How common are engine problems on the 2019 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 97 engine-related complaints out of 208 total complaints for the 2019 Optima, making up 47% of all complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima engine?

This data lists no related recalls for the 2019 Optima's engine complaints.

At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2019 Optima is 65,000 miles.

Do 2019 Kia Optima engine problems involve fires?

Yes. NHTSA complaint data for the 2019 Optima's engine problems includes 5 fire reports and 1 crash, though 0 injuries are listed.

How does the 2019 Optima compare to other Optima years for engine complaints?

The 2019 Optima's engine complaints make up 47% of its total complaints, lower than years like 2017 (68%) and 2020 (73%), based on NHTSA data.

2019 Kia Optima Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 97 of 208 total complaints (47%) filed on the 2019 Kia Optima, with a median failure mileage of 65,000 miles. NHTSA lists 5 fire reports tied to engine complaints, but no related recalls are listed in this data.

Engine complaints: 97; 47% of 208
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 65,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report engine fires, some starting as smoke from under the hood while driving at highway speed and progressing to flames before the vehicle could be pulled over.
Some owners describe the engine catching fire even after a prior engine replacement tied to a recall on the model, despite regular oil changes and no dashboard warnings.
Several owners report intermittent no-start or hard-start conditions, where pressing the start button produces hesitation or a weak crank with no stored diagnostic codes found by dealers.
Owners describe the engine stalling without warning while merging or driving at speed, sometimes recovering after pumping the accelerator pedal.
One owner reports the engine consuming oil every 15 miles, a pattern the owner says affects other Optima model years as well.
Owners describe a rough, puttering feel under acceleration and when climbing hills, especially noticeable when slowing down and then speeding back up.

When 2019 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 27, 2019, latest Sep 24, 2026.

97 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2025 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Optima model year

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

201016 (21%)
2011269 (45%)
2012441 (48%)
2013670 (48%)
2014306 (52%)
2015657 (65%)
2016450 (60%)
2017174 (68%)
2018146 (63%)
201997 (47%)
2020106 (73%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2019 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 97 engine-related complaints out of 208 total complaints for the 2019 Optima, making up 47% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima engine?: This data lists no related recalls for the 2019 Optima's engine complaints.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2019 Optima is 65,000 miles.
Do 2019 Kia Optima engine problems involve fires?: Yes. NHTSA complaint data for the 2019 Optima's engine problems includes 5 fire reports and 1 crash, though 0 injuries are listed.
How does the 2019 Optima compare to other Optima years for engine complaints?: The 2019 Optima's engine complaints make up 47% of its total complaints, lower than years like 2017 (68%) and 2020 (73%), based on NHTSA data.