KnownCarProblems2020 Kia Optima Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 151 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Optima, most often about the engine (72% of complaints, typically around 116,000 miles). It is 13th of 20 Optima model years by number of complaints.
Most common 2020 Kia Optima problems
Engine
108 complaints · 72%Half of these problems showed up before 116,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that oil changes needed to be performed more frequently than normal. The contact stated that the oil light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, and depressing the accelerator pedal, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was being depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over, turned off…
Transmission
27 complaints · 18%Other or unspecified
16 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic braking system engaged without warning to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the cruise control failed to operate as needed and the vehicle intermittently failed to turn on while using the "push to start/stop"…
Electrical
14 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: ignition.
Fuel system
13 complaints · 9%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…
Brakes
8 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: disc.
The fcw forward collision warning system seems to not get activated under any circusnstances. I have changed the sensitivity of the system to all levels and it never seems to detect the car in front of it. It never warns you of an collision.
I own a 2020 Kia Optima (my second one in less than a year). Three weeks ago, I applied my brakes before entering a curve. In the process, I hit a bump (not a pot hole) in the road's and my brakes disengaged and I thought I would lose control of the vehicle because I was not sure the brake were going to engage in time…
Air bags
7 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 21,000 miles.
The contact owned a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a guardrail, causing her to hit her head on the steering wheel and lose consciousness. The vehicle came to a complete stop in a ditch. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact later received medical…
My vehicle was moving when a ford 150 pulled out in front of me. Forward collision worked & slowed the vehicle to 35mph. I hit the truck doing severe front end damage to my car. The airbags did not deploy what so ever.
Speed control
6 complaints · 4%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Kia Optima recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated july 13, 2022, petitioning the agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain hyundai motor america, inc. And kia america, inc. Vehicles spanning model years (my) 2005-2021. The petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are
Questions about the 2020 Kia Optima
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Optima?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (108 complaints, typically around 116,000 miles); transmission (27 complaints); other or unspecified (16 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Optima have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 Kia Optima. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Kia Optima?
- It is 13th of 20 Optima model years by number of complaints, with 151 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.