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2019 Kia Optima acceleration problems

11 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 15,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
15,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Optima acceleration problems in other years

2001201020152020

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2019 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

I have a 2019 Kia Optima S with the 2.4L engine and 117,000 miles. The vehicle has diagnostic codes P1326 and POOOB. The check-engine light is continuously flashing, the engine is knocking, and the vehicle has lost acceleration and will not go over approximately 65 mph. I believe this may be related to the KSDS connecting-rod bearing issue under Kia campaign PI1805.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · TX

I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Acceleration · 15,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.

Filed Oct 19, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

System failed to pick up speed.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · IN

Since I have had the vehicle I have had to have multiple Spark Plugs and Engine Coils replaced, literally every 4-6 months. One diagnosis said there was a problem with the motor, when I told Kia, they did not come back with the same diagnosis, well they sort of did, but did not noter it as an issue. Also, my car burns oil way too fast. I'm having to put in 2-23 quarts every 2-3 weeks. I have been told that the GDI motors are the culprit for this. Have even heard Hyundai had a enough complaints and has recalled the motor, but Kia did not, so we are still running around here paying excessive amounts on oil and repairs.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · GA · crash

Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled

Filed Apr 28, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · 20,000 miles · TX

I was driving up a hill and as I reached the top of the incline, my car stopped accelerating. I then attempted to use my brakes and I barely tapped them, but they reacted as if I slammed on my breaks. I took my foot off of the brakes and I began rolling backwards even though my car was still in drive. My brakes were then locked, I put my car in park and then turned off & then back on my car without removing the key. I then put my car back into drive, however, my gas pedal was still not working. I then turned my car off again, removed the key, put the key back, then restarted and went back into drive and it began to work again. There was not an issue after that.

Filed Feb 28, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 74,800 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and merging onto the highway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pumped the accelerator pedal several times and the vehicle responded. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,800.

Filed Feb 27, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 8,801 miles · IN

2019 kia optima, in july of 2019.1st instance, 2/4/2020 (late afternoon) I drove back from new albany in and as soon as I got off the freeway on keystone, I tried to turn a corner and the cel light came on flashing and the car would barely accelerate (heavy hesitation). They said do not drive, get a tow.I did, they hooked it up. An error to contact kia eng. They indicated its 1 of 2 things, rock sensor harness/rock sensor. 1st they said they would replace the sensor but they only replaced the harness.mileage on this date 2/7/2020 8,801 miles. Picked up my car on february 7, 2020. 2nd instance 2/24/2020 @3pm(ish)- return trip to indianapolis from lafayette (round trip) apx 2:59p on the way back to work, I got off in zionsville to run to the store. I stopped at the light and tried to turn right, the exact same scenario as the 1st instance. Cel light, major hesitation and very little acceleration. Called service at kia to get my rental ready and I was on my way in to the shop. The rental was ready and it was late monday. He contacted who is the gm called me 2/24/2020 @6:16pm to say that he will look into this asap in the morning. He also indicated that he is part owner of lia dealer.on monday evening I contracted kia corp office to file a case # same evening, I text my salesman but the gmcalled 8:07a explained its on the rack and the engineers have been contacted for the resolution and he will call me when they know more. Tues gm and gm of all local service depts) called and explained the issue, attempt at a resolution change the sensor and driving 10 miles to make sure it fixes it. How is 10 miles going to 'test' he agreed 30 mile test. He said if this sensor fails they (kia corp) will replace the engine! Well the sensor is working 2 days so far. (last time it took 11 days and 1,177 miles to fail) I picked up car on 2/26/20. L

Questions about the 2019 Kia Optima acceleration

Does the 2019 Kia Optima have acceleration problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the acceleration of the 2019 Kia Optima, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2019 Kia Optima acceleration problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 15,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Kia Optima acceleration?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Optima have the most acceleration problems?

The Kia Optima model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2012 (40 complaints), 2013 (39 complaints) and 2015 (36 complaints).

Other 2019 Kia Optima problems

Engine 95Driver assistance 40Electrical 23Brakes 19Fuel system 18Transmission 18Body 14Airbags 12Steering 6Visibility 3Wheels 3Lights 2Locks 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Suspension 1

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