2019 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 Kia Optima: 1 recall, 211 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #19V539000 · 2019 · 11,423 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Improper intervention of the forward collision-avoidance assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the fca software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (91): the most common themes are excess oil use (30), warning light on (25), stalls / loses power (19).
- Other / unknown (42): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Forward collision avoidance (36): the most common themes are warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (4).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (5), door / lock issues (4).
The 2019 Kia Optima has 211 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (well below the 376 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (48 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 30,224 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (232 complaints, 2 recalls), 2020 (150 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 Kia Optima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2019 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 211 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (91), other / unknown (42), forward collision avoidance (36).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.