ProblemsKia › 2019 Optima

2019 Kia Optima Problems & Owner Complaints

204 NHTSA owner complaints
20 crash 6 fire 16 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~25.5 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 7 Kia Optima years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

Thinking about buying a specific Kia Optima?

This page shows problems reported across all 2019 Kia Optimas. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.

Checking a specific 2019 Kia Optima? Enter its VIN

Free recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy

What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Kia Optima, cited in 86 of 204 filed complaints (42%).

Forward Collision Avoidance is next (36 complaints, 18%), followed by Electrical System (22), Service Brakes (19), Power Train (16).

Across all complaints, 20 report a crash, 6 report a fire, 16 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 9 crash, 11 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 204.

Engine 86 5 fire

“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 a…”
NHTSA complaint #11735174, 2026 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730204, 2026 · fire

“I recently had the engine replaced less than a year ago due to an engine recall on this model car, today 11/11/2025 the engine caught fire. We’ve kept up with oil changes on time and I had no alerts in the vehicle on the dash claiming the engine was hot.”
NHTSA complaint #11698751, 2025 · fire

Unknown Or Other 41 2 crash 2 injury

“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, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11373422, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning”
NHTSA complaint #11750963, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 36 8 crash 5 injury

“On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible!”
NHTSA complaint #11515444, 2022 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11373422, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM HIT HIM FROM BEHIND WHICH PUSHED HIS VEHICLE INTO A 270 DEGREE ANGLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, HIS DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIT HIS HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR; HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11390394, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 22 3 fire

“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 a…”
NHTSA complaint #11735174, 2026 · fire

“I was driving on the highway and my car started smoking. I got off at the next exit and black smoke started billowing out from under the hood. As soon as I opened the car door flames started coming out from under the hood. Entire engine was on fire”
NHTSA complaint #11549547, 2023 · fire

“This car was equipped with the theta ll engine and I believe that’s what caused it because it was an electrical smoldering. The car has been signed over to the insurance company, it was totaled. If this had happened 30 minutes sooner, I would have been burned. Me and my daughter had luckily just got out of the car. No the problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has been inspected by police and insurance. There was not any warning lamps or messages prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11493159, 2022 · fire

Service Brakes 19 5 crash 3 injury

“On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible!”
NHTSA complaint #11515444, 2022 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled”
NHTSA complaint #11547211, 2023 · crash

“I was driving and tried to brake but my car did not stop and ended up hitting guardrail. A couple weeks later I was driving and there was nothing in front of me but the car abruptly stopped in the middle of road”
NHTSA complaint #11569790, 2022 · crash

Power Train 16

“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 serv…”
NHTSA complaint #11742841, 2026

“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 dealership denied coverage and declined to inspect the engine oil. The vehicle was towed for an independent inspection, which found metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal mechanical engine failure. The sudden failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of engine function. The issue has been confirmed…”
NHTSA complaint #11714319, 2026

“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 18, 2025, when I reported stalling issues to Kia authorized service & parts. The vehicle was returned as “fixed” on December 12, 2025, but the engine stalled again during normal operation. The vehicle was returned to Kia authorized service & parts multiple times (December 12, December 18, December 23, January 9, Janua…”
NHTSA complaint #11727986, 2025

Before you buy this car, see its exact open recalls + full $19 report Enter the VIN of the 2019 Kia Optima you're looking at, free recall check first

Fuel/Propulsion System 15 1 fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11702944, 2025 · fire

“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 serv…”
NHTSA complaint #11742841, 2026

“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, 2026

Structure 14 1 crash

“I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. TRAFFIC CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS GOING 40-50MPH AND DID NOT STOP IN TIME AND REAR ENDED ME AND PUSHED ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11271129, 2019 · crash

“My paint job is peeling away. I can not even wash my car with out it flicking off.”
NHTSA complaint #11662000, 2025

“The snow pearl white is paint is just peeling off just peeling off there’s 34,000 miles on it I noticed a small look like a chip last week. I went to wash it today and it’s just peeling off.”
NHTSA complaint #11658090, 2025

