NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 212 owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima. Most complaints involve engine (92) and forward collision avoidance (36). The EPA rates it 24–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Optima model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 110 |
| 2003 | 144 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 144 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 594 |
| 2012 | 920 |
| 2013 | 1,387 |
| 2014 | 591 |
| 2015 | 1,011 |
| 2016 | 760 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 233 |
| 2019 | 212 |
| 2020 | 151 |
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 292 |
| Optima FE Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 | 325 |
| Optima Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,400 | 327 |
| Optima Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,700 | 371 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 212 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (92), forward collision avoidance (36), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Kia Optima at 24–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Kia Optima 5 out of 5 stars overall.