Car Yearsto Avoid

2019 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2019 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Optima. Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, emergency braking system and electrical system.

212 complaints 1 recall 9th worst of 13 Optima years

Top 2019 Kia Optima problems

1

Engine problems

94 complaints (44%) name the engine.

Complaints 94 · Usually at 30,000–122,000 miles

2

Emergency braking problems

36 complaints (17%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and automatic emergency braking.

Complaints 36 · Usually at 11,000–56,000 miles · Recall 19V539000

3

Electrical problems

23 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer.

Complaints 23 · Usually at 11,000–34,000 miles

4

Brake problems

19 complaints (9%) name the brakes.

Complaints 19 · Usually at 17,000–20,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 44%
Unknown or Other 20%
Emergency Braking 17%
Electrical 11%
Brakes 9%
Fuel System 9%
Transmission 8%
Body 7%
Airbags 6%
Acceleration 5%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (50 of 212). The amber line is the middle value, about 32,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2019 Kia Optima recalls

Automatic emergency braking

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge.

Recall 19V539000 · Jul 2019
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2019 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386
2015 Optima 1,009
2012 Optima 920
2016 Optima 758
2011 Optima 594
2014 Optima 589
2017 Optima 256
2018 Optima 232
2019 Optima 212
2020 Optima 151
2008 Optima 144
2009 Optima 116
2010 Optima 75

Common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Optima. Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, emergency braking system and electrical system.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, emergency braking system, electrical system and brakes. 94 complaints (44%) name the engine.

At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 30,000–122,000 miles, with a middle value near 70,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?

1. Automatic emergency braking (19V539000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2019 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.