2020 Kia Optima

Routine

Owners filed 145 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine84
110
Power Train9
000
Electrical System9
010
Engine and Engine Cooling7
000
Air Bags7
404
Unknown or Other6
000
Service Brakes5
100
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Seat Belts2
000
Visibility1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026NY

The oil consumption in my 2020 Kia optima is low so fast and needs to be replaced frequently. The engine is always hesitant and bucking. The car when you press the gas shakes and doesn't take off properly i have brought this up to the dealership multiple times to be told nothing is wrong. When sitting at a light idle the car shakes and the RPM's drop and rev up. When you in reverse in the car and hit the gas the whole car shakes so bed the engine feels like its go to fall out. When you drive and press the gas the engine revs all the way before the car actually finds where it needs to be. There is something wrong with the 2020 Kia Optima Engine all though nothing will be done about it even with all these complaints!!!! This has been going on for years with this car and I maintain my car had all services done...Kia doesn't want to fix the problem.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026TX

While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 1, 2026145,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred. The "Service In" message flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026FL

I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with Kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells like another class action.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 2026IL

I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating system will not turn on or operate properly. I was informed that the problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system/wiring. These problems have continued and require repeated attention. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly the continued oil loss and the electrical malfunction. I am reporting these issues so they can be documented and investigated to determine whether other 2020 Kia Optima owners are experiencing similar problems.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 2026CA

Snow White Pearl exterior paint is peeling off hood and sides of our 2020 Kia Optima. We paid an extra $495 for this paint.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026PA

Today as I was driving to work my car suddenly stopped while being idle at the stop light. It turned off. I was able to restart and drive to work safely and home. I googled the issue and saw many Kia optima owners having the same issues and they’re saying no codes or anything popping up. Should this be considered a recall.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2026IL

Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical Symptoms: The car is experiencing slow cranking, engine sputtering, and multiple dashboard warning lights.

Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2026PA

My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the Kia 2.4L Theta II engine. My specific VIN number is not listed on the Kia recall list. And Kia is stating that it does not qualify for a warranty replacement. Although it is the same engine with the known defect.

Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2026CA

Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L GDI engine which has identical problems relating to previous lawsuits.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2026IL

My transmission failed the week I got it it was inspected by the dealership and I was told that they could not do anything about it I’ve been calling them for a whole year I’ve made notes and complaints I’ve contacted my lender they contacted the dealership to trade me in a new car and was told no I have been out of thousands of dollars paying every month I’ve been ubering I’ve been late to work this is costing me money and my job is on the line

Engine
Filed May 27, 2026TX

I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it’s unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it starts to shake when driving I have tried to call Kia corporate and explain this situation but they have yet to follow up with me in my case

Engine
Filed May 11, 2026MO

Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It’s not in a class action but probably should be. It’s been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.

Engine
Filed May 7, 2026AR

Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no warning lights so they changed my oil and I was able to made it home. Shortly after I broke down again at night and pulled into a parking lot again no warning and no oil. I had to call someone to get oil and from that point on I had to put oil in my cart every other day with no signs of a leaks and no warning lights. It has become to dangerous to drive and the engine has now failed and knocking and shaking has caused me to park my car and not drive it. I am deeply concerned about the risk of catastrophic engine failure and the potential for fire, which has been documented in similar cases. Despite having the Knock Sensor Detection System installed, my vehicle continues to exhibit these dangerous symptoms. I sought assistance from Landers Crain dealership and KIA; however, they declined to properly evaluate or service my vehicle along with KIA declining according to the KIA Regional Manager. This lack of support has left me with an unsafe, undrivable car and no clear path toward resolution. The Center for Auto Safety Key Affected Vehicles (2.4L GDI) Kia Optima 2011–2018 (some 2019) exact same engine in 2020 Optima Kia Sorento 2012–2019 Kia Sportage 2011–2018 (some 2019) Details of the Recall and Settlement The Problem Man

Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2026IL

My vehicle burns oil too quickly. I schedule my regular oil change based on the feedback from the auto repair shop. During my last oil change he said I practically had no oil left, but it has been less than 5,000 miles since my previous oil change. The tech informed me he's seen this happen a lot within Kia's including the optima that I currently drive. Fast forward a few months i noticed my oil light illuminate for a moment and immediately turn off. I still want to get it checked out just in case so i brought it back to the same shop. They informed me my oil was very low even though, but I still have another 1,500 miles before my next due oil change. He looked around and confirmed there were no leaks or damage that would affect the consumption rate. He highly recommended me look to see if there were any recalls on my specific model of vehicle that would warrant both an explanation and reason for replacement. In the meantime he topped off my oil and i was all good to go.

Engine
Filed Apr 20, 202669,751 milesNC

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud banging sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The RPM failed to operate as intended while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,751.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2026KY

The rod barring failed in my engine. I broke down in the middle of the parkway with my daughter. This is my third Kia optima that has had this issue but the dealership is stating there is not a recall on this model. The check engine light did not come on except when the car lost all power.

Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 2026KY

My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.

Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2026GA

My car burns oil. I had to have my spark.plugs and engine coils replaced. I was driving and my check engine light came on. Also, my car was sputtering like you wouldnt believe. When i had the spark plugs and ignition coils replaced, the spark plugs were covered in oil. Last year, I got an oil change and within a few weeks the oil was empty. A neighbor told me my car was burning oil. I also took it to an independent mechanic and he said that was an issue with the kia optima.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 11, 2026NE

It either has issues shifting gears like its stuck or the transmission may be slipping, it's had this issue since I bought the car. However I wasn't aware until my uncle drove the car and said something might be wrong.. I have no idea what's causing it. It shudders when I make turn or speed up to pass. Not all of the time but at least twice per my normal trip

20 of 145 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2020 — this page145020Routine
2019206160Above average
20182322100Above average
2017255390Above average
20167545191Fatalities reported
20151,0074741Fatalities reported
20145857422Fatalities reported
20131,38191144Fatalities reported
20129195770High concern
20115935331Fatalities reported
201075120Routine
2009116141Fatalities reported
2008144348Fatalities reported
2007167250Routine
2006155210Routine
2005144010Routine
2004225130Above average
2003141220Routine
2002107340Routine
2001143300Routine

Compare every Optima year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.