2019 Kia Optima complaints

Engine seizures.

The engine appears to be consuming an abnormal amount of oil. There are no visible leaks or external damage, and the vehicle has not yet stalled or failed, but oil levels drop rapidly between oil changes. The engine is available for inspection upon request Driving with low or empty oil levels risks sudden engine failure while in motion, which could lead to loss of power, stalling in traffic, or even a crash. The oil warning light came on and went off at regular intervals unexpectedly during driving this week, which prompted me to get it to my mechanic asap to avoid potential engine damage or failure. They performed an oil change (even though I had done it there for this same car only 2133 miles ago NOT YET. I have contacted the dealership and have been advised to monitor the oil level or potentially conduct an oil consumption test. I have not yet received a formal diagnostic or confirmation from Kia or a third party. Yes the vehicle was formally inspected by Gettel Kia of Bradenton on 14th Street for an engine stalling issue... Have experienced a stall only once since then Yes. The oil warning light turned on (and off several times in 1 minute intervals) for the first time around 132011 miles. Upon the mechanic checking the dipstick, the oil level was significantly below minimum. No check engine light appeared. An oil change was performed only 2133 miles since the last one. Additional Notes: I have discovered multiple similar reports from other 2016–2020 Kia Optima owners via

Engine failure

I purchased this car off the show room floor in 2019 with only 10 miles on it. At some point in 2022 my car was slow to accelerate. I received the recall letter September 16,2022. no appointments until 08/09/2023. It didn't help .It was still stalling two weeks after. I have talked to the manager numerous occasions. He said it sounds like the transmission. The parts manager told me he will keep it overnight so his mechanics can drive it the following morning. That didn't happen. This car is a safety hazard. I can't pull out in front of anyone due to the car stalling. My family like to have lost our lives this weekend 05/31/2025 due to the car failing to accelerate(stalling). I have filed complaints with KIA head quarters twice. They keep telling me that if there's no warning lights on they can't identify the problem. On 01/06/2025, the manager and parts manager agreed to keep my car for a couple of days. I paid for my oil change/tire rotation and they sent me on my way. the bottom line is this car will be the death of me. God forbid!!

Original owner, received in mail that this vehicle was recalled for engine issues. Provided a lifetime warranty for engine. Noticed my vehicle began consuming oil more than normal. I constantly have to put oil in the car 2-3/ week. The shops say it doesn’t need an oil change the oil is burning fast. Never notice any leaks bit my vehicle began to not pick up speed and shop said the oil is burning and possible engine is getting ready to go. Called dealership and they said they won’t replace u less the engine is totally blown and I need to have all type documents showing I’ve been doing maintenance although this is a known issue. Constant oil changes.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the fuel odor was stronger on the rear driver's side, where the gas tank was located. The used car dealer from whom the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,658.

My paint job is peeling away. I can not even wash my car with out it flicking off.

I was driving in the rain on the highway and engine light started flashing!

I own a 2019 kia that is garage low milage 35,757 when not driving. the paint had a spot of paint missing on the hood and i ordered touchup paint to protect and before it arrived i noticed a larger spot. I drove to town and a large spot flaked. I call the dealer and they said they didn't handle that. I called kia customer service and they said would write a work order and i haven't heard any thing from them. i have gone to computer to see if any recalls and none. there are a lot of complaints from owners but no help from Kia . I read an article from Kia that they had stopped using the pearl white paint due to so many complaints. This need to be address and something done. I took to a reputable body shop today and received estimate and it was not just my hood found spots on right fender and trunk with estimate of almost $4,000.00 . I can not make Kia repaint my car and i can not leave it to rust nor can i afford a new car. Canada did recalls on this matter the United States needs to stand up for the people of the United States.

The snow pearl white is paint is just peeling off just peeling off there’s 34,000 miles on it I noticed a small look like a chip last week. I went to wash it today and it’s just peeling off.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal engine oil consumption was noticed. The check engine oil warning light illuminated abnormally often, shortly after an oil change had been performed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being deemed invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Lights appeared on the dash and the vehicle locked and would not drive. This happened as I was actively driving. I had the vehicle towed and was told by the Kia dealership that it was my abs/hecu. Before this happened, there was no warning lamps or messages. The car was driving normally.

My engine is burning oil at an alarming rate, my car is not recognizing low oil, so I no oil lights are appearing. I have to go to the oil change place weekly to have my oil checked. When my oil is low, I have to pay to have my oil replenished between months of my oil changes. My and my son safety was put at risk, when I found out at an oil change visit, I had less than an quart of oil I was driving around with. Which can cause engine failure while driving, overheating, and reduced performance while driving. This was confirmed by an oil change facility. I am currently in a ongoing dispute with the dealership I received my car from. The Kia dealership is refusing to do any maintenance until I can produce five years of oil change records that are not showing on car fax. To date my car oil light is not coming on, no signs are shown in my car showing this issue. I have to just get it checked weekly and pay for oil to be safe until, I can get a new engine.

