2019 Kia Optima: false forward collision warnings

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

I just recently purchased my 2019 Kia optima sx turbo. After purchase, I immediately began experiencing issues with the braking system and the forward collision warning light coming on. The cruise control stopped working as well. I googled and saw that there was a recall on the forward collision warning system but the local Kia dealership to me says there is not one. I almost had a head on collision in this car with my granddaughter coming from daycare as I completely lost brakes. I have put so much money into purchasing this car believing it to be a good car.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · LA

UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the Dash lighting up erratically.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 20,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Blind Spot Collision Warning System" and "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System" messages became displayed. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC codes: C121002 and C121102. The dealer replaced the rear wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2024 · Driver assistance · CA

Forward collision Avoidance assist system - warning comes on, was told the hydraulic electrical control unit failing, this may need a recall.

Filed Jul 31, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · 57,813 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking while driving. The contact also stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors activated inadvertently while driving or the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and the contact was advised that the failure with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors was the regular function of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,813.

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

My 2019 KIA optima with 116,021 odometer on mileage. Stop in the middle of High Volume Traffic , Because of Software Issues , I suspect . All Forward Collision Warning Detection , Also Rear Collision Warning Alerted on dashboard!!! Which Causes my Car to stop in the middle of Traffic Completely shut down. I was able to get my vehicle towed to KIA West Dealership Located in lithia Springs GA . I requested a diagnostic test and was informed by my service advisor and service manager that my vehicle has a burned out wire located in the left right rear sensors radar assembly, bumper area . Which will eventually have caused a fire or actually already did, I asked how did it happen? I was told it just simply burnt out. !!!! I was told the assembly box junction box needed to be replaced, which I agreed at that moment in order to diagnose the vehicle. Second the electrical problem was revealed, which is the big problem now currently for 1 , the vehicle is not safe for a midsize sedan on public roads and highways the if this make and model car causes random fires. secondly the parts very expensive and suspicious. I’m currently still doing my investigation. Unfortunately I had to agree for the sensors to be replaced and fixed because personal reasons I need my vehicle to get back-and-forth to work, etc.. I’ve been in contact consumer regional services, No one is able to find a recall with my Vin number the car never been in a accident ever. I have a picture of the hazardous burned out wire the technician showed me as well. As they claimed randomly caught fire.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Driver assistance · FL

On March 2022 Forward Collision Warning System, Blind Spot Warning System, ABS braking System and other systems associated with a bad passenger rear wheel sensor not working. On March 17, 2022 rear passenger wheel sensor repaired under warranty by local Kia Dealer. In September 2023 same issue with the above warning systems occurs with only another 2,000 miles on car after previous repair. Local Kia dealer states both rear wheel sensors need to be replaced. Kia dealer states vehicle is no longer under warranty and will cost in excess of $800 to repair. After checking similar complaints online, I believe there is an inherit defect with this type of vehicle's wheel sensors and a recall is needed to enforce Kia to stand by their product and ensure the safety of the vehicle and their customers.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Driver assistance · 54,000 miles · NH

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.

Filed May 31, 2023 · Driver assistance · RI · crash

Forward collision warning failed to assist resulting in a collision that is considered a total loss.

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Driver assistance · TX

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Airbags · 93,228 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 mph approaching an intersection, an unknown pickup T -boned the vehicle on the driver-side quarter panel. While depressing the brake pedal, the attention level high / collision warning message was displayed. The air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her back and shoulder and she had several bruises. The contact was seen at the hospital where medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and than to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 93,228.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Driver assistance · 99,000 miles · OH

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 the federal safety agency 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.