2019 Kia Optima Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

85Engine complaints

42.5%Of all 200 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE85 · 42.5%

Unspecified / other39 · 19.5%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS28 · 14%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21 · 10.5%

SERVICE BRAKES18 · 9%

Share of the 200 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2019 Kia Optima overview page.

What owners report

“This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently…”NHTSA complaint 11608387 — filed 08/14/2024

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11605731 — filed 07/31/2024

“My car was having to get the spark plugs once a month loosing oil. Lots of Oil is coming out through the exhaust my grandfather…”NHTSA complaint 11592022 — filed 06/02/2024

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Kia Optima: 85 of 200 complaints on file (42.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2019 Kia Optima have in total?

200 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 20 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, 16 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.