2019 Kia Optima

210 complaints on file, page 1 of 11.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 29, 2026Henderson, NVFuel/propulsion system

   On XXX, Towbin Kia Service (Henderson, NV) officially diagnosed my 2019 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 118,325) with a critical component failure: "LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING FROM TOP HAT" (Invoice #XXX). Despite documenting a severe, volatile raw fuel leak that presents an immediate fire and explosion hazard, the dealership refused to keep the vehicle. They explicitly released this active safety hazard back to me. The service department even arranged a third-party Lyft ride to transport my children and me to the dealership to pick up the leaking car and force us to drive it home. The vehicle is currently parked outside my residence, actively leaking raw fuel and filling the cabin with toxic gas fumes. It is entirely un-driveable and a public safety threat. Kia Corporate must immediately bypass standard dealership timelines, authorize a flatbed tow to retrieve this fire hazard, and directly provide an emergency corporate rental vehicle line (Enterprise/Hertz) for my family's safety today. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11768086
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Little Rock, AREngine

   The vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while being driven on the interstate at highway speeds. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally beyond approximately 60 mph, the Check Engine Light began flashing rapidly, and the vehicle entered “Limp Home Mode.” This sudden loss of power occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an authorized Kia dealership service center. Diagnostic testing confirmed DTC P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System). The dealership performed the manufacturer’s Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), and the dealership paperwork documents a “NO PASS BCT” result. The dealership paperwork also documents that Service Campaign SC340 (Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM Software Upgrade) was performed on the vehicle. Despite the documented P1326 condition and the manufacturer’s “NO PASS BCT” result, the dealership is refusing to provide the engine replacement as a covered repair and has instead quoted approximately $9,000 for the engine replacement. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter because the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power at highway speeds, followed by a documented “NO PASS BCT” result from the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure. The vehicle remains an unresolved safety concern. I am also requesting review of whether Kia is properly applying the applicable P1326/BCT engine-replacement procedure and associated coverage to this vehicle. The vehicle and all diagnostic and service paperwork are available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11767635
3. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Louisville, KYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper

   On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control AC vents while sitting at an idle.The vehicle was brought back to Kia Store East on September 10, 2026, specifically to report this volatile safety issue. On September 17, 2026, the dealership technician explicitly duplicated and confirmed the raw fuel odor coming from the engine area in writing. Despite confirming the gasoline smell, the dealership is refusing to perform a manual high-pressure fuel system pressure-drop test to isolate the physical vapor leak. Instead, they have listed a high-pressure Fuel Pipe Assembly (Part # 35305 2GGA0) on a customer-pay estimate paired with an unrelated $1,819.12 timing cover oil seal repair.The dealership is claiming the failure is out of warranty and is holding the vehicle while forcing daily rental car fees onto me, refusing to isolate the active fuel leak unless I authorize the out-of-pocket repair. The vehicle currently sits un-repaired at the dealership as an active cabin fire and occupant chemical exposure hazard that the manufacturer and dealer refuse to properly diagnose or cover under repair workmanship guidelines.

   NHTSA complaint 11766628
4. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2026Philadelphia, PAUnknown or other

   My car was parked when my Kia Optima Panoramic sunroof exploded. It was between 8:00-8:30 a.m. Friday XXX. It sounded like an explosion. I was sleeping and the explosion woke me up. The sunroof was closed and the car was parked. We r not aware of anything coming in contact with the sunroof. Actually the sunroof exploded from inside the car. The broken glass was pointed upwards. I’m concerned that this is a serious hazard if it occurs while I was driving it would have caused a serious accident or even a death. I notified KIA Customer Care Center. XXX Case # XXX. I also sent them a letter concerning the event with photos. I have found information that other reported KIA panoramic sunroof failures and concerned that this may be part of a bigger problem. Customer Care rep [XXX] told me to take the car to a dealer. Cannot see me for 3 weeks and charge $209.99. Called customer care again talked to Risha, told me not to take to dealer and not pay anything. Then wait for someone to get back to me. That was XXX. If I haven’t had any contact from Kia I’m supposed to call back XXX. Still waiting. I am asking NHTSA to document this incident and review whether there is a safety- related defect or pattern involving panoramic sunroofs on KIA vehicles, including the 2019 KIA OPTIMA. Car is 7 years olds an 72,400 mi. The warranty is 5yrs -60,000. Please include this complaint in NHTSA’s records concerning the 2019 Kia Optima and Panoramic sunroof failures. I authorized NHTSA to share my complaint and identifying vehicle information with Kia if that is necessary to investigate the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11766544
5. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 6, 2026Kindred, FLElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.

