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Engine & cooling

2019 Kia Optima Engine problems

Owners have filed 95 complaints about the 2019 Kia Optima's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 44% of all its complaints, most recently on November 3, 2026. They describe 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
95
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I have a 2019 Kia Optima S with the 2.4L engine and 117,000 miles. The vehicle has diagnostic codes P1326 and POOOB. The check-engine light is continuously flashing, the engine is knocking, and the vehicle has lost acceleration and will not go over approximately 65 mph. I believe this may be related to the KSDS connecting-rod bearing issue under Kia campaign PI1805.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11775414
Engine & coolingFire

Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated by manufacturer and cause is unknown. No warning lamps illuminated.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11770217
Engine & cooling

Vehicle shut off while driving at 40mph, engine seized ,will not crank .Suspected conecting rod bearing failure under safety recall sc200, I call kia 18003334542 denied recall repair and bearing clearance test stating vehicle is rebuilt title. Federal safety recall cannot be denied due to rebuilt title per nhtsa .Requesting recall remedy.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769928
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767635
Engine & coolingFuel systemVisibility & wipers

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11766628
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11762756
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11757680
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11751894
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11748557
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11742411
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11735174
Engine & coolingFire

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11730204
Engine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11728158
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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...

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& 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.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11727986
Engine & cooling

The car had a complete engine failure at 92,000 miles. I was the second owner so this was not covered by any warranties. Well serviced and maintained vehicle.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11725102
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure one day after undergoing a manufacturer emissions/service campaign at an authorized dealership. Prior to service, the vehicle operated normally with no warning lights, knocking, or drivability issues. After the failure, the dealership denied coverage and declined to inspect the engine oil. The vehicle was towed for an independent inspection, which found metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal mechanical engine failure. The sudden failure created a...

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safety risk due to unexpected loss of engine function. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center and the vehicle remains available for inspection. No warning lamps or symptoms were present prior to the failure.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11714319
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was sputtering sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire and burned spark plug, and that there was oil inside the cylinder and on the spark plug. The contact was informed that the...

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parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred months later. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with oil consumption, oil intrusion into the firing chamber, and that another spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11712167
Engine & coolingFuel system

I purchased this vehicle on [[redacted]], with approximately 170,150 miles. On [[redacted]], during a routine oil change at approximately 172,636 miles, it was discovered that the engine had no oil present. Shortly afterward, the oil warning light began flickering intermittently while driving. On November 4, 2025, at approximately 175,495 miles, a certified mechanic again confirmed that there was no oil present in the engine. At no point were there visible external oil leaks, indicating excessive internal oil...

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consumption. This condition creates a serious safety risk, as sudden engine failure while driving could lead to loss of power, stalling, or accidents. Based on my experience and publicly known issues involving Kia engines, this appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this issue as a potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11710748
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11704658
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was previously replaced. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, two weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started misfiring. The contact drove to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown engine recall, and the contact was referred to the...

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dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine damage. The dealer acknowledged the unknown engine recall, but the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part of the engine that was damaged was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11704565
Engine & cooling

I purchased a used 2019 Kia Optima from a dealership in January 2025 with 103,000 miles. 11 months later it's burning oil. Every 2 weeks I have to add a quart of oil. I took it to my mechanic and they found cylinder 4 has been burning oil. They also found a technical service bulletin related to engine oil consumption. They recommended replacing long block assembly. They referred me to a Kia dealership. Currently, my vehicle is at a Kia dealership. They performed a "leak down test" and found cylinder 4 has been...

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burning oil and recommend a long block assembly. I have a 3rd party warranty on my car. They are currently reviewing this claim. If they decide to replace the long block assembly, there will be additional uncovered costs that I feel Kia should be responsible for. I have only put 7,000 miles on this car since I bought it 11 months ago. The car currently has 110,500 miles on it. I understand this is a used vehicle but engines should last 200,000+ miles. I'm trying to figure out my rights. By law isn't the dealership responsible for this oil consumption loss and long block assembly replacement?

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11704472
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Unknown needing help with new purchased car. Bought this car October/2025 with 93k on engine. Already been to dealership i Bought it from to have current issues im dealing with checked out and they only listen to it and said it was injector ticking clatter. Since then ive seen white smoke and the car burning excessive oil. I am adding oil to the car every 2-3 days. Still noticeable smoke and smell of burning oil. No recall on this vin. It seems as if this is a huge problem with this engine. Please help

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11703873
Body, doors & structureEngine & cooling

Engine burners oil at about 1qt per 1000 miles. There is no leak, and no repair to stop the oil from burning quickly. I have to refill my engine with oil several times in between oil changes. Paint is peeling in various spots on my hood and bumper. I first noticed a small area along the border of the hood nearest the windshield (mostly visible from the driers seat). Then 3 more spots on the opposite side of the hood and eventually all over the bumper.

Filed Incident Structure · EngineNHTSA 11703133
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They had to replace all 4 coil packs and 4 spark plugs due to dark, tarry oil covering the parts. The repairman told me my engine was at risk of failing, and that the repairs he did would not last without a new engine. I am worried about the car...

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stalling or failing while driving, which puts an accident occurring at greater risk. My complaints resemble symptoms tied to previous Hyundai/Kia engine recalls. I am requesting investigation and manufacturer action related to this issue.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11702596
Engine & cooling

The motor burn oil even after the oil change is done. Also, the car shaking and is not damage to be found.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11701144

Kia Optima engine complaints by year

Optima engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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