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2019 Kia Optima: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Optima years.
One of the Kia Optima years to avoid. All Optima years
634 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2019 Optima?The 2019 Kia Optima has 634 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and forward collision avoidance.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Kia Optima vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Optima years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Optima?
Across the 20 Optima model years we track, complaint volume runs from 75 (2010) to 1,440 (2013). With 634 complaints, the 2019 Optima sits above the model's median of 225.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Optima
forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Campaign 19V539000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2011) report exceptionally high reliability and satisfaction, with examples reaching over 270,000 miles with minimal maintenance beyond oil changes.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Optima. See the full Optima owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Optima listings typically run $8,155–$12,889 across 2011 to 2020 model years.
Other Optima model years
Compare every Optima year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Optima against its rivals
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