2020 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 146 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: engine
105 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Dec 26, 2022
2020 Kia Optima with 39,000 miles. Check engine light came on for knock sensor and put into limp mode. Before the check engine light came on I've been noticing a faint noise during acceleration from the engine. Waiting to hear back on the overall problem.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 29, 2022
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 25, 2022
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
I was driving in the freeway nearby San Jose, CA with my family in the car. I was doing 67mph. It was high elevation curvy road. I experienced engine stalling. The car suddenly stop accelarating and speed drop to 35mph despite pressing on gas.
Engine, Jun 18, 2021
Owner's manual states the 1.6Turbo requires 4.75 qrts of oil with filter change. The car reads full after adding 4 qrts. Still reading full after double checking after 250 miles. .Owner's manual typo? . Incorrect dipstick during final assembly? .Following the manual could lead to overfilling/foaming issues and thus engine failure/safety issues. Perhaps a TSB needs to be done? Note: I used a Fram filter. Slightly smaller dimensions than original but in no way accounting for 3/4 qrts.