Kia 2019 Optima Forward Collision Avoidance Software Error Recall
Kia is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles with a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system that may prevent braking when a stationary vehicle is detected. Owners must contact Kia for a free software update.
Use caution until it’s fixed
Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
What happened, in plain English
Kia is recalling some 2019 Optima vehicles due to a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system. This error could prevent the vehicle from braking when a stationary vehicle is detected, increasing crash risk. Owners must get a free software update from Kia. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1224115-kia-2019-optima-forward-collision-avoidance-software-error-recall.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1224115-kia-2019-optima-forward-collision-avoidance-software-error-recall · Updated October 5, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #19V539000
Cite this page
“Kia 2019 Optima Forward Collision Avoidance Software Error Recall.” GovInfoNow, updated October 5, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1224115-kia-2019-optima-forward-collision-avoidance-software-error-recall. Based on NHTSA recall #19V539000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V539000).
Why it’s dangerous
The software error may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected. This could lead to a crash if the vehicle fails to brake in time. The hazard is specific to certain engine types and the FCA system.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2019 Kia Optima vehicles with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines are affected. Drivers using the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system are most at risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2019 Optima has a Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. The recall applies to vehicles sold between August 2019 and the recall start date.
- Brand
Kia- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Kia Customer Service
Call 1-800-333-4542 to get a free software update for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
What NHTSA says to do
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 39 days.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Questions people ask
Do I need to stop using my vehicle immediately?
No, the recall does not require immediate stop use. The software update is free and can be done by Kia dealers.
Keep exploring
Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #19V539000 (July 19, 2019)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 5, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.