Air Bags 12 9 crash 11 injury

“Struck by heavy vehicle in an intersection; t-boned in the left front — by the right front of other vehicle which ran a red light. I have numerous injuries to my left side, and I have a damaged heart because none of my airbags deployed during the crash. The corner where I moved from when the traffic signal turned green has a severely blocked view where I sat at a red light. There’s a highway barrier fence that stretches alongside the road I was traveling, and this fence extends beyond the stop line for that traffic signal; it even stretches up to the sidewalk/crosswalk. That fence is completel…”
NHTSA complaint #11440501, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND OWNS A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER THAT JUMPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK PAIN AND HIS DAUGHTER, WHO WAS SEATED BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT, SUSTAINED NECK PAIN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH OCCUPANTS WOULD BE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR THEIR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY WAITI…”
NHTSA complaint #11282155, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 10 1 crash

“Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled”
NHTSA complaint #11547211, 2023 · crash

“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 serv…”
NHTSA complaint #11742841, 2026

“This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.”
NHTSA complaint #11608387, 2024

Lane Departure 7 2 crash 1 injury

“WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11373422, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled”
NHTSA complaint #11547211, 2023 · crash

“Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning”
NHTSA complaint #11750963, 2026

Steering 6

“Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to bring to your attention a grave safety concern regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite diligent maintenance and care, my vehicle has experienced persistent alignment issues, particularly on the right side. Additionally, I have encountered premature axle shaft and axle boot failures, all of which have occurred well before reaching 60,000 miles. These issues have not only posed a significant financial burden but have also jeopardized the safety of myself and other road users. The repeated alignment problems have result…”
NHTSA complaint #11574794, 2023

“MDPS component in steering column is making noise due to premature failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11562595, 2023

“Two thefts of my 2019 Kia Optima in less than one year; 9/12/2021 and 7/30/2022 due to Kia's negligence in fixing a very obvious security flaw and lack of engine immobilizer. I have spent approximately $2,500 of my own money between insurance deductibles and replacing items that were stolen from my vehicle in addition to the actual vehicle theft. The thefts caused over $13,000 of damage between the two claims, and surely have depreciated the value of my car significantly. Thousands of Kia customers are negatively affected by this negligence, and we are being punished and violated for owning c…”
NHTSA complaint #11485265, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there were knocking sounds before the engine suffered a failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over safely and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit software not being updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11480213, 2022

“I WAS DRIVING ON 8/28/2020 AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD THAT READ MY FORWARD COLLISION CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING AND IT STAYED LIT FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING AND EVENTUALLY WENT OFF BEFORE I PARKED THE CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IF THE BRAES MAY FAIL.THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION INITIALLY APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WHEN THE MESSAGE CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD. I WAS ON A CITY STREET DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11351939, 2020

“WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD AND A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF US (WHILE ONLY GOING 25MPH) THEN THE CAUTION FRONT SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR HAD A NOTIFICATION THAT POPPED UP SAID FRONT CAMERA IS BLOCKED. STAYED ON FOR 5 MINUTES THEN JUST SHUT OFF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11325495, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“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 running rough. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire and burned spark plug, and that there was oil inside the cylinder and on the spark plug. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11712167, 2025

“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 residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown engine recall, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the nearby dealer, where it was diagn…”
NHTSA complaint #11704565, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving 65 MPH, the driver came to a stop, and upon accelerating, the check engine warning light started flashing. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact used a code reader and determined the failure was wit…”
NHTSA complaint #11624194, 2022

Wheels 3

“Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding numerous premature defects in my 2019 Kia Optima, which have led to serious safety hazards and compromised driving conditions. Firstly, the premature valve cover gasket leaking has resulted in dangerous fumes infiltrating the cabin, posing a significant risk to my health and safety as well as that of any passengers. This issue has not only caused discomfort but also raised concerns about potential long-term health effects. Additionally, the premature turbo gasket leaking is a further cause…”
NHTSA complaint #11574707, 2023

“Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to bring to your attention a grave safety concern regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite diligent maintenance and care, my vehicle has experienced persistent alignment issues, particularly on the right side. Additionally, I have encountered premature axle shaft and axle boot failures, all of which have occurred well before reaching 60,000 miles. These issues have not only posed a significant financial burden but have also jeopardized the safety of myself and other road users. The repeated alignment problems have result…”
NHTSA complaint #11574794, 2023

“I just think theres some sort of a tech issue with my electronic dashboard. My passenger seatbelt sign goes on and beeps incessantly when there is no passenger in the seat. My caution alert button comes on saying I have low tire pressure when it’s only one number less than all the other tires. My oil change reminder never comes on. Today I was driving normally and the car in front of me barely tapped their breaks (and I was not close to them at all) and the collision alert started beeping. My car randomly gets cold and the AC smells like it’s on, but it’s not (the button isn't lit no…”
NHTSA complaint #11437582, 2021

Back Over Prevention 2

“While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11671304, 2025

“My 2019 KIA optima with 116,021 odometer on mileage. Stop in the middle of High Volume Traffic , Because of Software Issues , I suspect . All Forward Collision Warning Detection , Also Rear Collision Warning Alerted on dashboard!!! Which Causes my Car to stop in the middle of Traffic Completely shut down. I was able to get my vehicle towed to KIA West Dealership Located in lithia Springs GA . I requested a diagnostic test and was informed by my service advisor and service manager that my vehicle has a burned out wire located in the left right rear sensors radar assembly, bumper area . Which w…”
NHTSA complaint #11578118, 2024

Exterior Lighting 2

“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 wit…”
NHTSA complaint #11736183, 2026

“The AFLS forces the low beam headlights too low when passengers are in the back seat (see attachment for full details)”
NHTSA complaint #11502988, 2022

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to perform an oil change, the contact became aware that the hood latch was not operating as needed. The contact was unable to unlatch and raise the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the hood latch release cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11624852, 2024

“On my vehicle Kia, Optima, 2019 vehicle the latch on the hood broke for the second time. The first time took it to the Kia, place where I purchase the vehicle. Jim Shorkey in Irwin Pa. They could not open the hood. I needed oil in my car. I don't know where the oil is going! Took to my mechanic he had to go under the car to release the latch. This is the second time. I keep paying, this is not fair!!!!!! The warning light for oil!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11519777, 2023

Seat Belts 2

“I just think theres some sort of a tech issue with my electronic dashboard. My passenger seatbelt sign goes on and beeps incessantly when there is no passenger in the seat. My caution alert button comes on saying I have low tire pressure when it’s only one number less than all the other tires. My oil change reminder never comes on. Today I was driving normally and the car in front of me barely tapped their breaks (and I was not close to them at all) and the collision alert started beeping. My car randomly gets cold and the AC smells like it’s on, but it’s not (the button isn't lit no…”
NHTSA complaint #11437582, 2021

“Brakes don't feel right some times when I stop. My passage side seat belt dangs for no reason even when there nothing on my set. And ever once in a blue moon I can hear a dang dang noise idk where it's coming from but it's very soft sound.”
NHTSA complaint #11434942, 2021

Tires 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: PureContact LS, Tire Size: P235/45/R18, DOT Number: CNFUWD4M2622. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact felt an abnormal vibration coming the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal "booming" sound and saw in the rearview mirror what appeared to be sections of tread on the highway. The contact was called by his wife and drove to the location and replaced the defective tire with the spare and drove the vehicle to the tire dealer. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11606554, 2023

“Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready tires, size 235/45R18, installed on my 2019 Kia Optima SX. These tires have proven to be defective, failing to meet the standards of safety and durability promised by Goodyear. I would like Goodyear to refund for the defective tires! Despite being well within the mileage limit of the 60,000-mile warranty, Goodyear has refused to stand by their product. Instead, they have absurdly attempted to shift the blame onto me, suggesti…”
NHTSA complaint #11574793, 2023

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the fuel odor was stronger on the rear driver's side, where the gas tank was located. The used car dealer from whom the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,658.”
NHTSA complaint #11662524, 2025

Suspension 1

“Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to bring to your attention a grave safety concern regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite diligent maintenance and care, my vehicle has experienced persistent alignment issues, particularly on the right side. Additionally, I have encountered premature axle shaft and axle boot failures, all of which have occurred well before reaching 60,000 miles. These issues have not only posed a significant financial burden but have also jeopardized the safety of myself and other road users. The repeated alignment problems have result…”
NHTSA complaint #11574794, 2023

Visibility 1

“PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING 6/5/2020 WHILE IN MOTION IT HAS BEEN 110 DEGREES IN PHOENIX, AZ FOR THE PAST WEEK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11327404, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FIXED PANE GLASS ABRUPTLY FRACTURED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100. THE VIN WAS INVALID.*BF *AS”
NHTSA complaint #11240697, 2019

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Kia Optima draws about 25.5 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 7 among the Kia Optima model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Kia Optima

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

Related

Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

SaveVIN

Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.