Model year
2019 Kia Optima
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 212 complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 1 complaint under OPTIMA HYBRID and OPTIMA PHEV. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (92), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (43), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS (30). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA rated 2 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 24–41 mpg combined and 33 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $1,650–$2,800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 143 complaints
- 2002 107 complaints
- 2003 141 complaints
- 2004 225 complaints
- 2005 144 complaints
- 2006 155 complaints
- 2007 167 complaints
- 2008 144 complaints
- 2009 116 complaints
- 2010 75 complaints
- 2011 594 complaints
- 2012 920 complaints
- 2013 1,386 complaints
- 2014 590 complaints
- 2015 1,009 complaints
- 2016 759 complaints
- 2017 257 complaints
- 2018 233 complaints
- 2019 212 complaints
- 2020 151 complaints
Recalls
19V539000 · Jul 19, 2019
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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…
Complaints
212 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 20, fire flag on 7, injury field 16, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| OPTIMA HYBRID | 0 | 0 |
| OPTIMA PHEV | 0 | 1 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA19001 | Electrical overstress · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE | Apr 19, 2019 | Sep 19, 2024 |
| DP22003 | Loss of Motive Power · ENGINE | Sep 12, 2022 | Dec 12, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.098 | NHTSA photo |
| Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.098 | — |
| Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima · 1.6L · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 37 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| Optima · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Optima · 2.4L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 33 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Optima FE · 2.4L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 35 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| Optima Hybrid · 2L · Automatic (AM6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Hybrid | 39 | 45 | 41 | — | — | $1,650 |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid · 2L · Automatic (AM6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 38 | 43 | 40 | 33.0 | 610 | $1,700 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2019 Kia Optima at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.