2019 Kia Optima · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

33owner reports
92,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026

92 of the 209 complaints on this car are about the engine. 33 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2019 Optima.

No recall on this systemas of Oct 2, 2026

No crash reportedin 33 reports

1 firein 33 reports

NHTSA investigation1 covering the 2019

Tick what matches of 33 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

Engine failure on other Optima years

2014129 reports 2015319 reports 2016201 reports 201772 reports 201852 reports 201933 reports 202044 reports

Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.

What this problem usually is

These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.

Read the full explainer · Which cars report it most

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (33 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2019 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Optima

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2005 to 2020

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2011 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

RQ17-003opened May 18, 2017

Engine · model years 2011 to 2014

Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 8,801 and 103,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.

Is this a known problem?

The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2019 Kia Optima that deal with this problem. Newest first.

Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.

Service bulletinPI1805_TSB_R2Mar 18, 2020
TSB_R2 KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
Service bulletinPI1805_TSB_R1Nov 7, 2019
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1805_R1: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1805) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
Service bulletinPI1805_TSBOct 28, 2019
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) TSB: This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
Service bulletinPI1805_DSMOct 24, 2019
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1805) DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTCE - This document is the Dealer Service Manager notification that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod ...

What owners wrote

“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 Mar 17, 2026 · 92,000 miles

“I recently had the engine replaced less than a year ago due to an engine recall on this model car, today 11/11/2025 the engine caught fire. Weâve kept up with oil changes on time and I had no alerts in the vehicle on the dash claiming the engine was hot.”
Filed Nov 11, 2025

“Defective piston rings leading to excessive oil consumption, spark plug deterioration, and potential engine failure.”
Filed Dec 7, 2024

“Engine is consuming too much oil engine is shaking and knocking engine light is on reducing speed will cut off in mid drive”
Filed Nov 9, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 33 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.

Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found