Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2020 Kia Optima has 0 recalls, 128 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
0
Recalls
128
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 7, 2026
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | It either has issues shifting gears like its stuck or the transmission may be slipping, it's had thi... |
| Feb 25, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, th... |
| Feb 14, 2026 | ENGINE | My car burns oil. I had to have my spark.plugs and engine coils replaced. I was driving and my check... |
| Feb 3, 2026 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Stable track control failed to work, the driver seatbelt did not tighten & stayed loose, & air bags ... |
| Jan 16, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and vibrating... |
| Jan 1, 2026 | ENGINE | While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power and entered limp mode. The chec... |
| Dec 19, 2025 | ENGINE | Took to Kia for engine burning excessive oil. They determined the cylinder wall was scorched due to... |
| Dec 16, 2025 | ENGINE | Vechile is burning oil and knock sensor came on which indicated rod bearing. While driving the car ... |
| Dec 12, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Immediately after getting Kia's latest recall "Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign" software update... |
| Nov 27, 2025 | ENGINE | I got the car was running good week or 2 later I see the oil light flash after my oil change I go ba... |
| Nov 14, 2025 | ENGINE | Out of the blue I get a code for a misfire on cylinder one. Got in to head to work as normal and it... |
| Nov 12, 2025 | ENGINE | It is an oil burner and engine failed and went into limp mode less than 5 years when drove off deale... |
| Oct 21, 2025 | ENGINE | Metal contamination found on VVT solenoid of 2020 kia optima 2.4L GDI engine. Firestone Autocare Con... |
| Oct 16, 2025 | ENGINE | My car has been burning oil rapidly. I’ve contacted kia over this issue and I have had several times... |
| Sep 29, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My i... |
| Sep 3, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | The turbo system on the car burns oil at a rapid rate. Had to pay $4000 to replace and still continu... |
| Aug 30, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine |
| Aug 23, 2025 | ENGINE | Without warning my car went into “Limp Mode” while driving on the highway almost causing a collision... |
| Aug 1, 2025 | ENGINE | I’ve been told by multiple Kia dealerships that my Kia needs a new engine however I am barely outsid... |