2020 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (102), Power Train (27), Unknown Or Other (16).
Key takeaways
- 151 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 102 | 68% |
| Power Train | 27 | 18% |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 14 | 9% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 8% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 3% |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3% |
| Steering | 2 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-10-09
My vehicle keeps consuming/burning oil. In between oil changes I still need to add oil
Engine,fuel/Propulsion System,lane Departure - filed 2026-10-08
At around 103K miles, I took to the dealership for a multipoint inspection for knocking when braking and my forward collision/lane assist systems going offline mid drive. I learn I have to replace my axle, despite replacing my axle in sept 2025. I return a week after due to the red oil light blinking on randomly, and w...
Electrical System - filed 2026-10-08
On August 20, 2026, while my minor son and I were inside my 2020 Kia Optima LX, strong burning odors and fumes entered the passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before or during the incident. Although no visible flames were observed, I suspected an electrical com...
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More for the 2020 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.