I brought my Kia Optima into the dealership in October 0f 2024, because my airbag light came on. It has not been there over 6 months because my passenger airbag module is not operable and rending all my airbags useless; it is also on backorder with no ETA. The dealership wouldn't help with my escalation it has taken me 6 months to get to the escalations department and now they will not offer additional support with payments or a buy back "due to warranty". I feel helpless and like my investment has been thrown in the trash and lit on fire as my car is sitting in the parking lot in the AZ sun, not being moved and not protected from the elements. They continue to offer no real resolutions and tell me to wait for a piece that has absolutely no ETA.

Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to Kia Service department several times in the past 2 months.

My 2019 Kia Optima purchased brand new. Kia released a service bulletin on 3/1/22 citing “excessive oil consumption for 2011-2021 Optima's”. I took it in for the "updates" for said service bulletin for the engine and was told that my engine is good and covered now for the life of the engine even past the 100k miles (mind you no one mentioned doing an excessive oil consumption test at this time). On 3/22/24 car had 104k miles on it and the oil light came on. I had an oil change just 2500 miles or so prior. Pulled into an autozone and it was almost bone dry. I put oil in it and the light went off. I took it to Evans Kia and was told that they couldn't do anything because it was past 100k warranty and that they couldn't run the DX test to determine if it was excessively consuming oil as per the recall. Apparently during the recall they did the DX tests if the consumer stated it was burning oil fast or something to that extent. Mine did not get said test, only the upgrade. They should have done the test, but they just did an "upgrade" which clearly did not work. They said since I had the "upgrade", if the engine fails, then Kia would fix it under warranty. Since then, this happened at least 4 more times with the oil light coming on and engine oil practically gone. Each time took less and less miles. I showed up to Kia 2 of those times in 2024 to show them the the oil change date, mileage, and check oil light on. Also physically showed them the oil being almost empty, yet they did

UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the Dash lighting up erratically.

HAD CAR FOR 2 AND 1/2 YEARS STARTING ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH OIL LEAKING ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING CAR AND MADE SHAKING SOUND BOUGHT TO MECHANIC AND TOLD ME THE OIL LEAKED HAVE TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND HAVE DONE ABOUT 4 TIMES NOW SEPT 2024, FEB 2025, 03-14-25 AND THIS MORNING 03-23-25. I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR BESIDES COSTS FOR REPAIRS. THANKS APPRECIATE ANY HELP. MY MECHANIC SAID WHEN ENGINE WAS BUILT NOT PUT IN STRAIGHT IN VEHICLE WONDERING IF THIS RELATED TO MY ISSUE.

Oil consumption

When attempting to stop, my brake petal goes all the way to the floor causing me not being able to stop! No warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms or problems with my brakes It start month ago and seems to be getting worst

Sometimes when I drive it will say my forward collision is blocked so it will disable but it normally shuts off. Tonight I'm driving on the freeway a steering wheel pops up then blind spot abs traction and a few more lights come on then it say check headlights those are dimming the radio is cutting off. The wipers aren't working but the car is still accelerating then all of a sudden the car goes from 55 to 0 the wheel locks and I have to coat to the side of the road.

Excessive oil consumption for a car with 45,000 miles with no observed leaks under the car or on the outside of the engine

P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.

I was driving down the main street on my way home when my check engine light came on, and my car began shaking and sputtering, and I was unable to excel. I was barely able to make it home, less than 1/4 mile away. cars had to go around me in heavy traffic. taking it to the dealership Monday not the first time this has happened. I took it to a shop over the weekend and was told after diagnostic it was the ECU.

It was snowing and an icy day Jan. 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. I was driving on Buford Spring Connector going southbound. I was on a bridge and it was completely white and icy. I saw there was a car stopped in front of me. I tried to put on my breaks and my car would not slow down. I was getting closer to the other vehicle still trying to break. I tried to use my electronic emergency brake and it did not engage. The car did not even try to break for me which it normally does if I moving faster than a stopped car in front of me. I rear ended the person in front of me. I just wanted to let someone know as the forward collision did not work in this case and the accident could have been avoided.

I recently had an oil change and not even 600 miles later the oil is completely gone. My engine is burning oil like crazy. This just started happening at the 95,000 miles mark

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Blind Spot Collision Warning System" and "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System" messages became displayed. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC codes: C121002 and C121102. The dealer replaced the rear wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Since January 2024 I have had to replace the spark plugs more than 3 times. It has also had to have an oil change done at least every two months regardless of the miles that were put in it. BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY Mid October 2024 a full tune up was done as well as oil change and less than two weeks later it started bucking like a bronco and all oil was gone out of it. Check engine light is on and oil light goes on and off. Cannot drive at all

Defective piston rings leading to excessive oil consumption, spark plug deterioration, and potential engine failure.

Diagnostic scan of car's computer showed trouble code B138400 Side Airbag Front PAssenger-Resistance Circuit Short to Ground.

