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: power train
27 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Jul 11, 2023
On July 4th 2023, I was driving with my son in car, when unexpectedly the check engine light came on and car lost power. We were on a highway with a 65mph speed limit. I was able to pull over to side of road. Car did Start back up, however was missing and misfiring. Shaking especially under acceleration. My engine has been consuming oil for many thousands of miles, it is documented; however only an oil consumption test was performed. Hyuandai and Kia has serious engine issues and they know it. This could've been worse. Luckily I still had some brake pressure to get off the road. With this stalling on the highway, it is very dangerous.
Power train, Dec 21, 2022
On Thursday, I was leaving to drive my son 5 miles up the road and my check engine light started flashing with no warning. My car slowed down and started jerking. I took it to auto zone (on limp mode) to receive a code and it came back with p1326. My car only has 64,216 miles and I also just recently got the oil changed. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I wanted to report this because my car is only 2 years old and shouldn’t have engine/power train issues.