2019 KIA OPTIMA

1 recalls, 309 complaints - 126 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

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.

11,423 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

309 total complaints 31 crashes 5 fires 26 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	50
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	42
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	36
POWER TRAIN	24
AIR BAGS	16
STEERING	16
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	13
SERVICE BRAKES	12
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	9

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

Oil is needing added on a weekly basis to keep up with how much the engine is burning, Spark Plugs and Coils have been changed excessively, the dealership says we may end up being covered by a recall but the engine needs to completely fail first.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

The paint on my car is delaminating. There are bubbles throughout the car and a few huge bubbles have popped and now the bare body is visible. I have called Kia corporate and they have denied my request to repaint the car. They are telling me that the is a three-year warranty on the paint. My car i... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

My 2026 Honda Odyssey was stopped at a traffic light with Auto Idle Stop engaged. When traffic was ready to move, the engine appeared to restart for about half a second and then shut down. The vehicle then shifted itself into Park and would not resume normal operation. The battery warning light was ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

High pressure fuel pump issue diagnosed by mechanic. The models prior to mine up to and some 2021 vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN is not considered within the recall. My vehicle is a very early 2021 bought in 202 that likely has the same fuel filter as 2020sz

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My vehicle is currently experiencing drivability issues including: * Wrench warning light with “See Manual” message, * Hesitation during acceleration, * Intermittent reduced engine power, * Prior fuel odor concerns, * Unsafe acceleration response while driving.

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Both exhaust manifold cracked causing exhaust fumes to leak in to cab

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

On 05/31/2026, while Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) was actively engaged, the vehicle was taking the La Brea Avenue entrance ramp onto the I-10 freeway in Los Angeles, CA. FSD suddenly accelerated aggressively and the vehicle drifted hard to the left without any driver steering input. The driver was ... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

2022 Silverado 1500 LTZ w/6.2L 38082 total miles. First engine replacement due to seizure at approx. 17,782 miles around June/2025, The vehicle lost all propulsion and stopped running while sitting at a stop sign at a four way intersection during a really bad thunderstorm, Luckily the intersection... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes in... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

The panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate, with no visible impact, object strike, or prior damage observed. The component involved is the sunroof glass panel, and it has already been removed and replaced through insurance repairs, so it is no... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

2 injured

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact remote started the vehicle and left the vehicle unattended for several minutes. When returning to the vehicle, the vehicle was on fire, and the window was shattered. The fire was coming from the rear window behind the driver's side, which... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

The front camera has failed and it is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and everyone in my car is at risk when the pre-collision assist is not available due to this components failure. Yes, it is a daily occurrence and the camera never stays on for long. A fix was attempte... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the excessive ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

Cluster went black when driving the truck. It came back a few minutes later after re-starting the engine. It seems there is a recall issued in Dec/2025, but my truck is not included on the list of suspect VIN numbers.

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

On a fateful day, I, [XXX] , found myself in a harrowing situation on the interstate. While driving, my car unexpectedly flipped over, tumbling four times before coming to a jarring stop. The chaos began when my engine backfired violently, which was followed by the alarming sight of smoke rising fro... Read more

Crash Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

The ICCU unit failed and the car first slowed and then stopped. I was able to pull off the road at an intersection. A tow truck had to jump charge the battery to allow the car to be shifted into neutral in order to pull it onto the tow truck.

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 217,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 342,912.

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded and shattered. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained pending an inspection. The manufacturer wa... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

Excessive engine oil lead from the back seal. Also, slow coolant leak. The car has a low mileage of 46k.

Incident date: Nov 15, 2025

The vehicle recently showed an error stating "Service 4WD" which appears to be a known issue with this model of vehicle. When checking the VIN number, it appears this particular vehicle is supposedly not one that has this issue. However with that being said, it is giving the code that is specifica... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message to "Check ABS" was displaye... Read more

Incident date: Oct 7, 2025

Complete engine failure and it just outside the recall. This is unacceptable and needs fixed.

Incident date: Oct 7, 2025

I purchased this vehicle in July 2025 from Porsche Delaware. The car had 7000 miles on it certified preowned after owning it for one week I started having yellow lights come on for parking lien changer detections driving assistance brought it into Porsche in Clifton Park New York, they recorded the ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2023

UNKNOWN There are two issues. First one: After using the defrost, the rear window will shatter after the air pressure is change, opening the driver's side door to get in,the back glass shattered it. Second one: The technician informed me that on the nissian rogue, there is a gap in the back door... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2023

I had a problem once with the interface module, and since it was still under warranty, the Ford dealership in Fairfield, California replaced it and at 3:32 AM today January 3, 2026. The interface module turned off for a couple seconds and then turned back on which was basically the same problem as i... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2025

On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

In FMVSS 138, it says that the tire pressure monitoring system will warn drivers of under inflated tires. My TPMS system failed on my MY19 Chevrolet Equinox around 49,000 miles and no longer warns me of underinflated tires for all four tires. To fix it I would have to pay out of pocket costs start... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

On 11/7/25 I brought my Jeep Wrangler 4xe for the two active recalls and an oil change. The battery recall could not be done. The motive power was supposedly fixed. Since then there has been a new problem. The Jeep gets to the point of stall (like the motive power issue) however right before the sta... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

The contact rented a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at unknown highway speeds, the lane departure malfunctioned. The vehicle was jumping while driving and became uncontrollable. The steering wheel had unknown damage. The wheel cover was removed, but the failure persisted. T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2025

