How common are electrical problems on the 2019 Kia Optima?

NHTSA has 25 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Optima, which makes up 12% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima electrical system?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the electrical system on the 2019 Optima, though one owner mentioned taking the car in for an unspecified electrical recall repair.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 18,000 miles.

Have electrical issues caused fires or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 3 fires linked to electrical system complaints on the 2019 Optima, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries reported.

How does 2019 compare to other Optima years for electrical complaints?

The 2019 Optima's 25 electrical complaints and 12% share are lower than many earlier years, such as 2011 with 143 complaints at 24% share and 2016 with 140 complaints at 19% share.

2019 Kia Optima Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 25 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima, 12% of its 208 total complaints, with 3 fires reported and no crashes or injuries. Median mileage at failure is 18,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this component.

Electrical System complaints: 25; 12% of 208
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 18,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report engine bay smoke and fire, in some cases with flames visible under the hood shortly after driving.
Some describe the car randomly failing to start, with the dealership unable to find a fault code on diagnostic scans.
Several report all dash warning lights illuminating at once along with a sudden loss of power steering, sometimes tied to an electrical recall repair attempt.
Owners note the USB charging port repeatedly disconnecting from phones, cutting off navigation and audio while driving.
Some report intermittent no-start or weak-start conditions even though the dealership tested the battery and starting system as normal.
Others describe AC-related electrical faults that required tearing into the dashboard, followed by moisture and mildew smells inside the cabin.

When 2019 Kia Optima electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 27, 2019, latest Sep 8, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2025 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2019 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201014 (19%)
2011143 (24%)
2012146 (16%)
2013175 (13%)
201475 (13%)
2015150 (15%)
2016140 (19%)
201736 (14%)
201842 (18%)
201925 (12%)
202013 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2019 Kia Optima?: NHTSA has 25 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Optima, which makes up 12% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima electrical system?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the electrical system on the 2019 Optima, though one owner mentioned taking the car in for an unspecified electrical recall repair.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 18,000 miles.
Have electrical issues caused fires or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 3 fires linked to electrical system complaints on the 2019 Optima, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries reported.
How does 2019 compare to other Optima years for electrical complaints?: The 2019 Optima's 25 electrical complaints and 12% share are lower than many earlier years, such as 2011 with 143 complaints at 24% share and 2016 with 140 complaints at 19% share.