A low-complaint late Optima
The 2019 Optima has one of the lowest complaint rates. Oil use and forward collision warnings are the main reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 215 owner complaints and 1 recalls
223 54% below the Optima average
1 free to fix at a dealer
Every Optima year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Optima
Top problems and what they cost
Oil consumption
Some engines use oil between changes.
Fix: Oil consumption test free
Engine
Forward collision faults
Warning lights and false braking on some cars.
Fix: Calibration $150 to $400
Collision avoidance
Recalls
Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Kia Optima
- Confirm recall 19V539 shows as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Optima has 1 recall on record, listed below.
- Check the oil level.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 40 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2019 Optima.
Questions
Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?
A low-complaint late Optima. The 2019 Optima has one of the lowest complaint rates. Oil use and forward collision warnings are the main reports.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
1 recall. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?
Oil consumption; Forward collision faults.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.