10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
16,114 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2019 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2019 Kia Optima Owner Comments

problem #7

Oct 172023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

System failed to pick up speed.

- Miami Gardens, FL, USA

problem #6

Oct 172023

Optima

  • miles
Since I have had the vehicle I have had to have multiple Spark Plugs and Engine Coils replaced, literally every 4-6 months. One diagnosis said there was a problem with the motor, when I told Kia, they did not come back with the same diagnosis, well they sort of did, but did not noter it as an issue. Also, my car burns oil way too fast. I'm having to put in 2-23 quarts every 2-3 weeks. I have been told that the GDI motors are the culprit for this. Have even heard Hyundai had a enough complaints and has recalled the motor, but Kia did not, so we are still running around here paying excessive amounts on oil and repairs.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #5

Jul 232023

Optima

  • miles
Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #4

Apr 172021

Optima

  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving up a hill and as I reached the top of the incline, my car stopped accelerating. I then attempted to use my brakes and I barely tapped them, but they reacted as if I slammed on my breaks. I took my foot off of the brakes and I began rolling backwards even though my car was still in drive. My brakes were then locked, I put my car in park and then turned off & then back on my car without removing the key. I then put my car back into drive, however, my gas pedal was still not working. I then turned my car off again, removed the key, put the key back, then restarted and went back into drive and it began to work again. There was not an issue after that.

- Richmond, TX, USA

problem #3

Feb 272020

Optima

  • 74,800 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph and merging onto the highway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pumped the accelerator pedal several times and the vehicle responded. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,800.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #2

Feb 042020

Optima

  • 8,801 miles
2019 Kia Optima, in July of 2019.1st instance, 2/4/2020 (late afternoon) I drove back from new albany in and as soon as I got off the freeway on keystone, I tried to turn a corner and the cel light came on flashing and the car would barely accelerate (heavy hesitation). They said do not drive, get a tow.I did, they hooked it up. An error to contact Kia eng. They indicated its 1 of 2 things, rock sensor harness/rock sensor. 1st they said they would replace the sensor but they only replaced the harness.mileage on this date 2/7/2020 8,801 miles. Picked up my car on February 7, 2020. 2nd instance 2/24/2020 @3pm(ish)- return trip to indianapolis from lafayette (round trip) apx 2:59P on the way back to work, I got off in zionsville to run to the store. I stopped at the light and tried to turn right, the exact same scenario as the 1st instance. Cel light, major hesitation and very little acceleration. Called service at Kia to get my rental ready and I was on my way in to the shop. The rental was ready and it was late Monday. He contacted who is the GM called me 2/24/2020 @6:16pm to say that he will look into this asap in the morning. He also indicated that he is part owner of lia dealer.on Monday evening I contracted Kia Corp office to file a case # same evening, I text my salesman but the gmcalled 8:07A explained its on the rack and the engineers have been contacted for the resolution and he will call me when they know more. Tues GM and GM of all local service depts) called and explained the issue, attempt at a resolution change the sensor and driving 10 miles to make sure it fixes it. How is 10 miles going to 'test' he agreed 30 mile test. He said if this sensor fails they (Kia Corp) will replace the engine! well the sensor is working 2 days so far. (last time it took 11 days and 1,177 miles to fail) I picked up car on 2/26/20. L

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #1

Dec 192019

Optima

  • 9,200 miles
If I slow down then speed up it takes off slow. If I go up a hill it putts and when I drive it just feels like its puttering the whole time. Took it to dealership of course they didn't find anything but this is a new car I know something is wrong. I just got the car in March drove fine no accidents or anything and it's kind of disappointing that my car is like this but know one knows what's wrong.

- Ellenwood, GA, USA

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