2019 Kia Optima engine problems
95 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2019 Kia Optima, which is 29% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 95 29% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 72,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 20 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 72,000 miles, and 35% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 6 fires.
What owners wrote
This car was equipped with the theta ll engine and I believe that’s what caused it because it was an electrical smoldering. The car has been signed over to the insurance company, it was totaled. If this had happened 30 minutes sooner, I would have been burned. Me and my daughter had luckily just got out of the car. No the problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has been inspected by police and insurance.
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 while driving or the vehicle was parked.
Other problems reported for the 2019 Kia Optima
- Forward collision avoidance 44 complaints
- Electrical system 23 complaints
- Brakes 19 complaints
- Fuel system 18 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 17 complaints