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
146 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2024
I need an immobilizer installed on my car so I will be able to get insurance. Please recall these vehicles. This problem is because something wasn't installed on the car that it needs. PLEASE help us.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2024
This is my 3rd or 4th complaint on here with NO RESPONSE, HELP, OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT! My 2020 finally got engine put in and car does not drive the same. Steering wheel acts weird, the engine has a sound, the anti collision lights went off twice, but could be due to weather. Kia told me that it's my responsibility since my yr is not on recall. I'm surrendering this car asap to give me piece of mind before another engine is due. I met several people at kia that are on their 2nd and 3rd engine and the mechanics told me they know I will be back for another engine! This is wrong and now I'm out of alot of money and surrendering this will add more negative factors. I have my receipts but im not posting publicly
Engine, Jan 5, 2024
I was driving my car and all of sudden it lost power. It would not go over 25-30 miles an hour. Then a loud, banging or knocking sound started. It has not been driven now for almost a year because of the knocking sound and no power. I’m paying for a car that does not work and to no fault of mine. It seems to match the other recall complaints but mine isn’t covered? This seems to be really unfair. If it is having the exact same issues as the year before mine it would seem to be the problem was never fixed. I will never buy another Kia due to this issue. It is such a huge safety concern and it seems like until someone is injured or worse then they might do something about it. They should be proactive on issues that seem to be going on with the same vehicle when it’s the exact issue that is going on with the year/s prior to my car.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2024
My front headlights on both signs shorts out while driving. If one goes the other goes. No warning. I have replaced the headlights since 2020, 3 times and the bulbs 4. There needs to be an investigation into to these headlights shorting out can cause an accident.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine consumed an excessive amount of oil and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid, knock sensor, and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and a complete fuel system cleaning was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Dec 18, 2023
Steering wheel bearing broken. Had replaced in November and again now needs to be replaced. Major safety concern that Kia should fix properly so the car runs efficiently
Power train, Engine, Dec 7, 2023
My 2020 Kia Optima had engine failure and engine is being replaced now. I've had this car for 1yr/84k miles. It went limp on the freeway 2 mos ago and I could've caused an accident when it shut down. Would not go over 30 mps, engine light kept blinking and had knocking sound. Diagnostic code as the other recalls, Engine is same for the other recalls 2.4 Theta, oil was black and almost empty & just had oil changeI called kia corporate and they told me that they are not covering it since its not a recall. I have extended warranty but CNA National Warranty will only approve a used engine and a new one I would have to pay $3,000! I have made 2 car payments for a car that is immobile, $200+ for deductible, and $600+ for car service, this is not right at all. How can I get Kia to correct this. I do not want this car or any other kia! I cannot afford xmas this year all because I chose the wrong car maker!!
Engine, Nov 29, 2023
Oil plug fall out at highway speeds, engine failure. Engine stalled while driving, got vehicle to side of road, called tow truck after attempting to restart. When tow truck driver pulled vehicle onto the flatbed a massive amount of oil came out. After driver towed vehicle home he looked for a hole in the block found where plug had fallen out and advised us to look in the skid plate to see if oil plug was there, if we were lucky we could put it back in, fill with oil and restart. That is when it became obvious that the oil came from drain plug site and oil plug was found. Put plug back in, filled with oil and let the vehicle sit for a while before attempting to restart. Engine would not crank. Had vehicle towed to KIA service center by neighbor and dropped off where it was"lost" for two weeks. After they "found" my vehicle they scheduled a time to look at it. They called needing permission to put in a new starter and told us if they installed the started and the engine failed the test, engine repair would be covered under "this campaign". They put in the starter, ran an engine test and confirmed a new engine was needed. They called later that day, said it was not covered under warranty or campaign. I could not afford the engine replacement so had it towed back home by neighbor after paying for the starter. Car is at home parked and has not been touched since getting it back here. Plug fall out was 4,000 miles after last oil change. Vehicle went into limp mode one time, did need a boost a few times and the day off plug fall out my son was on his way home from work, headed to auto parts store to have them check battery, starter and alternator.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 13, 2023
