MyCarTSB

2019 Kia Optima Other Problems

27 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

27
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (27)

mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.

NHTSA #: 11728158
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2026

Your car's paint is bubbling and peeling off in spots, which is affecting your vehicle's trade-in value. The dealer indicated this is a common issue with white-colored vehicles. Addressing this would likely involve stripping the affected areas and repainting them to match your car's finish.

NHTSA #: 11713252
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2025

I purchased this car off the show room floor in 2019 with only 10 miles on it. At some point in 2022 my car was slow to accelerate. I received the recall letter September 16,2022. no appointments until 08/09/2023. It didn't help .It was still stalling two weeks after. I have talked to the manager numerous occasions. He said it sounds like the transmission. The parts manager told me he will keep it overnight so his mechanics can drive it the following morning. That didn't happen. This car is a safety hazard. I can't pull out in front of anyone due to the car stalling. My family like to have lost our lives this weekend 05/31/2025 due to the car failing to accelerate(stalling). I have filed complaints with KIA head quarters twice. They keep telling me that if there's no warning lights on they can't identify the problem. On 01/06/2025, the manager and parts manager agreed to keep my car for a couple of days. I paid for my oil change/tire rotation and they sent me on my way. the bottom line is this car will be the death of me. God forbid!!

NHTSA #: 11664182
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2025

I own a 2019 kia that is garage low milage 35,757 when not driving. the paint had a spot of paint missing on the hood and i ordered touchup paint to protect and before it arrived i noticed a larger spot. I drove to town and a large spot flaked. I call the dealer and they said they didn't handle that. I called kia customer service and they said would write a work order and i haven't heard any thing from them. i have gone to computer to see if any recalls and none. there are a lot of complaints from owners but no help from Kia . I read an article from Kia that they had stopped using the pearl white paint due to so many complaints. This need to be address and something done. I took to a reputable body shop today and received estimate and it was not just my hood found spots on right fender and trunk with estimate of almost $4,000.00 . I can not make Kia repaint my car and i can not leave it to rust nor can i afford a new car. Canada did recalls on this matter the United States needs to stand up for the people of the United States.

NHTSA #: 11659098
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2025

HAD CAR FOR 2 AND 1/2 YEARS STARTING ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH OIL LEAKING ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING CAR AND MADE SHAKING SOUND BOUGHT TO MECHANIC AND TOLD ME THE OIL LEAKED HAVE TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND HAVE DONE ABOUT 4 TIMES NOW SEPT 2024, FEB 2025, 03-14-25 AND THIS MORNING 03-23-25. I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR BESIDES COSTS FOR REPAIRS. THANKS APPRECIATE ANY HELP. MY MECHANIC SAID WHEN ENGINE WAS BUILT NOT PUT IN STRAIGHT IN VEHICLE WONDERING IF THIS RELATED TO MY ISSUE.

NHTSA #: 11649988
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2024

On October 30th 2024, I purchased a 2019 Kia Optima from San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. On November 26th the car was stolen from in front of my house, while the alarm was activated and the key was in our possession. I went online to the Kia website to find some information and found that there was a recall on that vehicle to install an anti-theft device. San Diego Chrysler did not have this done. I contacted them in regards to that not being done and they replied that they offered me to purchase a GPS system. They don't seem to feel anything was done wrong but if a car has an open recall, it would seem that a dealer needs to have that done PRIOR to selling a car to a consumer who is unaware of the theft problem. I had the car for three weeks, lost my trade-in, deposit and still have it financed. Big conglomerates need to be held accountable.

NHTSA #: 11629109
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2024

I currently have 119500 miles on my 2019 Kia Optima. I am losing oil somewhere between oil changes, and the car is beginning to hesitate while driving. I don't see oil on the ground but I have had to put in 2-3 1/2 quarts of oil way too often. For this to happen on some many vehicles, it must be a manufacturer defect. The hesitation just started and I'm taking it do get a diagnostic test. 11

NHTSA #: 11589707
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2024

I own a 2019 Kia Optima whose paint is peeling off rapidly. The paint began peeling in a tiny spot that I thought was a chip from a rock but has now grown to several spots peeling all over. I first noticed this in 2020 I visited my dealer on January 2024 to no avail. Not only was their technician rude, but he also said the paint was not covered under KIA’s bumper to bumper warranty. I have bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty at the dealer. I’ve owned several cars in my life and have never had this problem with any of them. I currently own a 2003 Toyota whose paint is in much better condition than my 2019 Kia. I believe this is a factory defect with this paint color and would like you to further investigate and help to restore my KIA so that the peeling stops. I’m attaching several photos for your review. The color is Snow White Pearl.

NHTSA #: 11580864
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2024

Clear coat paint is peeling rapidly on the driver side door. This is the only affected area and this car has never been in an accident, so it’s the original manufactured part. Car has 59K miles on it

NHTSA #: 11575160
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2024

I like kids however I purchased a Kia used in 2021, I started to notice that all consumption was going out fast before oil changes was due. I still have this ongoing problem but they say there's no recall on these GDI motors however other people I see informs or experiencing the same issues. I now have to try to get an appointment with Kia for an oil change before it's time for the oil change and to do a oil consumption test and then hopefully the main factors or kia will replace this motor even though there's no warranty on the car. I might also have a issue with the front collision feature because I have been noticing in the past few weeks that this feature comes on even when there's no car in front of me it will start to break however it says that my car is not a part of a software upgrade so I got to ask them about that as well. There is definitely a issue with the GDI motors and Kia really needs to recall them all and replace the motors it should not burn all the way that it does I've never had any car of any brand or manufacturer burn oil the way that this car is burning oil. I cannot financially afford to go out here and trade this car in and get another car with the type of payment that I have for this car since I had my bank finances car.

