2019 KIA OPTIMA Forward Collision Avoidance Problems

40 complaints about Forward Collision Avoidance

40
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Forward Collision Avoidance Complaints (40)

Nov 16, 2025

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.

Jul 5, 2025

While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.

Jul 5, 2025

While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.

Jun 23, 2025

Engine seizures.

Mar 31, 2025

Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to Kia Service department several times in the past 2 months.

Mar 26, 2025

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.

Feb 8, 2025

Sometimes when I drive it will say my forward collision is blocked so it will disable but it normally shuts off. Tonight I'm driving on the freeway a steering wheel pops up then blind spot abs traction and a few more lights come on then it say check headlights those are dimming the radio is cutting off. The wipers aren't working but the car is still accelerating then all of a sudden the car goes from 55 to 0 the wheel locks and I have to coat to the side of the road.

Jan 22, 2025 Crash

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.

Jan 22, 2025 Crash

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.

Jan 2, 2025

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.

Mileage: 20,000

Nov 14, 2024

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

Oct 21, 2024

Under normal operating conditions all sensors malfunctioned causing all abs systems to stop working.

Jul 31, 2024

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.

Mileage: 57,813

Apr 5, 2024

The engine is consuming oil very fast and needing oil way before the next oil change. The oil consumption test Kia did stated that it was 2 quarts low after the first 1000 miles. Car does not have extended warranty but this a manufacturing defect. Suggestion was new motor. Also it's recall for the forward collision safety feature but my car vin is not included even though it goes off when nothing is in front of me. They want me to pay for these issues the motor cost the same as the payoff of car. This is ridiculous, I purchased Kia due to having a older model that almost got 300,000 miles on it before transmission died. I got a great payment and a newer car but didn't expect to have this motor issue or safety problem with no help from manufacturer. I'm stuck keeping oil in car so it's burn out & cutting safety feature off so it stops breaking when nothing is in front me. Both of these issues or manufacturing defects and should be fixed by KIA.

Mar 18, 2024

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.

Mar 2, 2024

I like kids however I purchased a Kia used in 2021, I started to notice that all consumption was going out fast before oil changes was due. I still have this ongoing problem but they say there's no recall on these GDI motors however other people I see informs or experiencing the same issues. I now have to try to get an appointment with Kia for an oil change before it's time for the oil change and to do a oil consumption test and then hopefully the main factors or kia will replace this motor even though there's no warranty on the car. I might also have a issue with the front collision feature because I have been noticing in the past few weeks that this feature comes on even when there's no car in front of me it will start to break however it says that my car is not a part of a software upgrade so I got to ask them about that as well. There is definitely a issue with the GDI motors and Kia really needs to recall them all and replace the motors it should not burn all the way that it does I've never had any car of any brand or manufacturer burn oil the way that this car is burning oil. I cannot financially afford to go out here and trade this car in and get another car with the type of payment that I have for this car since I had my bank finances car.

Feb 24, 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

Feb 20, 2024

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.

Feb 4, 2024 Crash

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

Feb 4, 2024 Crash

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

Nov 20, 2023

The second month after I purchased this vehicle the master warning light and forward collision light popped up and car vehicle started de-accelerating in the middle of the freeway and I had to pull over and then the car died. Repeatedly took my vehicle to the Kia dealership and no one still has been able to help me. They claim no one at their corp. Office in California what that means so it has been going off ever since and I don't want my vehicle to died again. PLEASE HELP!!!

Jun 25, 2023

Car stopped suddenly and now the car doesn’t start.

Jun 5, 2023

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.

Mileage: 54,000

Jun 5, 2023

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.

Mileage: 54,000

May 31, 2023 Crash

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

Apr 18, 2023

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.

Apr 18, 2023

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.

Apr 4, 2023 Crash

On October 11,2022 I was involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in damages to the front of my vehicle and the rear of another. My two children and I suffered injuries that we were not able to recover fully from. The driver of the other vehicle was uninsured and has not been accessible!

Mar 13, 2023

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.

