Recall 19V539 affects 11,423 2019 Kia Optima vehicles for FCA software that can fail to engage braking assist. Free repair at a franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 11,423 2019 Optima vehicles because a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system can keep braking assist from engaging when it detects a stationary vehicle. Improper intervention raises the risk of a crash, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system on the 2019 Kia Optima is the automatic emergency braking feature that watches for a vehicle ahead. In normal operation, when the system detects a stopped vehicle in the Optima's path, it helps apply braking to reduce the impact of a frontal crash.
On affected Optimas with the Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine, the problem is software, not a broken brake part. A software error can keep the braking assist function from engaging when a stationary vehicle is detected. The driver still has the brake pedal, but the assist feature does not add the expected emergency braking help.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is inside the control software, an owner is not expected to hear a noise, feel a pedal change, or see a mechanical symptom before the assist fails to engage.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Kia Optima | Automatic emergency braking |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 11,423 |
Not every 2019 Kia Optima sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improper Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist intervention can surprise the driver and increase the risk of a crash. Until the software update is completed, leave extra space, stay alert for unexpected driver-assist behavior, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Kia Optima is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free FCA software update that fixes the braking assist error for stationary vehicle detection.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V539 and Kia recall SC179 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the software update is complete, and stay ready to brake without FCA assistance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist software so the braking assist function responds correctly when the system detects a stationary vehicle. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Kia's reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners paid before the recall repair was completed. If you have already paid for a related FCA software or braking assist repair, bring documentation to the service desk or contact Kia customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 19, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 20, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 27, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 27, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V539?
Recall 19V539 covers 11,423 2019 Kia Optima vehicles with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system can keep braking assist from engaging when a stationary vehicle is detected.
What should I do if my 2019 Kia Optima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Optima is included in recall 19V539. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist software update. Reference recall number 19V539 and Kia recall number SC179 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia dealers will update the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V539?
The safety risk is improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, which can increase crash risk. The defect affects the braking assist function when the system detects a stationary vehicle. The dealer repair is a software update.
What if I bought my 2019 Kia Optima used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Optima is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 19V539.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V539000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V539 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V539000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →