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ProblemsByVin File / 2019-KIA-OPTIMA
2019 · kia

kia Optima problems

1 safety recall. 193 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
57 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
17 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
15 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
body
13 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
12 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
12 reports · avg $450
severe
cruise control
6 reports · avg $600
severe
steering
6 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2019 Optima · body
Paint is bubbling and chipping. When I call the dealer I get voicemails or a sales rep telling me its not covered despite the warranty manual stating it is.
12/22/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11444715.0
2019 Optima · powertrain
IF I SLOW DOWN THEN SPEED UP IT TAKES OFF SLOW. IF I GO UP A HILL IT PUTTS AND WHEN I DRIVE IT JUST FEELS LIKE ITS PUTTERING THE WHOLE TIME. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP OF COURSE THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING BUT THIS IS A NEW CAR I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG. I JUST GOT THE CAR IN MARCH…
12/19/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290177.0
2019 Optima · engine
Since January 2024 I have had to replace the spark plugs more than 3 times. It has also had to have an oil change done at least every two months regardless of the miles that were put in it. BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY Mid October 2024 a full tune up was done as well as oil change and…
12/13/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11630663.0
2019 Optima · powertrain
Brought vehicle in for Recall-SC340 Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM S/W Upgrade. After service was performed I took my vehicle back home and noticed that my down shifting was different, jolty and clunky. Prior to the upgrade my vehicle shifted flawlessly. Took my vehicle back in to have…
12/12/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11704658.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V539000 19/07/2019

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1

Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Kia Optima is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2019 Kia Optima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 57 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Optima has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Kia Optima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 193 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 16 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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