How many 2019 Kia Optima complaints involve collision avoidance and cameras?

NHTSA lists 36 complaints in this area for the 2019 Optima, which is 17% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima's collision avoidance system?

Yes. Recall 19V539000, reported July 19, 2019, covers a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system on 2019 Optima vehicles with the Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. Kia's remedy is a free FCA software update.

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to this problem?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2019 Optima includes 8 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do these collision avoidance problems tend to occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area on the 2019 Optima is 20,000 miles.

How does 2019 compare to other Optima model years for this issue?

The 2019 Optima has far more complaints in this area than any other year, with 36 complaints and a 17% share, compared to single digits and shares of 3% or less in surrounding years like 2017 and 2020.

2019 Kia Optima Collision Avoidance & Cameras Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for the 2019 Kia Optima, 17% of its 208 total complaints for the year and the highest share of any model year. Eight crashes and five injuries are linked to this area, and one related recall (19V539000) addresses a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist software error.

Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints: 36; 17% of 208
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 20,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical collision avoidance system symptoms owners report

Automatic emergency braking activates on its own during normal driving or turns, causing sudden stops without warning.
Forward collision warning system fails to detect obstacles ahead, including stopped vehicles and animals, leading to crashes described as total losses.
Warning lights indicate the forward collision sensor is blocked or malfunctioning, sometimes cycling on and off during a drive.
Drivers report losing braking or steering control during a collision-avoidance event, with the vehicle continuing forward or veering unexpectedly.
Forward collision and automatic emergency braking alerts trigger unexpectedly with no obstacle present, sometimes accompanied by an ABS warning light.

When 2019 Kia Optima collision avoidance system complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 6, 2020, latest Jul 16, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2020 to Jul 2026; peak Feb 2024 (3).

Collision Avoidance & Cameras recalls for the 2019 Kia Optima

NHTSA 19V539000Jul 19, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras11,423 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
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.
Risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints by Optima model year

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

20050 (0%)
20060 (0%)
20070 (0%)
20080 (0%)
20090 (0%)
20101 (1%)
20111 (0%)
20121 (0%)
20135 (0%)
20141 (0%)
20159 (1%)
20167 (1%)
20178 (3%)
20181 (0%)
201936 (17%)
20205 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2019 Kia Optima complaints involve collision avoidance and cameras?: NHTSA lists 36 complaints in this area for the 2019 Optima, which is 17% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Kia Optima's collision avoidance system?: Yes. Recall 19V539000, reported July 19, 2019, covers a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system on 2019 Optima vehicles with the Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. Kia's remedy is a free FCA software update.
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to this problem?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2019 Optima includes 8 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do these collision avoidance problems tend to occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area on the 2019 Optima is 20,000 miles.
How does 2019 compare to other Optima model years for this issue?: The 2019 Optima has far more complaints in this area than any other year, with 36 complaints and a 17% share, compared to single digits and shares of 3% or less in surrounding years like 2017 and 2020.