2020 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 202 complaints about the 2020 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 46% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 12.4%.
Complaints202
Crashes9
Fires5
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 46.0% · 93
Power train 12.4% · 25
Unknown or other 7.4% · 15
Electrical system 5.9% · 12
Fuel/propulsion system 5.0% · 10
Engine and engine cooling 4.0% · 8
Service brakes 3.5% · 7
Air bags 3.5% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2020 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 145 in the last three years against 51 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,009 miles.
In owners' own words
My car has been burning oil rapidly. Iâve contacted kia over this issue and I have had several times where I have had to continually add oil. There is no leak. This is a known issue with kia motors across mechanics nationwide and there should be a recall issued. This has been at several shops and over the last few years. This motor should NOT be consuming 4 quarts of oil within 1000 miles after an oil change. Engine
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was connected to a diagnostic machine. The DTC indicated a glow relay failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. Engine · reported at 118,000 miles
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. Engine · reported at 60,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…