Problems · by component

2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid forward collision avoidance problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid cite forward collision avoidance, 17% of all 213 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
36
17% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the forward collision avoidance

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2026Unknown or other, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11750563
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2026Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11743068
“I just recently purchased my 2019 Kia optima sx turbo. After purchase, I immediately began experiencing issues with the braking system and the forward collision warning light coming on. The cruise control stopped working as well. I googled and saw that there was a recall on the forward collision warning system but the local Kia dealership to me says there is not one. I almost had a head on collision in this car with my granddaughter coming from daycare as I completely lost brakes. I have put so much money into purchasing this car believing it to be a good car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2025Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11699647
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2025Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11671304
“Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to Kia Service department several times in the past 2 months.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11651683
“UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11650922

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2019 Optima Plug-in Hybrid problem areas