2020 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (98), Power Train (26), Unknown Or Other (16).
Key takeaways
- 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 98 | 68% |
| Power Train | 26 | 18% |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 13 | 9% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | 8% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 | 6% |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 3% |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3% |
| Steering | 2 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-09-15
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 t...
Power Train,engine - filed 2026-09-08
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 sc...
Fuel System, Gasoline - filed 2026-09-01
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 "...
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More for the 2020 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.