On October 30th 2024, I purchased a 2019 Kia Optima from San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. On November 26th the car was stolen from in front of my house, while the alarm was activated and the key was in our possession. I went online to the Kia website to find some information and found that there was a recall on that vehicle to install an anti-theft device. San Diego Chrysler did not have this done. I contacted them in regards to that not being done and they replied that they offered me to purchase a GPS system. They don't seem to feel anything was done wrong but if a car has an open recall, it would seem that a dealer needs to have that done PRIOR to selling a car to a consumer who is unaware of the theft problem. I had the car for three weeks, lost my trade-in, deposit and still have it financed. Big conglomerates need to be held accountable.

Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to perform an oil change, the contact became aware that the hood latch was not operating as needed. The contact was unable to unlatch and raise the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the hood latch release cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Engine is consuming too much oil engine is shaking and knocking engine light is on reducing speed will cut off in mid drive

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving 65 MPH, the driver came to a stop, and upon accelerating, the check engine warning light started flashing. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact used a code reader and determined the failure was with the knock sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who determined that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound and started vibrating and shuddering. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced engine failures and electrical fuse failures. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery was previously replaced three times. The contact had taken the vehicle to two local dealers. The second dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

PAINT CAME OFF OF THE HOOD AND TRUNK (PEARL WHITE)

Under normal operating conditions all sensors malfunctioned causing all abs systems to stop working.

Paint is peeling and chipping on the hood of the vehicle and also the trunk paint is bubbling. It is getting worse as time goes on.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, a flashing check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,449.

The car is using oil like crazy and is not leaking anywhere out of the vehicle. Stalling out while driving and then accelerating. Has completely lost power and rolled down an onramp. Completely unsafe. Took for diagnostic and they wanted to say I needed a new gas cap. Replaced, still doing same thing. Hesitant to start even and the alternator is less than a year old.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 15,000.

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, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.

I am having to change the plugs in this car monthly. The car goes into limp mode and will not go over 15 miles an hour. There is oil getting in the plugs and causing them to burn. This car uses a lot of oil. Lots of oil!! these issues started at 100,011 miles. I have also noticed that this car has started accelerating on its own.

Paint peeling off for no reason. Car has zero damage, no wrecks, no issues of any kind. Paint started coming off the hood and it’s a known issue with the color of my car. Snow Pearl White. One spot is already rusting and it can lead to body damage and frame issues in the long run.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: PureContact LS, Tire Size: P235/45/R18, DOT Number: CNFUWD4M2622. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact felt an abnormal vibration coming the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal "booming" sound and saw in the rearview mirror what appeared to be sections of tread on the highway. The contact was called by his wife and drove to the location and replaced the defective tire with the spare and drove the vehicle to the tire dealer. The dealer confirmed that the tread had separated from the side wall. The dealer replaced the tire under road hazard warranty on the tire. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH when she heard an abnormal "booming" sound from the passenger side rear tire. The contact stated that his wife pulled into a parking lot and called the contact. The contact stated that when the tread delaminated from the tire part of the rear passenger wheel well was cracked by the debris. The contact was able to replace the damaged tire with the spare and drove the vehicle back to the same tire dealer. The contact stated that the dealer advised that the tire manufacturer would be contacted because the dealer reported that other customers were having tread separation failures with the same tire line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified

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 stated that shortly afterwards, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking while driving. The contact also stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors activated inadvertently while driving or the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and the contact was advised that the failure with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors was the regular function of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,813.

Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Hesitation in 2019 Kia Optima SX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite meticulous maintenance and care, I have been experiencing significant issues with the vehicle that are concerning, especially considering its relatively low mileage of only 107,000 miles. The primary issues are as follows: 1.Excessive Oil Consumption: My Kia Optima SX has been burning an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs well before the recommended oil change intervals. This is not only inconvenient but also raises serious concerns about the long-term health and reliability of the engine. 2.Engine Hesitation: The vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation during acceleration. This hesitation occurs sporadically, making it difficult to anticipate and presenting a potential safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to overtake other vehicles. These issues are unacceptable for a vehicle with such low mileage and are not in line with the quality and reliability I expected when purchasing a Kia. Given the prevalence of similar complaints from other owners of the same model, it is evident that these are not isolated incidents but potentially indicative of broader manufacturing or design flaws. I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate these issues thoroughly. Owners of the 2019 Kia Optima SX should n

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 just saw it. I still owe 20,00 on this car. I was told by Kia I’m going to need a new engine. I stopped driving it

I currently have 119500 miles on my 2019 Kia Optima. I am losing oil somewhere between oil changes, and the car is beginning to hesitate while driving. I don't see oil on the ground but I have had to put in 2-3 1/2 quarts of oil way too often. For this to happen on some many vehicles, it must be a manufacturer defect. The hesitation just started and I'm taking it do get a diagnostic test. 11