2019 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out
- 30owner reports
- 9,015median miles
- 7involved a crash
Newest report Jul 16, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
30 of the 209 complaints on this car describe false collision warning.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
False collision warning on other Optima years
No other Optima model year has enough reports of false collision warning for a sheet of its own. See every Optima year.
What this problem usually is
This group is about the forward collision warning itself. Owners describe alarms with nothing ahead, a forward camera that fails or reports itself blocked, and other safety features shutting off at the same moment. A lot of them happen at highway speed, and a lot end with a dealer who couldn't reproduce it.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the radar sensor (6 reports) and the software (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on collision avoidance covers the 2019 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.”
Filed Nov 14, 2024
“Under normal operating conditions all sensors malfunctioned causing all abs systems to stop working.”
Filed Oct 21, 2024
“I was doing 65 on the hwy when Forward collision started so sound off and slowing down car when there was no other car around me this happened on several occasions”
Filed Feb 24, 2024
“I was driving and tried to brake but my car did not stop and ended up hitting guardrail. A couple weeks later I was driving and there was nothing in front of me but the car abruptly stopped in the middle of road”
Filed Feb 4, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 7 of 30 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. 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
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 33 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 31 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 27 reports