I purchased my 2020 kia optima 8/2022. On 10/21/23 I was on the freeway and the engine light started flashing, car made a knocking sound, went limp, speed dropped from 75 to 32 quickly while I was changing lanes, and Would not go over 32 mph. I made it home and started researching online and found out about the recalls. My car is not one since it's a 2020. I removed the car from my garage and parked it at end of my driveway and it's still sitting there as of today 11/13/23. I ordered a diagnostic reader and it stated code 1326 for engine. My car has done same things as the other recalled cars, same code, and same 2.4L Theta ll engine. I called Kia Corporate office on 11/13 (case #15978041) they stated my car is not one of the recalled cars, my warranty expired at 60k, and everything will have to be paid out of my pocket! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was given their voicemail. I called Kia here in Conway, Ark and they stated to bring car in for them to test it. Towing and testing would be at my expense. My insurance might cover towing and since I have extended warranty then they will need that information. I am not involving my insurance since alot of companies will not cover my vehicle due to the recent theft issue defect. They could drop my car to avoid possible liabilities. I should not have to involve my extended warranty since this is a Kia problem and I do not have money for a deductible for new engine. They knowingly put those same raggedy engines in the 2020 kia's, settled the recall case and now expect the consumer to come out of pocket for their fraud. Kia needs to come tow this car, provide me a rental, and replace the engine. They need to pay my car note and insurance for the months its not driveable, but thats legal issue I will address
Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact's husband was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with DTC Code: P0304 “Cylinder # 4 misfire). The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Engine, Sep 30, 2023
My engine is failing as of right now . It has yet to completely fail , but I was told by KIA today that it’s failing and they don’t know how long it has left . I just thought I would try and get a re call on it to get it fixed instead of putting myself or others at danger if/when the engine does fail .
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 29, 2023, fire
I was told by me dealership recently that the Kia Optima is not designed for high mileage. It’s been consuming oil and my dealership was aware of the issue. Yesterday smoke came out from under the hood and the engine and front half of the car was engulfed in flames.
Power train, Aug 24, 2023
The vehicles 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), is horribly jerky at very low speeds and on take off. It has become dangerous to drive as my wife almost caused an accident from the vehicle not reacting to acceleration pedal, or from it reacting completely unexpectedly. The transmission is very jerky as you take the foot off the brake without pressing accelerator pedal, it shakes the entire vehicle. It also jerks heavily if you barely touch the gas pedal on take off. Dealership has done a software update on the transmission which only helped initially for about 2-3 weeks, after which the transmission started behaving in that way much worse. It is a constant and persistent issue, however, as there are no fault codes or check engine light is not displayed, the dealer states there is nothing they can do to fix the problem. The vehicle is under full manufacturer power train warranty, yet they refuse to fix it.
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
My engine needs to be replaced
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2023
Dealers claim pistons are bad and engine is stalking eating through 2 quart every thousand miles or less. Properly maintained and everything not sure why the pistons would be bad already, also replaced a pcv sensor to fix problem but did not change anything.
Electrical system, May 27, 2023
April 30, 2023 my 2020 Kia Optima was stolen. The thief or thieves broke my backside passenger window to get inside. Once inside they started my car using a USB cord/ charger block. I purchased the car in Feb 2023. I wasn't aware of made aware the car's antitheft software needed to be upgraded which would've deterred or made it difficult for thieves to steal it. I wasn't notified by the dealership nor Kia about this needed upgrade. My insurance has denied my claim and I'm stuck paying for damages well over $4000. What can I do to prevent my car from being stolen again should I decided to keep it? I've reached out to the dealership where I purchased the car and Kia neither of them were concerned nor had answers
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Seats, Engine, Mar 30, 2023
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Engine, Feb 21, 2023
Car burns through 3 quarts of oil per week with just normal usage. Confirmed there are no oil leaks.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2023
I believe the engine could possibly be failing. My engine light will come on & flash, when it does this it is slowing down at speed ranges of 60 mph. Another thing, the GDi engine that is in this vehicle burns oil EXTREMELY fast. It is quite aggravating having to constantly get oil changes every 2-4 weeks & have only driven 0-1500 miles. This is not normal. The engine has this crackling noise as if it’s chopping metal.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 11, 2023, crash
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2022
2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. The whole situation has caused tons of stress and anxiety.