2019 Kia Optima driver assistance & safety tech problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V539000Jul 19, 201911,423 vehicles
  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: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 15, 2026KYDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown

   Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on

   NHTSA complaint #11750563 · source
2. Filed Jun 9, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.

   NHTSA complaint #11743068 · source
3. Filed Nov 16, 2025VABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I just recently purchased my 2019 Kia optima sx turbo. After purchase, I immediately began experiencing issues with the braking system and the forward collision warning light coming on. The cruise control stopped working as well. I googled and saw that there was a recall on the forward collision warning system but the local Kia dealership to me says there is not one. I almost had a head on collision in this car with my granddaughter coming from daycare as I completely lost…

   NHTSA complaint #11699647 · source
4. Filed Jul 5, 2025ILDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.

   NHTSA complaint #11671304 · source
5. Filed Mar 31, 2025VADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to Kia Service department several times in the past 2 months.

   NHTSA complaint #11651683 · source
6. Filed Mar 26, 2025LADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

   UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks.…

   NHTSA complaint #11650922 · source
7. Filed Feb 8, 2025MIBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Sometimes when I drive it will say my forward collision is blocked so it will disable but it normally shuts off. Tonight I'm driving on the freeway a steering wheel pops up then blind spot abs traction and a few more lights come on then it say check headlights those are dimming the radio is cutting off. The wipers aren't working but the car is still accelerating then all of a sudden the car goes from 55 to 0 the wheel locks and I have to coat to the side of the road.

   NHTSA complaint #11641536 · source
8. Filed Jan 22, 2025GACrashTowedDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   It was snowing and an icy day Jan. 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. I was driving on Buford Spring Connector going southbound. I was on a bridge and it was completely white and icy. I saw there was a car stopped in front of me. I tried to put on my breaks and my car would not slow down. I was getting closer to the other vehicle still trying to break. I tried to use my electronic emergency brake and it did not engage. The car did not even try to break for me which it normally does if…

   NHTSA complaint #11637667 · source
9. Filed Jan 2, 202520,000 miLABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Blind Spot Collision Warning System" and "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System" messages became displayed. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC codes: C121002 and C121102. The dealer replaced the rear wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11633620 · source
10. Filed Nov 14, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.

    NHTSA complaint #11625176 · source
11. Filed Jul 31, 202457,813 miCADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking while driving. The contact also stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors activated inadvertently…

    NHTSA complaint #11605731 · source
12. Filed Apr 5, 2024SCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    The engine is consuming oil very fast and needing oil way before the next oil change. The oil consumption test Kia did stated that it was 2 quarts low after the first 1000 miles. Car does not have extended warranty but this a manufacturing defect. Suggestion was new motor. Also it's recall for the forward collision safety feature but my car vin is not included even though it goes off when nothing is in front of me. They want me to pay for these issues the motor cost the same…

    NHTSA complaint #11581362 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology