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2019 Kia Optima: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

1Safety recalls
210Owner complaints
5★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign and 210 owner complaints on file, with an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether recalls apply, whether repairs were completed, and what to verify before you buy.

2019 Kia Optima safety record graphic showing 1 recalls, 210 owner complaints and 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
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2019 Kia Optima pages show model-level safety data. A Carchieve VIN report checks the exact car before you buy.

Safety record reviewed October 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2019 Kia Optima has 1 safety recall campaign and 210 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 model-level safety record. To see whether a specific Optima had applicable recalls repaired and what its decoded VIN says, 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:

Engine90
Unknown Or Other42
Forward Collision Avoidance36
Electrical System23
Service Brakes19
Fuel17

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 associated with this model year. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer when the exact VIN is affected. Check your specific VIN to confirm applicability and completion.

What problems do 2019 Kia Optima owners report?

Owners have filed 210 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 recalls, decoded specifications and buyer checks.

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