2019 Kia Optima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,600miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 Kia Optima, 8% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,600 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“If I slow down then speed up it takes off slow. If I go up a hill it putts and when I drive it just feels like its puttering the whole time. Took it to dealership of course they didn't find anything but this is a new car I know something is wrong. I just got the car in march drove fine no accidents or anything and it's kind of disappointing that my car is like this but know one knows what's wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11290177, filed 2019-12, 9,200 miles“I have a 2019 Kia Optima. In december I was going up a hill and the vehicle started violently shaking. I was pressing on the gas and not going anywhere. I had to put it in reverse to back down 2 rods to get back to my driveway. Had it towed to dealer and they said they could not figure out what was wrong. It was not showing any codes . Then on 02/26/2020 the check engine light came on. Had it towed to Kia dealer and they said it was showing a bunch of codes. They said they cleaned the knocker and was communicating with the tech line and was told to clear data and relearn system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11317001, filed 2020-03, 30,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11592144, filed 2024-06“Brought vehicle in for Recall-SC340 Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM S/W Upgrade. After service was performed I took my vehicle back home and noticed that my down shifting was different, jolty and clunky. Prior to the upgrade my vehicle shifted flawlessly. Took my vehicle back in to have them check it out and they told me that they couldn't feel it and that the upgrade wouldn't cause that. Called Kia Corporate and filed a complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #11704658, filed 2025-12“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11742841, filed 2026-06Related service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10200552Aug 24, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Dual…
- 10200551Aug 24, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27 | 18% |
| 2019 | 17 | 8% |
| 2018 | 19 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 8% |
| 2016 | 74 | 10% |
| 2015 | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 18 | 13% |
| 2007 | 13 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 6% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2019 Kia Optima
92 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsForward collision avoidance
36 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
18 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 30, 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