Is your car affected?
Check by VIN to confirm the
exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (1)
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia 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.
Canadian recalls (3)
Show 3 Canadian recalls
Engine
2022-01-11 · campaign 2022-004 · 200 vehicles
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: This only affects Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Engine
2019-12-17 · campaign 2019-639
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Brakes
2019-07-25 · campaign 2019-367 · 112 vehicles
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a problem with the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the brake assist feature not to work properly. This could affect the ability to help reduce or avoid a crash with a stationary vehicle.
Safety Risk:
If the brake assist system does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
Owner complaints (212)
Owners filed 212 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Optima (20 crashes, 7 fires, 16 injuries reported). Among 20 model years of this model, it ranks #10 for the most complaints (median 212).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Engine | 92 | |
| Unknown or other | 43 | |
| Forward collision avoidance | 36 | |
| Electrical system | 23 | |
| Service brakes | 18 | |
| Power train | 17 | |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 17 | |
| Structure | 14 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Kia Optima.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2019 Kia Optima version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Optima 1.6 L Automatic (AM7) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Optima 2.0 L Automatic (S6) | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Optima 2.4 L Automatic (S6) | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Optima FE 2.4 L Automatic (S6) | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Optima Hybrid 2.0 L Automatic (AM6) | 39 | 45 | 41 | $1,650 |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid 2.0 L Automatic (AM6) | 38 | 43 | 40 | $1,700 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.