Mileage: 99,000

Feb 6, 2023

To begin, there was a recall on the forward avoidance collision system. The fix was to have the system reset at the dealership. Almost like a system update. I had that done after multiple lights appeared on my dash. 5 months later, the lights would illuminate again periodically, but turn off after a few minutes of driving. Two months ago, the lights came on when I was traveling on our highway at about 45 MPH. There was no cars in front of me, nor any objects. The automatic brake applied itself as I was turning off of this major highway. I hit the gas to try to turn off of the highway after the brake was applied, and my car wouldn’t accelerate. Since then, the light has stayed on every time I turn my car on, and for the remainder of the time I’m driving it. The brake has also self engaged itself twice since then. It’s a huge safety risk as someone could hit me from behind. The system update obviously didn’t fix the issues. The Kia dealership in my area, Tameron Kia, said that there was nothing they could do for me since they did the computer update. She was certain that it was a different issue, but it isn’t. My car has 60,000 miles on it and have been dealing with this specific issue since 3 months after I purchased the car. It’s not safe for my children and I, and something has got to be done about the issue.

Feb 6, 2023

To begin, there was a recall on the forward avoidance collision system. The fix was to have the system reset at the dealership. Almost like a system update. I had that done after multiple lights appeared on my dash. 5 months later, the lights would illuminate again periodically, but turn off after a few minutes of driving. Two months ago, the lights came on when I was traveling on our highway at about 45 MPH. There was no cars in front of me, nor any objects. The automatic brake applied itself as I was turning off of this major highway. I hit the gas to try to turn off of the highway after the brake was applied, and my car wouldn’t accelerate. Since then, the light has stayed on every time I turn my car on, and for the remainder of the time I’m driving it. The brake has also self engaged itself twice since then. It’s a huge safety risk as someone could hit me from behind. The system update obviously didn’t fix the issues. The Kia dealership in my area, Tameron Kia, said that there was nothing they could do for me since they did the computer update. She was certain that it was a different issue, but it isn’t. My car has 60,000 miles on it and have been dealing with this specific issue since 3 months after I purchased the car. It’s not safe for my children and I, and something has got to be done about the issue.

Jan 26, 2023

ABS light came on for no apparent reason and took car to Kia dealership and was told it needs ABS Issue: “Your car is going to need an ABS Actuator, this controls how the ABS modulates the brakes when under dangerous braking conditions so that your brakes don't lock up..$2676.56 just for that repair if you'd like us to replace it” and I searched online and do see that some 2019 Kia models had a recall for this very issue, but my VIN is not showing up as affected. The lights came on about 6 mos ago, cleared and then came back on again. Car is at Moritz KIa in FW, TX right now.

Nov 30, 2021 Crash

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.

Nov 18, 2021 Crash

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.

Oct 20, 2021

I just think theres some sort of a tech issue with my electronic dashboard. My passenger seatbelt sign goes on and beeps incessantly when there is no passenger in the seat. My caution alert button comes on saying I have low tire pressure when it’s only one number less than all the other tires. My oil change reminder never comes on. Today I was driving normally and the car in front of me barely tapped their breaks (and I was not close to them at all) and the collision alert started beeping. My car randomly gets cold and the AC smells like it’s on, but it’s not (the button isn't lit nor did I turn it on) It normally doesn’t allow me to turn the outside air button on/off. Like in the winter when it’s freezing outside and I wasn’t to press the button to only circulate the inside air in the car, it doesn’t allow me and I have to freeze and be uncomfortable in my own car.

Aug 19, 2021

Out of no where the Front Collision Avoidance Assist came on while driving as well as the automatic emergency braking sensor came on I had my kids in the car no accident or anything

Aug 19, 2021

Out of no where the Front Collision Avoidance Assist came on while driving as well as the automatic emergency braking sensor came on I had my kids in the car no accident or anything

Jan 27, 2021 Crash

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.

Mileage: 200

Nov 24, 2020

LAST NIGHT A WARNING MESSAGE POPPED UP THAT SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT CRASH COLLISION SENSOR AND IT WAS TURNING OFF. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING HOME AND THIS MORNING IT WAS OFF BUT POPPED BACK UP AFTER AROUND 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING.

Mileage: 9,015

Nov 6, 2020 Crash

WAS DRIVING ON I 95 WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO THE MEDIAN TOTALING MY CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BRAKES AND UNABLE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO AVOID THE COLLISION.

Mileage: 12,000