2019 Kia Optima Collision Avoidance Problems
10 owner-reported collision avoidance complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Collision Avoidance Recalls (1)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Kia 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 the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (10)
It was snowing and an icy day Jan. 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. I was driving on Buford Spring Connector going southbound. I was on a bridge and it was completely white and icy. I saw there was a car stopped in front of me. I tried to put on my breaks and my car would not slow down. I was getting closer to the other vehicle still trying to break. I tried to use my electronic emergency brake and it did not engage. The car did not even try to break for me which it normally does if I moving faster than a stopped car in front of me. I rear ended the person in front of me. I just wanted to let someone know as the forward collision did not work in this case and the accident could have been avoided.
Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.
Car stopped suddenly and now the car doesn’t start.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system inadvertently activated, prompting the vehicle to inadvertently stop. The contact stated that there was no other vehicles or objects nearby during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised the contact that an unknown obstruction on the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor had possibly caused the inadvertent activation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Forward collision warning failed to assist resulting in a collision that is considered a total loss.
As i attempted to start my vehicle, it continuously made a clicking noise until i finally hit the gas and made it crank up. About halfway through my work commute, the forward collision warning came on with no visible forward threat on the road. All of a sudden the car slammed on its brakes without me even touching the break and continued to do so anytime I put my foot on the gas above 50mph. I tried to turn it off when I parked the car but it still acted like there was something in front of my car.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who could not duplicate the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V539000 (Forward Collision Avoidance) since the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The forward collision system failed in my Kia 2019 optima. I was driving and the lights come on the forward collision lights and the engine turned off I had no control over the vehicle I couldn't even turn the wheel. It turned right on its own and threw me up on a bank and I rolled twice. The car was out of control. I've never been so terrified in my life. The safety measure failed and nearly cost my life. My brakes locked up as well and I'm lucky to be alive. This was uncontrollable the car was in control and it was wrong. I'm not sure if it was the forward Collison or the traction control and there were no warning lights ever on this was a new vehicle. I have witnesses that seen it someone pulled me out the vehicle bc my doors were locked. The car is currently deemed a total loss by state farm and is in Pulaski at IAA #5409946490. Stock # 31768854. Please help me get this out for other Kia owners the safety issues life or death. There was a police report and I do have pictures. I have reached out to Kia many times and they will not help me or inspect it. I'm at a loss of what to do. Please help me Kia has confirmed safety issues with this model and year with the forward collision error. Although I didn't know this until after the accident and I researched it.
My daughter hit a deer at 65 mph causing total loss 5 miles prior to the accident the forward collision warning light came on stating it was inactive due to the sensor being blocked or damaged.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM HIT HIM FROM BEHIND WHICH PUSHED HIS VEHICLE INTO A 270 DEGREE ANGLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, HIS DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIT HIS HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR; HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT AND WAS TOWED TO HIS INSURANCE COMPANY'S COLLISION CENTER. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY LESS THAN 200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.