2019 Kia Optima Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 17%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2019 Kia Optima, 17% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving on I 95 when the vehicle pulled me into the median totaling my car. I was unable to apply brakes and unable to turn my steering wheel in the other direction to avoid the collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11373422, filed 2020-11, 12,000 miles“Last night a warning message popped up that said there was an issue with the front crash collision sensor and it was turning off. The warning lights stayed on while driving home and this morning it was off but popped back up after around 15 minutes of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11376125, filed 2020-11, 9,015 miles“While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11671304, filed 2025-07“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, filed 2026-06“On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible!”
NHTSA complaint #11515444, filed 2023-04Related recalls
- 19V539000Jul 19, 2019Kia 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…Covers: Kia Optima 2019
Related service bulletins
- 10200525Aug 3, 2021PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2019 | 36 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 5 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2019 Kia Optima
92 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsLane departure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology