 miles, it was discovered that the engine had no oil present. Shortly afterward, the oil warning light began flickering intermittently while driving.…
Car was affected by emergency theft system locked car down when moving and caused airbags to deploy in which fractured my spine vertebra causing spinal fusion
Paint peeling off hood.
Brought vehicle in for Recall-SC340 Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM S/W Upgrade. After service was performed I took my vehicle back home and noticed that my down shifting was different, jolty and clunky. Prior to the upgrade my vehicle shifted flawlessly. Took my vehicle back in to have th…
I purchased a used 2019 Kia Optima from a dealership in January 2025 with 103,000 miles. 11 months later it's burning oil. Every 2 weeks I have to add a quart of oil. I took it to my mechanic and they found cylinder 4 has been burning oil. They also found a technical service bul…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was previously replaced. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, two weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started misfiring. The contact drove to the r…
Unknown needing help with new purchased car. Bought this car October/2025 with 93k on engine. Already been to dealership i Bought it from to have current issues im dealing with checked out and they only listen to it and said it was injector ticking clatter. Since then ive seen …
Engine burners oil at about 1qt per 1000 miles. There is no leak, and no repair to stop the oil from burning quickly. I have to refill my engine with oil several times in between oil changes. Paint is peeling in various spots on my hood and bumper. I first noticed a small ar…
After routine maintenance replacing the valve cover gasket, the low pressure GDI fuel line developed a leak in an area away from where the maintenance had occurred. After a 10 minute drive, the car developed a fire in the engine compartment. Upon investigation by an independent a…
My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They ha…
The motor burn oil even after the oil change is done. Also, the car shaking and is not damage to be found.
Red oil light came on along with check engine light took to shop got oil change and they test pressure all is good but oil light and engine light still on replaced oil pressure sensor switch and variable valve solenoid lights still on took to kia dealership they said say thing as…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Kia Optima.
Recalls for 2019 Kia Optima
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Optima. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2019 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2019 Kia Optima has 193 NHTSA owner complaints, 20 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (85 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (85 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (38 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (33 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Kia Optima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Kia Optima?▾
The 2019 Kia Optima has 20 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 193 total NHTSA complaints. 16 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2019 Kia Optima. The largest issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Kia Optima?▾
The 2019 Kia Optima has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2019 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.