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2019 Kia Optima: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

1Safety recalls
198Owner complaints
5★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 open NHTSA safety recall and 198 owner complaints on file, with an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether the work was done and to verify mileage and title.

Safety record reviewed June 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 open safety recall and 198 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public safety record. To see whether a specific Optima had its recalls repaired and how its mileage and title check out, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Campaign 19V539000 · 19/07/2019

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.

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

What owners complain about

The systems 2019 Kia Optima owners report most often to federal regulators:

Engine84
Unknown Or Other38
Forward Collision Avoidance34
Electrical System22
Service Brakes19
Power Train16

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 NHTSA recall campaign. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check your specific VIN to see whether the work was completed.

What problems do 2019 Kia Optima owners report?

Owners have filed 198 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Optima, most often about the engine, unknown or other, forward collision avoidance.

How do I check a specific Optima's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2019 Kia Optima

This page covers the model. For one exact car, run its 17-character VIN to confirm its recalls, mileage and title.

Check a VIN