2019 Kia Optima Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2019 Kia Optima recalls

Most common 2019 Kia Optima problems

Problem areas named in the 212 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	92
Forward Collision Avoidance	44
Unknown Or Other	43
Electrical System	23
Service Brakes	18
Power Train	17
Fuel/Propulsion System	17
Structure	14
Air Bags	12
Vehicle Speed Control	10

What owners report

2026-10-09, Engine
Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated by manufacturer and cause is unknown. No warning lamps illuminated.

2026-10-08, Engine
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, ENGINE SEIZED ,WILL NOT CRANK .SUSPECTED CONECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE UNDER SAFETY RECALL SC200, I CALL KIA 18003334542 DENIED RECALL REPAIR AND BEARING CLEARANCE TEST STATING VEHICLE IS REBUILT TITLE. FEDERAL SAFETY RECALL CANNOT BE DENIED DUE TO REBUILT TITLE PER NHTSA .REQUESTING RECALL REMEDY.

2026-09-30, Fuel/Propulsion System
On XXX, Towbin Kia Service (Henderson, NV) officially diagnosed my 2019 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 118,325) with a critical component failure: "LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING FROM TOP HAT" (Invoice #XXX). Despite documenting a severe, volatile raw fuel leak that presents an immediate fire and explosion hazard, the dealership refused to keep the vehicle. They explicitly released this active safety hazard back to me. The service department even arranged a third-party Lyft ride to transport my children and me to the dealership to pick up the leaking car and force us to drive it home. The vehicle is currently parked outside my residence, actively leaking raw fuel and filling the cabin w

2026-09-29, Engine
The vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while being driven on the interstate at highway speeds. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally beyond approximately 60 mph, the Check Engine Light began flashing rapidly, and the vehicle entered “Limp Home Mode.” This sudden loss of power occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an authorized Kia dealership service center. Diagnostic testing confirmed DTC P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System). The dealership performed the manufacturer’s Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), and the dealership paperwork documents a “NO PASS

2026-09-24, Fuel/Propulsion System
On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control AC vents while sitting at an idle.The vehicle was brought back to Kia Store East on September 10, 2026, specifically to report this volatile safety issue. On September 17, 2026, the dealership technician explicitly duplicated and confirmed the raw fuel odor coming from the engine area in writing. Despite confirming the gasoline smell, the dealership is refusing to perform a manual high-pressure fuel sys

2019 Kia Optima questions

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2019 Kia Optima: Automatic Braking May Fail to Engage for Stopped Vehicles. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?

Based on 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (92), Forward Collision Avoidance (44), Unknown Or Other (43).

How do I check if a recall on my 2019 Kia Optima has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.