Model year guide

2019 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2019 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 31 on record.

2019 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2019 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints198
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$18,272

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2019 Kia Optima recalls 1

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking NHTSA Campaign #19V539000 · 19/07/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2019 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2019 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,283

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2019 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$14,895
Typical price
$18,272
High
$23,999

From 24 comparable 2019 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2019 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,415
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,000
Total$14,415
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($18,272) with the same model 5 model-years older ($15,260), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2019 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX, S · EX · SX · LX/LX Conv/LX Conv Plus/1.6T LX/1.6T LX Tech
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl 185 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 178 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 245 hp

2019 Kia Optima vehicles on record

Other Kia Optima model years

2019 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2019 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Optima?

Based on 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2019 Kia Optima at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2019 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2019 Kia Optima listings run roughly $14,895–$23,999, typically around $18,272 (from 24 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.