2020 Model Year

Kia Optima

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
125
Recalls
0
Crashes
6
Severe
11

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Engine
Aug 2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power and entered limp mode. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle had...

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER Crash
May 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 tree...

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 2026

I purchased in July 2020, from sept 2020 I've had it at the dealership with shuddering, stalling and loss of acceleration. I originally thought fuel p...

Engine
Feb 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, afte...

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and vibrating abnormally while starting. There were no warning...

Engine
Jan 2026

I’ve been told by multiple Kia dealerships that my Kia needs a new engine however I am barely outside of their class action lawsuit so they are not wi...

Engine
Jan 2026

I took my vehicle to the dealership in Chantilly, VA on May 17, 2025. On July 24, 2025, I discovered that my vehicle had no oil, despite being approxi...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Jan 2026

Engine has been burning oil for at least a year now. Cause ignition coil/spark plug failure and have replaced all 4 coils and plugs 3 times now within...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 2025

Immediately after getting Kia's latest recall "Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign" software update, my transmission began to Hard-Shift between neut...

Engine
Dec 2025

Took to Kia for engine burning excessive oil. They determined the cylinder wall was scorched due to piston ring. The warranty people say it’s normal...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2020 Kia Optima has 125 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 6 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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