NHTSA #: 11575062
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

Vehicle safety immobilizer is not present as a result vehicle cannot be insured in the state of ct

NHTSA #: 11570626
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2023

It’s a 2019 KIA optima the color is snow pearl white and it is peeling off. the car only has 31262 miles on it it’s peeling on top at the windshield

NHTSA #: 11539924
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jan 2023

ABS light came on for no apparent reason and took car to Kia dealership and was told it needs ABS Issue: “Your car is going to need an ABS Actuator, this controls how the ABS modulates the brakes when under dangerous braking conditions so that your brakes don't lock up..$2676.56 just for that repair if you'd like us to replace it” and I searched online and do see that some 2019 Kia models had a recall for this very issue, but my VIN is not showing up as affected. The lights came on about 6 mos ago, cleared and then came back on again. Car is at Moritz KIa in FW, TX right now.

NHTSA #: 11503896
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2022

The paint on the roof of the 2019 Kia Optima is peeling back. Also, have paint that has let go around the hood. I inquired at the dealer at around 40,000 miles. The employee said that the paint was only warranted through the first 36,000 miles. I drive a lot of miles to work, and this was within the first year I purchased the vehicle. The employee said that the pearl white color was the one color that they saw the most complaints with the paint.

NHTSA #: 11488374
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2022

The paint is chipping on the right side of the vehicle it is through the primer.

NHTSA #: 11482606
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2022

As soon as I pulled onto the parkway, I heard a loud bang almost like a gunshot. Pulled over to inspect the vehicle and my sunroof had exploded. No rocks or foreign objects. The sunroof looked as if it blew up from the inside out forming almost a “volcano” shape. After trying for an hour to get ahold of Kia, they inform me this won’t be covered under warranty. Filed a claim with insurance. This is very dangerous and if my visor was opened, I could have been cut to pieces. This could easily cause a wreck and danger myself and others

NHTSA #: 11479279
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

Optima SXL, 2019, 5,678 miles. When using the air conditioning, liquid on passenger side fills up on my mate about 1/2 inch. Took to dealer Three times. States the hose gets clogged and they have to clear this. Now car starting to smell like mold/mildew. Rug is getting wet. They did not want to detail the call. Service person tells me to bring it back and they will unclog it. But I want it fix not keep coming back to unclog the hose. They stated this happens all the time. This sees to be a problem to me. It’s a New Vehicle. What can I do?

NHTSA #: 11442026
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

my car has been broken into and stolen twice by the same people because of how easy it is to steal it (Kia and Hyundai). Kia hasn’t fixed the issue of their car door locks can be busted with a screen driver and the ignition can too. My car has been stolen twice the same way they bust my door lock bust my ignition and steal the car. Kia won’t even acknowledge the issue despite their being many complaints about the same thing happening to other peoples cars. Filed insurance claims both times and both times the car has been recovered

NHTSA #: 11442030
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2021

ther are two Problems with my car when my phone is connected via USB to the vehicle the screen turn black and completely shut off while driving the other issue is the forward collision when there’s a car in front of me and I go to put on my for my brakes the car beats and slides rather than breaking

NHTSA #: 11423338
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2020

LAST NIGHT A WARNING MESSAGE POPPED UP THAT SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT CRASH COLLISION SENSOR AND IT WAS TURNING OFF. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING HOME AND THIS MORNING IT WAS OFF BUT POPPED BACK UP AFTER AROUND 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11376125
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Nov 2020

WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.

NHTSA #: 11373422
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2020

FROM DAY ONE I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DRIVER ASSIST FRONT CAMERA SHUTTING OFF BY ITSELF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I WAS TOLD BY MY KIA DEALER THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. IT HAS REOCCURRED MANY MORE TIMES SINCE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ORANGE DISPLAY LIGHT GOES OFF.

NHTSA #: 11372414
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON 8/28/2020 AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD THAT READ MY FORWARD COLLISION CAMERA WAS NOT WORKING AND IT STAYED LIT FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING AND EVENTUALLY WENT OFF BEFORE I PARKED THE CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IF THE BRAES MAY FAIL.THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION INITIALLY APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WHEN THE MESSAGE CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD. I WAS ON A CITY STREET DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11351939
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2020

HARD STARTING AND WHEN IT DOES START IT ACTS LIKE IT SLUGGISH. YOU CAN TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON AND IT IS FINE.

NHTSA #: 11322763
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2019

I WAS LOOKING ON CREDIT KARMA AND READ THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I HAD NO CLUE AND HAVEN'T HAD ANYONE CONTACT ME IN REGARDS TO THIS! I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY

NHTSA #: 11257250
lowUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car's paint is peeling off in large areas, and this appears to be a manufacturing defect where the paint wasn't properly bonded to the body during production. This is a cosmetic issue that affects the appearance of your vehicle. Fixing this typically requires having the affected areas professionally repainted or refinished by a body shop.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11725400
lowUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

The paint on your hood is peeling off. This is a cosmetic issue that doesn't affect how your car drives, but it can expose the underlying metal to rust over time. The fix would likely involve repainting the hood or having the hood replaced and repainted.

NHTSA #: 11707354

Other 2019 Kia Optima Issues