Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on July 19, 2019 (Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?

Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (92 complaints), followed by unknown or other (43).

How many 2019 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?

20 of 212 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 16 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2019 Kia Optima recalls and problems

1 recall and 212 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima.

recalls

212

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2019 Kia Optima recalls

Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking

NHTSA campaign 19V539000 · reported July 19, 2019 · Kia Motors America · 11,423 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine92
Unknown or other43
Forward collision avoidance36
Electrical system23
Service brakes18
Fuel/propulsion system17
Power train17
Structure14
Air bags12
Vehicle speed control10

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · fire reported
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…

Oct 8, 2026 · Engine
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, ENGINE SEIZED ,WILL NOT CRANK .SUSPECTED CONECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE UNDER SAFETY RECALL SC200, I CALL KIA [phone removed] DENIED RECALL REPAIR AND BEARING CLEARANCE TEST STATING VEHICLE IS REBUILT TITLE. FEDERAL SAFETY RECALL CANNOT BE DENIED DUE TO REBUILT TITLE PER NHTSA…

Sep 30, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
On …, Towbin Kia Service (Henderson, NV) officially diagnosed my 2019 Kia Optima (VIN: […], Mileage: 118,325) with a critical component failure: "LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING FROM TOP HAT" (Invoice #…). Despite documenting a severe, volatile raw fuel leak that presents an immediate fire and explosion hazard, the…

Sep 29, 2026 · Engine
The vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while being driven on the interstate at highway speeds. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally beyond approximately 60 mph, the Check Engine Light began flashing rapidly, and the vehicle entered “Limp Home Mode.” This sudden loss of power…

Sep 24, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control AC vents while sitting at…

Optima model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2016	5	760	27	20
2017	3	257	4	9
2018	2	233	10	10
2019	1	212	20	7
2020	0	151	6	3

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on July 19, 2019 (Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?: Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (92 complaints), followed by unknown or other (43).
How many 2019 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?: 20 of 212 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 16 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 9, 2026.