2019 Kia Optima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Kia Optima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 193 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Kia Optima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2019 Kia Optima. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Kia Optima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Kia Optima has 193 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Optima
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 193
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 31
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 27 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 610
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Kia Optima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Kia Optima?
The 2019 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Kia Optima
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, forward collision avoidance, and electrical systems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, forward collision avoidance, and electrical systems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system during a test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Kia Optima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima are concentrated in engine problems, with 85 reports out of 193 total. Forward collision avoidance issues and electrical faults also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints number 20, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (85 out of 193).
- Forward collision avoidance: AEB issues are the third most reported component (33 complaints).
- Electrical faults and brake system issues are also notable, with 21 and 19 complaints respectively.
- Engine Problems
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Electrical Faults
All 2019 Kia Optima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2019 Kia Optima Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Optima. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Kia Optima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 193 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2019 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Kia Optima, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 193 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2019 Kia Optima. A major recall area is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Kia Optima?▾
The 2019 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Kia Optima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.