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2019 Kia Optima
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
202 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 19, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (42% of complaints, typically reported near 45k miles).
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#258 of 431Among the 2019 models with a matured record, the 2019 Kia Optima ranks #258, scoring higher than 40% of them. See the 2019 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 10%
2 open NHTSA defect investigations on file, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2019 Kia Optima, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (19)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
42%85 complaints · typically near 45k mi · 47 in the last 2 years
“Engine failure, metal leaking into oil which caused engine to fail”
Driver assistance
18%36 complaints · typically near 2k mi · 14 in the last 2 years
“Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning”
Electrical system
11%22 complaints · typically near 65k mi · 10 in the last 2 years
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle…”
Brakes
9%19 complaints · 5 in the last 2 years
“When attempting to stop, my brake petal goes all the way to the floor causing me not being able to stop! No warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms or problems…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
We can place 3 of this model's commonly reported problem areas against a mileage. Nothing is stored.
Read all 202 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 26 crash/fire/injury reports →
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Forward Collision Avoidance · 19V539000
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: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this Kia before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2019 Kia Optima. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Owners of this model report engine problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 45k miles). Has this car shown any engine symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Owners of this model report driver assistance problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 2k miles). Has this car shown any driver assistance symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2019 Kia OPTIMA beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2019? See how every Optima model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2019 Kia Optima against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.