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Kia Optima Collision Braking Software May Not Engage

NHTSA campaign 19V539000 · Reported Jul 19, 2019 · Kia Motors America

medium How serious is it? About this label

When this braking assist doesn't work properly, it can increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	19V539000
Reported to NHTSA	Jul 19, 2019
Manufacturer	Kia Motors America
Part affected	Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Kia Optima vehicles with certain turbocharged engines have a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system. Because of this error, the system's automatic braking function may not engage when it detects a stationary vehicle ahead. This means the system may fail to step in and help brake the car in that situation, the way it is designed to.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is included.
2. Contact your Kia dealer, or call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
3. The software update is free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 19V539000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2019 Kia Optima

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Other Kia Optima recalls

Aug 24, 2023Kia Optima trunk latch may crack, trapping someone insidemedium
Mar 8, 2018Kia Optima Hybrid Battery Protection Device Issuehigh

Official notice

Component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
Safety risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.