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2019 Kia Optima maintenance schedule

The 2019 Optima is part of the JF generation (2016-2020), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2019 Optima needs, and when

All 11 of these items come from Kia's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Kia's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 miles severe/turbo

7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 15,000

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

More frequent in dust

15,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Tire rotation

Ensure even wear

7,500 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect every 8,000 miles

48,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Then every 24,000 miles / 24 mo

120,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect at 60k; replace severe

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

45,000 miles for 1.6T/2.0T

105,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect; replace if worn

60,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect at 15,000

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-20 / 5W-30, 5.1 qt
Coolant
Ethylene Glycol
Transmission fluid
SP-IV / DCT Gear Oil

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.4L 4-cyl (Theta II GDI), 185 hp, 6AT, FWD
  • 1.6L 4-cyl (Gamma T-GDI), 178 hp, 7DCT, FWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (Theta II T-GDI), 245 hp, 6AT, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2019 Optima owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Electrical system faults

low severity

30,000-80,000 mi · $122-$179 to fix

Random glitches

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA recall for the 2019 Kia Optima

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Forward collision avoidance

NHTSA 19V539000

July 2019

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.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$471
Five years of maintenance
$2,355
The major service near 100,000 mi
$700

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Optima model years

JF (2016-2020)

20162017201820192020

TF (2014-2015)

20142015

Shopping new? The Kia Optima guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Optima for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2019 Optima earns before you buy it.

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