Owners have filed 318 complaints
about the 2019 KIA Optima with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the KIA Optima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Warnings
3045.5%
Body
1421.2%
Automatic Emergency Braking
1015.2%
Warning
46.1%
Blind Spot Detection
34.5%
Assist
23.0%
Latch
23.0%
Control Module
11.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
68.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1621.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1723.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1114.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1114.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
56.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
68.1%
150,000+ miles
22.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
9.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2019peak 17Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 KIA Optima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2019 KIA Optima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2022004200 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 201963926,082 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Recall 2019367112 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the brake assist feature not to work properly. This could affect the ability to help reduce or avoid a crash with a stationary vehicle. Safety Risk: If the brake assist system does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Roseville, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11735174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, MIFire
ENGINE
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11735174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesOwasso, OKFire
ENGINE
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 fire with a fire extinguisher to no avail. The fire department was on the scene to eventually extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was called, but there was no response. The contact called another local dealer: 4747 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, but there was no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
NHTSA complaint #11730204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gillsville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11708483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gillsville, GACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11708483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Amelia, OHFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 auto mechanic, it was determined that the fuel line had become brittle and developed a crack that had sprayed fuel into the hot surfaces of the engine compartment. This appears similar to the scenario affecting earlier Kia Optima models with the 2.0L Turbo engines. The heat from the fire caused the brakes to start to fail and the amber check engine light to come on within about 5 seconds before smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. Fortunately, the fire occurred as the vehicle was pulling into the owner's driveway and a fire extinguisher was nearby and used to put out the fire. The vehicle's occupants were able to exit the vehicle with no injuries.
NHTSA complaint #11702944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 200,000 milesTallahassee, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesWinter Garden, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on two occasions, the vehicle lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven over to the side of the road and then towed to the dealer twice; however, the failure was not duplicated on the first visit. During the second visit, the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong smell of gasoline from the rear of the vehicle started around 60,000 miles . Car dealership said it’s normal but I don’t smell other cars like this
NHTSA complaint #11751255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11750963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on
NHTSA complaint #11750563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, KY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on
NHTSA complaint #11750563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, KY
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on
NHTSA complaint #11750563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
ENGINE
Oil is needing added on a weekly basis to keep up with how much the engine is burning, Spark Plugs and Coils have been changed excessively, the dealership says we may end up being covered by a recall but the engine needs to completely fail first.
NHTSA complaint #11748557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinellas Park, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my car is delaminating. There are bubbles throughout the car and a few huge bubbles have popped and now the bare body is visible. I have called Kia corporate and they have denied my request to repaint the car. They are telling me that the is a three-year warranty on the paint. My car is only seven years old, and the paint should not peeling/bubbling. I have taken my car to a collision center, and they believe it is caused by a defective manufacturer paint. After looking online, it is a nationwide chronic problem with snow white pearl. Kia is totally aware of this and doesn't want to address the problem. I do know there are many lawsuits against Kia for this particular problem. I am seeking help to get this resolved. Pictures attached.
NHTSA complaint #11747405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midville, GA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11743068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midville, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11743068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11743068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11742841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11742841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11742841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madera, CA
ENGINE
Engine failure, metal leaking into oil which caused engine to fail
NHTSA complaint #11742411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlight assembly failed on my 2019 Kia Optima LX with no prior warning, while the high beams and LED daytime running lights continue to function normally, indicating an isolated component failure within the assembly. Notably, the headlight assembly shows no physical damage whatsoever, and both independent licensed repair facilities that inspected the vehicle were unable to identify or repair any specific failed component — both independently concluded that a full assembly replacement is necessary. The fact that no specific component could be identified as the cause, combined with the absence of any physical damage, suggests this may be an internal failure not consistent with typical wear and tear. Prior to complete failure, the low beam would intermittently illuminate and then cut off unexpectedly during normal operation, which was the only symptom present before the headlight stopped functioning entirely. This creates a genuine safety concern as low beams are the primary source of nighttime illumination and cannot be substituted with high beams in normal traffic conditions. The failure occurred suddenly during normal nighttime driving and could not be fixed with bulb or pigtail replacement as both were in good condition. The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11736183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11735174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, MIFire
ENGINE
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11735174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesOwasso, OKFire
ENGINE
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 fire with a fire extinguisher to no avail. The fire department was on the scene to eventually extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was called, but there was no response. The contact called another local dealer: 4747 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, but there was no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
NHTSA complaint #11730204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11728158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11728158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11728158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