We had to replace the engine about 4 years ago and we’re still getting gas smell into the cabin. About 3 years ago, we broke down on the road because the transmission quit. All our repairs have been done through Ford service department. We are now broke down again because of the transmission. S... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2025

Truck was purchased Aug 2024 During first few months, I felt a shudder/vibration when either holding speed and/or slightly accelerating between 30-45 mph, usually at 1100-1300 RPM. Current Odometer 33,995 In the last month the truck has began to vibrate worse. I have a "Rumblestrip" feeling when a... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2025

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

My cruise control stopped working and all my lane assist stopped working. My front camera stopped working. I went to the Honda dealership, and it was going to be over $2000 to replace. The car is only 6 years old, it has had no accidents or problems. I’m incredibly upset that this already is a pro... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

At an unspecified service visit I Was told tires were at manufacturers recommended psi YESTERDAY - left the lot at 1530. The next morning - warning system indicated low psi- even as low as 30psi and front passenger so low it did not give a reading??? I have no idea why a service visit was even rec... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The engine light continues to come on and the only reading it gives off is that the engine is running lean. Nothing seems to be smoking or wrong with the vehicle. It continues to drive well. Then the backup cameras started to go on a blink. It comes off and on intermittently sometimes on while drivi... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while driving on the freeway. The check-engine light began flashing, and the car immediately stopped accelerating. I was in the fast lane at freeway speeds when the vehicle lost power, forcing me to activate my hazard lights and merge into the slow lane... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

Incident date: May 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image was distorted. A message "Check with Dealer" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to an un... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2025

P0301 code Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected.

Incident date: Nov 14, 2025

An “engine fault check engine now” Came up. We quickly brought our 2017 Ford escape into our near by Ford dealership. Mechanic says a P2601 code came up, which is related to coolant to Aux pump performance. They found reservoir leaking a reservoir spiderd hose down to oil cooler. Found coolant r... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2025

Unknown…. Cut open my shin (leg) on the bottom corner of my driver’s door (black plastic side molding). That part is sharp! Required ER with 14 stitches on 9-24-25. As of today I’m still recovering.

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 11, 2025

I was driving about 40 MPH, message popped "camera blocked, clean front windshield" I did and the message cleared. A few minutes later it came back so I cleaned the windshield again. What happened next shocked me. Without any warning while traveling 30 mph the automatic braking system came on and st... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was a hollow clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with crankshaft bearing failure. The contact was informed that the crankshaf... Read more

Showing 50 of 309 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.8%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	30.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: 292.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

126 manufacturer communications from 94 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	33
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	25
010000 STEERING	10
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	9
350000 EQUIPMENT	9
140000 AIR BAGS	7
100000 POWER TRAIN	4
220000 SEATS	4

140000 AIR BAGS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT FOR DTC(S) B1380/B1384 (WTY036) - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY036) to diagnose and repair certain a

140000 AIR BAGS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION: SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) INSPECTION ANDREPLACEMENT FOR DTC(S) B1380/B1384 (WTY036) - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY036) to diagnose and repai

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY036) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY036) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warrant

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY036) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs rela

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY036) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY036.

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY036) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the illumination of the A

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT (PI1805Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI1805) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement&#3

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Modu

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pro

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump filter assembly on 2016-2

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides inform

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supp

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on your vehicle's Engine Control Mo

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.0

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optim

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC205).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA 2.0L T-GDI ULEV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR EMISSIONS (SC205) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure in 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure for 2016-2020 MY Op

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extensi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressur

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF THE DUAL PINION MOTOR DRIVER POWER STEERING SYSTEM - This bulletin provides information regarding the availability of partial repair (depending on faulty components) of the Dual Pinion Motor Dri

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pr

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside e

130000 VISIBILITY

PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. When servicing windshield wi

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

035000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulle

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be i

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a partial repair on the trunk latch base sub assembly on the certain Forte, Rio and Optima vehicles, which may exhibit a difficult-to-close/latch concern with the trunk lid.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB/SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA421) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the fuel tank air filter, and, if necessary, the Natu

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Battery Management System (BMS), Oil Pump Control Unit (OPU) and Motor Control Unit (MCU) o

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB_R2 - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to th

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP 638: HVAC TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR INOPERATIVE, TICKING AND/OR MAKING A POPPING NOISE - This Pitstop provides information regarding an inoperative, or clicking and popping noise concern from the heater box blend door.

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1805_R1: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin provides information related to a software upd

350000 EQUIPMENT

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805): OWNER NOTIFICATION - OPTIMA -This document is the owner letter for Kia Optima owners advising them of the Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on some 2019 MY Optima vehicles equip

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) - TSB: This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805): QA - This document is the Question and Answer Guide for this Product Improvement Campaign to improve the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) logic.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - This document is notice to the Dealer Principals advising them of the Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect th

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTCE - This document is the Dealer Service Manager notification that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (E

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC169_Rev1): ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and, if necessary, rep

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is s

Showing 100 of 126 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001, 2019).

59 Total Recalls

10,296 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

524 Reported Crashes

467 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020	0	199	View
2019 (current)	1	309
2018	2	329	View
2017	3	351	View
2016	5	1,067	View
2015	4	1,389	View
2014	7	780	View
2013	9	1,872	View
2012	5	1,260	View
2011	5	771	View
2010	1	99	View
2009	1	166	View
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	217	View
2006	2	214	View
2005	0	180	View
2004	1	306	View
2003	2	190	View
2002	3	168	View
2001	3	231	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2019 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models