2019 Kia Optima
Common Problems
Ranked from 79 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
17 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine oil consumption
16complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes oil rapidly, requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Forward collision avoidance system failure
14complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing unexpected stops or false alarms.
- 3
Excessive Oil Consumption
10complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Brake system failure
9complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe service brakes fail to function properly, leading to accidents or near-misses.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine misfire and poor performance
9complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences misfires, rough idling, and poor acceleration, often accompanied by low oil pressure warnings.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Paint Peeling
9complaintsLow severityOtherThe paint on the vehicle is peeling off, particularly in areas exposed to the elements.
- 7
Oil light on and rapid oil consumption
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine light comes on frequently, and the vehicle consumes oil rapidly, necessitating frequent oil changes.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Airbag Failure
6complaintsSafety riskOtherAirbags failed to deploy during collisions resulting in injury.
- 9
Spark Plug Misfire
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences misfires in the spark plugs, leading to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Engine Burning Excessive Oil
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine burns excessive oil, requiring frequent refills, and has no visible leaks.
- 11
Engine Consuming Oil Prematurely
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes oil prematurely, leading to frequent oil changes and potential engine failure.
- 12
Engine Misfires and Performance Loss
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and experiences performance loss, often requiring frequent oil changes and repairs.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Stalling and Accelerator Issues
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls and the accelerator does not work properly, posing a safety risk while driving.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine Starting Issues
4complaintsLow severityEngineCar struggles to start intermittently, requiring multiple attempts or special conditions.
- 15
Forward Collision Warning System Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision warning system malfunctions, causing false alarms and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
- 16
Oil Leaking
4complaintsMedium severityEngineOil is leaking from the engine, causing frequent oil changes and potential engine damage.
$200–$1,600est. oil-leak repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Paint Quality Issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherPaint chipping and bubbling, indicating poor quality or manufacturing defects.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.