NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Optima Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Optima scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 198 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid achieved a perfect five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA. This strong performance in impact protection contributes to its 89/100 Safety Index score, placing it in the Strong band. The model's single recall further supports its safety profile. However, its avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 indicates an area where its overall safety index is limited.
The 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid earned a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Optima ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 198 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Optima?
The 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid's structural safety sub-score of 70 out of 70 defines this model year's safety profile. This exceptional performance in crash protection contributes to an overall Safety Index of 89. The availability of avoidance technology primarily affects this score, with a sub-score of 6 out of 10 for avoidance tech. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, while electronic stability control was standard. The defect record contributes 13 out of 20 to the Safety Index. A single recall concerning automatic emergency braking on specific engine variants, alongside 198 unverified owner complaints, indicates a specific area of concern. Twenty of these complaints allege crash involvement, and six report fires. Forward collision avoidance appears both in the recall documentation and as the third-most-reported complaint category, underscoring it as a consistent issue for the 2019 Optima Hybrid.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Optima perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid a five-star rating in every tested category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk sits at 10 percent, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. No category was left unrated, and no category scored below five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13142
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Optima have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year, targeting the forward collision avoidance system specifically on units equipped with the Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. The campaign concerns automatic emergency braking. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign.
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?
NHTSA records 198 unverified consumer allegations for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine (84 reports), followed by unknown or other issues (38), forward collision avoidance (34), the electrical system (22), service brakes (19), and the powertrain (16). These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
198 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Optima?
An open recall for the automatic emergency braking system demands immediate attention from anyone considering this vehicle. Before purchase, buyers must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm remedy completion. Verification from a Kia service center or the selling dealer is essential, as is a check for any subsequent recall campaigns issued since the vehicle's production.
- The 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid achieved a perfect five-star NHTSA rating in every crash-test category, including frontal, side, and rollover, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- A single recall specific to this model year targets the automatic emergency braking system on vehicles equipped with the Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines, making engine-variant verification essential for used buyers.
- Forward collision avoidance appears in both the recall record and as the third-highest complaint category with 34 unverified allegations, signaling that this system warrants hands-on inspection before purchase.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional rather than standard on this configuration, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 and is a year-specific factor buyers should confirm against the actual equipment on any individual unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Optima places
The 2019 Kia Optima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Optima safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Optima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Optima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Optima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Optima earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Kia Optima. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Optima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 198 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Optima. 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 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13142), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Optima 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 34 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.