Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2019 Kia Optima Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 213 owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (93) and forward collision avoidance (36). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
213
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
213 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2019 – Oct 2026
- Engine93
- Forward collision avoidance36
- Electrical system23
- Service brakes19
- Fuel/propulsion system17
- Power train17
- Structure14
- Air bags12
- Vehicle speed control11
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
93 reports6 fires
“Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated by manufacturer and cause is unknown. No warning lamps illuminated.”
Forward collision avoidance
36 reports8 crashes
“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”
Electrical system
23 reports3 fires
“While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- EV range
- 610 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 43 | 40 | $1,600 | 97 |
- 40mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 13141
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2019 Optima Plug-in Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 213 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (93), forward collision avoidance (36), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026