   NHTSA complaint 11762756
6. Filed Aug 18, 2026Failure Aug 13, 2026200,000 milesTallahassee, FLEngine

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11757680
7. Filed Jul 21, 2026Failure May 16, 2026146,000 milesWinter Garden, FLEngine

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on two occasions, the vehicle lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven over to the side of the road and then towed to the dealer twice; however, the failure was not duplicated on the first visit. During the second visit, the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11751894
8. Filed Jul 18, 2026Failure Apr 14, 2024Las Vegas, NVFuel/propulsion system

   Strong smell of gasoline from the rear of the vehicle started around 60,000 miles . Car dealership said it’s normal but I don’t smell other cars like this

   NHTSA complaint 11751255
9. Filed Jul 16, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Paris, KYWarnings, Blind spot detection, Unknown or other

   Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning

   NHTSA complaint 11750963
10. Filed Jul 15, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Paris, KYWarnings, Warning, Unknown or other

    Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on

    NHTSA complaint 11750563
11. Filed Jul 6, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2023Mansfield, OHEngine

    Oil is needing added on a weekly basis to keep up with how much the engine is burning, Spark Plugs and Coils have been changed excessively, the dealership says we may end up being covered by a recall but the engine needs to completely fail first.

    NHTSA complaint 11748557
12. Filed Jun 30, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Pinellas Park, FLUnknown or other

    The paint on my car is delaminating. There are bubbles throughout the car and a few huge bubbles have popped and now the bare body is visible. I have called Kia corporate and they have denied my request to repaint the car. They are telling me that the is a three-year warranty on the paint. My car is only seven years old, and the paint should not peeling/bubbling. I have taken my car to a collision center, and they believe it is caused by a defective manufacturer paint. After looking online, it is a nationwide chronic problem with snow white pearl. Kia is totally aware of this and doesn't want to address the problem. I do know there are many lawsuits against Kia for this particular problem. I am seeking help to get this resolved. Pictures attached.

    NHTSA complaint 11747405
13. Filed Jun 9, 2026Failure Jun 6, 2026Midville, GAAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Blind spot detection

    I was driving down the highway when I kinda noticed speed changed. ABS lights, foreword collision light, and rear end lights, so I turned around went back home. I rarely drive my car and I never had any problems with it. I purshased it brand new.

    NHTSA complaint 11743068
14. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure Mar 14, 2026Austin, TXFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.

    NHTSA complaint 11742841
15. Filed Jun 5, 2026Failure May 29, 2026madera, CAEngine

    Engine failure, metal leaking into oil which caused engine to fail

    NHTSA complaint 11742411
16. Filed May 6, 2026Failure Apr 6, 2026Riverview, FLExterior lighting

    The low beam headlight assembly failed on my 2019 Kia Optima LX with no prior warning, while the high beams and LED daytime running lights continue to function normally, indicating an isolated component failure within the assembly. Notably, the headlight assembly shows no physical damage whatsoever, and both independent licensed repair facilities that inspected the vehicle were unable to identify or repair any specific failed component — both independently concluded that a full assembly replacement is necessary. The fact that no specific component could be identified as the cause, combined with the absence of any physical damage, suggests this may be an internal failure not consistent with typical wear and tear. Prior to complete failure, the low beam would intermittently illuminate and then cut off unexpectedly during normal operation, which was the only symptom present before the headlight stopped functioning entirely. This creates a genuine safety concern as low beams are the primary source of nighttime illumination and cannot be substituted with high beams in normal traffic conditions. The failure occurred suddenly during normal nighttime driving and could not be fixed with bulb or pigtail replacement as both were in good condition. The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request.

    NHTSA complaint 11736183
17. Filed May 1, 2026Failure Feb 11, 2026Roseville, MIElectrical system, EngineFire

    Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.

    NHTSA complaint 11735174
18. Filed Apr 9, 2026Failure Apr 4, 2026133,000 milesOwasso, OKEngineFire

    The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 60 MPH, she noticed there was smoke emerging from the engine. The driver pulled over safely. but was alerted by a good Samaritan who ran across four lanes of traffic to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher to no avail. The fire department was on the scene to eventually extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was called, but there was no response. The contact called another local dealer: 4747 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, but there was no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

    NHTSA complaint 11730204
19. Filed Mar 31, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026Brooklyn, NYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.

    NHTSA complaint 11728158
20. Filed Mar 30, 2026Failure Nov 18, 2025San Mateo, CAElectrical system, Engine, Power train

    The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November 18, 2025, when I reported stalling issues to Kia authorized service & parts. The vehicle was returned as “fixed” on December 12, 2025, but the engine stalled again during normal operation. The vehicle was returned to Kia authorized service & parts multiple times (December 12, December 18, December 23, January 9, January 12, 2026, and March 4, 2026), with repeated assurances that it had been repaired. Each time, the car continued to stall, including during a test drive at Subaru, demonstrating that the failure persisted despite repeated dealer intervention. The stalling created a significant hazard, as the car could lose power while on public roads, including highways, potentially leading to accidents. There were no consistent warning lights or messages prior to the engine stalling; the first symptom was intermittent loss of power while driving. The failure has been reproduced and observed by multiple service personnel at Kia authorized service & parts and by Subaru during the trade-in test drive. The component(s) causing the failure were inspected by Kia authorized service & parts staff, but no effective repair was made. Documentation of repair orders and dealer inspections is available for review.

    NHTSA complaint 11727986