Electrical, structure and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
When looking for a low-cost vehicle that provides reliability, a lot of drivers turn to the 2019 Kia Optima. However, the automaker claims that “this one’s just right,” when discussing the newer model. Does that imply that previous versions have faults? Our research shows this to be the case, especially when dealing with the poor electrical system, defective engine, malfunctioning air bags and shoddy structure. Consumers hoping to find a quality mid-size car are often drawn to the style of the 2018 Kia Optima. It has a sleek design and is hailed as a reliable option. Even the automaker claims that the new models are “driven to stand out.” Research shows that this model does stand out, but not for the reasons most expect. Instead, it is riddled with engine troubles, powertrain malfunctions and the possibility of an accident.
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Since the electrical system is responsible for running so much, it has to work correctly. Otherwise, owners find themselves dealing with lots of glitches. That’s precisely what is seen with the 2019 Kia Optima.
One NHTSA complaint states, “I bought my 2019 Optima brand new back in November. It is now June and I have had it back to the dealership 3 times for randomly not starting on me. I get the same answer every time. They don’t know what it is, nothing comes up on the computer when they plug it in. They say, ‘If it happens again, call us and we’ll take it in.’ Buying this car brand new and my payments being that of a Range Rover, I am extremely upset. To top it off, the back windshield is slipping down. I am over this car and I will never buy another Kia again. But, my fight is not over, sometime will have to be done. It also hesitates at times, feels as though it is struggling to go. Also two times while I was driving the car, the dash lit up with almost everything like, I was in a crash.”
It turns out that the electrical system issues become even more dangerous with the Optima. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V539000 states that there is a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system that can disengage the brake assist function, increasing the chance of a collision. What is the point of these sophisticated safety systems if they aren’t even going to work?
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Electrical System | |
| Air Bags | |
| Power Train | |
| Structure:body | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
The 2019 Kia Optima is considered a lower-budget vehicle, so no one expects that the engine will produce the same power as a supercar. However, owners do expect some level of reliability that they are not getting.
Just look at this NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph and merging onto the highway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pumped the accelerator pedal several times and the vehicle responded. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,800.”
When discussing the premature failure of the engine, it’s clear that the automaker is aware of problems. In fact, Service Bulletin #PI1805_TSB talks about the need to install a Knock Sensor Detection System to prevent excessive connecting rod bearing damage that could destroy the engine. Sadly, many owners found out about this when it was just too late.
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When driving in any newer vehicle, occupants expect to be protected by the standard air bags. However, that’s not always a system one can count on with the Kia Optima.
Here’s yet another NHTSA complaint to read. “The contact’s husband owns a 2019 Kia Optima. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle crashed into a deer that jumped in the middle of the road. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The driver sustained neck and back pain and his daughter, who was seated behind the driver’s seat, sustained neck pain. The contact mentioned that both occupants would be taken to the emergency room for their injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was currently waiting to be towed to a local body shop for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,168.”
Sadly, there aren’t any manufacturer communications related to the air bags at this time. It seems that the company doesn’t want to acknowledge that they can’t get the basic systems down. Since 1998, air bags have been standard in American cars, so this company has no excuse for the faulty system. They have had more than enough years to perfect the safety feature.
The structure of a vehicle matters, during an accident and to reduce road noise. After all, no one wants to holler over road noise to talk to other occupants, but that’s what’s happening with the Optima.
Look at what this Edmunds review says. “Have brand new 2019 Kia Optima S. Road noise was really annoying. Dealer switched out Kumho 18″ tires for Hankook 18″ tires. NO DIFFERENCE. I then partially paid for a better tire (Continental LS). Road noise still can be heard. Something else wrong. I think the car has sport tuned suspension. Dealer says, no! Going to test another vehicle at a different dealer to compare noise. Be aware of this problem. Owned 2 Optima’s before and had no problems with road noise.”
Structure-related issues with the Optima go beyond road noise. In fact, Service Bulletin #VSC173_TSB states that some vehicles require a replacement for the front driver and passenger seatback frames. It turns out that the weld wasn’t performed correctly and it could detach. If this happens, occupants are in danger, plus could face an unusual amount of discomfort. With the air bags failing to deploy, seats falling apart, engines refusing to start and safety systems malfunctioning, is there any part of this car that works? It seems that the Optima isn’t even worth the small cost paid for it.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I have a 2019 Kia optima 98 thousand miles on it burns though 2 quarts of oil a WK I was told this was normal by the Kia dealership mechanic um I don’t think so. Finally took it too roe they told me I have a massive oil leak somewhere and that my type of car is known for that so I call key they want to charge me 170 a hr to check it out I take it to Firestone they tell me me I need a new engine the timing is going and there is a major oil leak thank God I purchased a warranty from assurance that is just about to expire because now I’m getting a new engine put in with only 30 thousand miles I intend on running it for another four yrs and trading it in. I will never buy another Kia again I wish I could give Kia zero stars they are the worst.
I have the same issues only mine has 59.000 this is the third time taking it to the dealership after being towed they won’t do anything about it they did an oil compression test on. It said it was only a half a quart low but my son added an entire court to it after I had got it back from the dealership so they lied to me about it and they still won’t help me.
I just purchased my 2019 kia optima it had 66000 miles on it I drove it for 2 weeks the oil light came on and it was 3 quarts low on oil and I have had it back at the dealership for service for 3 weeks and nothing being done about it