NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2019 Kia Optima Plug-In Safety Record
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 198 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In has not been subjected to NHTSA's crash-test regimen, resulting in an absence of star ratings and a Safety Index score for this model year. However, its record is not blank; it registers a Moderate burden band for recalls and owner complaints. Specifically, one active recall campaign addresses a defect within the forward collision avoidance system. The owner complaint log details 198 reports, with concerns frequently citing the engine, electrical system, and braking. These data points merit careful consideration, though the lack of crash-test performance information means no direct safety assessment can be made.
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one recall campaign and a Moderate burden band, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Moderate |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 198 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In?
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In presents a notable recall concerning its forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking system, a critical safety feature. This single recall, targeting a specific engine configuration, aligns with 34 owner complaints regarding the same system. In total, 198 complaints have been filed against the vehicle; 84 of these reports specifically cite engine-related issues. No crash-test data for the 2019 model or sibling years is available from NHTSA.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In have any recalls?
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In carries one recall campaign. It targets the forward collision avoidance system, specifically the automatic emergency braking function, on vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. NHTSA has not issued a park-outside or do-not-drive directive associated with this campaign based on the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING19V539000
Risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
Reported 2019-07-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In?
Owners have filed 198 unverified complaints with NHTSA against the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine, reported in 84 complaints, followed by unknown or other issues at 38, forward collision avoidance at 34, the electrical system at 22, service brakes at 19, and the powertrain at 16. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
198 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In?
The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In was subject to a significant recall regarding its forward collision avoidance system, necessitating an immediate VIN check for any used unit at nhtsa.gov. An unaddressed recall indicates a defect may persist, irrespective of the vehicle's maintenance history.
- The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, meaning no star ratings or Safety Index score exist for this specific model year.
- One recall affects this model year, targeting the automatic emergency braking component of the forward collision avoidance system on vehicles with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines.
- Engine-related concerns account for 84 of the 198 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, making it the single largest reported problem category for this model year.
- Shoppers and current owners should verify open-recall status for any specific 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In unit using the VIN lookup tool at nhtsa.gov, as recall completion varies by individual vehicle.
FAQ2019 Kia Optima Plug-In safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 1 recall and 198 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 198 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Optima Plug-In years
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Optima Plug-In 2019.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.