Does the 2019 Kia Optima have recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2019 Kia Optima, including Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?

Owners filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (93), forward collision avoidance (36), electrical system (23), service brakes (19).

How much does a 2019 Kia Optima cost to own for 5 years?

About $37,240 over 5 years ($621/month) at an estimated $11,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2019 Kia Optima

The 2019 Kia Optima earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 70/100. Expect about $37,240 to own it for five years, or $621 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 214 complaints.

Recalls: 1
Complaints: 214
5-yr cost: $37k
MPG (EPA): 31

Strong

Ownership Score

2019 Kia Optima vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Optima?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

1 recall may apply

For the 2019 Kia Optima. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $11,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$37,240

$621/month · $0.62/mile

Depreciation	$3,152
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,485
Maintenance	$6,800
Repairs	$3,920
Loan interest	$3,193
Taxes & fees	$1,690

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

214 complaints20 involved a crash7 involved a fire

Engine93
Unknown Or Other44
Forward Collision Avoidance36
Electrical System23
Service Brakes19
Power Train18

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

What to check on a used 2019 Kia Optima

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Driver-assist systems
- Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
- Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2019 Kia Optima problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a good car to buy?: The 2019 Kia Optima earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 70/100. Expect about $37,240 to own it for five years, or $621 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 214 complaints.
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have recalls?: NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2019 Kia Optima, including Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?: Owners filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (93), forward collision avoidance (36), electrical system (23), service brakes (19).
How much does a 2019 Kia Optima cost to own for 5 years?: About $37,240 over 5 years ($621/month) at an estimated $11,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.