2020 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 140 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (55% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
140
owner complaints
2
fire reports
60,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (55%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)55% · 73 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)10% · 13 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 7 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 7 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)3% · 4 complaints
“Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical Symptoms: The car is experiencing slow cranking, engine sputtering, and multiple dashboard warning lights.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the Kia 2.4L Theta II engine. My specific VIN number is not listed on the Kia recall list. And Kia is stating that it does not qualify for a warranty replacement. Although it is the same engine with the known defect.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L GDI engine which has identical problems relating to previous lawsuits.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there's no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it's unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it starts to shake when driving I have tried to call Kia corporate and explain this situation but they have yet to follow up with me in my case”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2026
“Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It's not in a class action but probably should be. It's been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“The rod barring failed in my engine. I broke down in the middle of the parkway with my daughter. This is my third Kia optima that has had this issue but the dealership is stating there is not a recall on this model. The check engine light did not come on except when the car lost all power.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“It either has issues shifting gears like its stuck or the transmission may be slipping, it's had this issue since I bought the car. However I wasn't aware until my uncle drove the car and said something might be wrong.. I have no idea what's causing it. It shudders when I make turn or speed up to pass. Not all of the time but at least twice per my normal trip”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the red oil warning light illuminated; however, after driving off, the warning light disappeared. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an oil pump failure caused by low oil pressure while the vehicle was stationary, and the RPM was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2026
“My car burns oil. I had to have my spark.plugs and engine coils replaced. I was driving and my check engine light came on. Also, my car was sputtering like you wouldnt believe. When i had the spark plugs and ignition coils replaced, the spark plugs were covered in oil. Last year, I got an oil change and within a few weeks the oil was empty. A neighbor told me my car was burning oil. I also took it to an independent mechanic and he said that was an issue with the kia optima.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“Stable track control failed to work, the driver seatbelt did not tighten & stayed loose, & air bags did not deploy upon hitting the ditch & small trees resulting after hitting ice/water upon coming to a stop sign at a "T" cross road.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2020 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
FuelElectric · Gasoline
How other years compare
Check your exact Optima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA has 140 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Kia Optima. The most complained-about area is engine (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Kia Optima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.