The Lemon Index2019 Kia Optima.
The 2019 Kia Optima is better than average by owner complaints: 55 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 1 recall, and it gets 24 to 41 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 212 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 9K to 73K miles on the car (52 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 24K–122K miles
Recalls 1
- automatic emergency braking 2019
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 130 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (15%), engine (15%) and airbags (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
1 safety recall (latest: automatic emergency braking). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Optima get?
24 to 41 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,500 and 73,600 miles. The middle report was at 30,200 miles, from 52 complaints.
Does the 2019 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works