2020 KIA OPTIMA

0 recalls, 211 complaints - 86 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

211 total complaints 8 crashes 2 fires 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	32
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	27
POWER TRAIN	23
SERVICE BRAKES	17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	10
AIR BAGS	9
STEERING	8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	5

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failu... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with Kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the con... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

Snow White Pearl exterior paint is peeling off hood and sides of our 2020 Kia Optima. We paid an extra $495 for this paint.

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

Today as I was driving to work my car suddenly stopped while being idle at the stop light. It turned off. I was able to restart and drive to work safely and home. I googled the issue and saw many Kia optima owners having the same issues and they’re saying no codes or anything popping up. Should th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tir... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

Car started shaking roughly when started, check engine light came on for cylinder misfire. Known engine problem where coolant leaks in to the engine block due to a known defect from Ford for these 2.0L engines. There is a TSB 22-2229 ([XXX]) already issued for this. Dealer inspected and confirmed ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

I purchased a used Hyndai Kona with 26,000 miles April 30 2026. I was told I have the balance of the manufacturer warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. I have not driven my car for 73 days because of extreme safety problems the Hyundai Kona. The car is very difficult to steer. The car pulls signifi... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

Rattling noise experienced going over small bumps. Dealer confirmed rear shocks were leaking/rusted and needed replacement. Was charged almost an additional $1450 since I am out of warranty period. Car only has 44,275 miles after 6.5 years of owning.

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

Right side sliding became stuck in closed position. Door was not openable by inside nor outside door handles. Not openable by automatic means such as push button. This situation slowed egress and could be a safety issue during emergency evacuation. During repair, KIA mechanics informed me that the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

For a couple of weeks we have been having issues with our 2018 Honda Odyssey's back right door. When you go to open it, something happens where it makes it shut after fully opening. Our resolution for the time was to just push on the door harder and it would continue to slide open. Today, on XXX I w... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Apr 3, 2025

This event has happened multiple times in various situations. While sitting at a red light the auto idle stop feature was engaged and the engine turned off as normal. Upon lifting my foot off the brake, the car fails to restart leaving me stranded in the middle of the intersection. This caused an un... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Problem 1, Check Engine Light: I purchased the used car on Jan 9 2025, around 23,400 miles from Kia Dealership, capitol Expy in San Jose. Today 05/27/2026, the odometer reads 26, 407 miles. My car is used only twice a week - 20 miles on Fridays, 12 miles on Wednesdays. My car has less than minimum... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

I have changed this transmission twice, and the truck still turns off when it comes to a complete stop at an intersection. It hesitates, skips, and pulls back when driving.

Incident date: May 15, 2026

I have changed this transmission twice, and the truck still turns off when it comes to a complete stop at an intersection. It hesitates, skips, and pulls back when driving.

Incident date: May 11, 2026

-The front bumper of the car is nearly coming off. This is attached by a "bra" covering the front bumper and if not on the whole front bumper would fall off. The tires/rims are also nearly run down and need to be replaced. -This is caused me great concern when transporting my children as a divorced... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

The control unit in my 2024 Mercedes 2580e triggers an increased number of system resets as part of fallback behavior. The increased number of resets resulted in the digital instrument cluster's display temporarily cutting out, and I had an entirely blank cluster. It came back on only after I stoppe... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

Incident date: Jul 12, 2025

On 4/3/2026 heading to [XXX] on I 95 (outside of [XXX] ) traveling with traffic (3-4 lanes) I was in the middle lane going approx 74mph when on 5 separate but in close approximation (estimated within 20 mi) times, my car which was on cruise control, suddenly threw up warnings to pull over, shook m... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive driving, the vehicle d... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

I own a Hyundai Elantra with approximately 103,000 miles. The vehicle has developed an intermittent issue where the engine will suddenly stall while driving. This most often occurs when I am decelerating and turning, such as when entering or navigating roundabouts. At the time of the stall, multipl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure in my 2019 Honda Pilot Elite that is consistent with the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-751, and to request that my vehicle be included in the recall or that the scope of the recall be expanded. My vehicle, manufact... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that the vehicle was being operated with the front driver's side seat warmer activated to the highest heat level. After driving for several hours, the vehicle was parked. While exiting the vehicle, the contact experienced pain in the rear thigh ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

I own a 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 with approximately 53,000 miles. The truck has had no issues for the first 40,000 miles and then developed a noise and vibration coming from the front end that is present at all speeds. I took it to Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tampa, FL. They kept my truck... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

The engine burnt through all the oil in it, many miles before an oil change was needed for it.I have taken it to the dealership and the dealership submitted an extended warranty claim for it and despite the fact that the issue is mechanical and covered by the extented owarranty, the claim is being d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

On February 25, 2025, I took my car into Freeman Toyota dealership in Santa Rosa for a recall on the airbags (24TA09 SAFETY (NONCOMPLIANCE) RECALL 24TA09(Remedy Notice) - Certain 2024 Model Year GrandHighlander and Grand Highlander HV - Curtain ShieldAirbags May Not Deploy As Intended). In the lab... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

My 2016 Ford F-350 is included in NHTSA recall [campaign number 25S89/25V572] for rearview camera failure. I received notice probably a year ago and it stopped working 2 days ago. The camera is currently malfunctioning and I can not see behind me when I back up. Dealers state no parts available and... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

I was on my way to work on 2/4/2026 and all of a sudden the RPMs went up really high and wouldn’t accelerate and then down shifted really hard so I pulled over. It then showed on the dash “System Fault: Transmission Fault Service Now” I ended up needing a tow truck. This is NOT ok! It’s also... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

My wife drives this vehicle daily with our 3 children all of sudden these warning lights come up: Trailer stability assist problem Road departure mitigation system problem Power steering system problem Emission system problem Vehicle stability assist problem Hill start assist problem The l... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving between with the RPM between 2,000 and 2,500, the vehicle bucked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a transmission triple flush was performed; however, the failure recurred wit... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2026

ABS break actuator and abs pump failed while driving losing loss of breaking. Toyota is aware of this problem but refuse to fix this notorious and dangerous problem they have with multiple model years. I was not informed of the limited service campaign. This should be recalled as a safety to the pub... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2026

The fuel level sensor stopped working now it say I’m on E These go out on these cars And are on the recall list, but not on my vehicle yet

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

The ICCU in my car has failed twice, within an 8 month period. (this submission is to report the 2nd occurrence) At each occurrence, after starting the vehicle, a loud pop was heard. The pop sound is known to be the fuse in-line with the ICCU. After driving the car a short distance, the dashboard... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

The car was inspected by the authorized dealer, but it is still on the list.

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

Vehicle stalled on highway during extremely low outside temperatures and snow covered roadway. Engine malfuction, reduced power error code briefly appeared followed by a complete engine stall. Vechicle had no power and immediately needed to be steered to safety. Near whiteout conditions lead to a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

I purchased this vehicle, November 2023 and by August 2024 the vehicle went into Griffin Hubs to get the engine replaced. They had the vehicle for over a month and a half when I received it back after the engine I had it for a day and a half and had to take it back because it was making a loud grind... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from under the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the fuel tank had partially detached from the subframe and fu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2020

The MGU on my Ram 1500 failed while driving down a main road in my town. A rattling noise started and the check engine light turned on and I called the dealership that same day to have it serviced. The dealership could not get me in for a few days so I did not drive the truck again until the day I c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2020

Car randomly wouldn’t start and was getting error starter message on message center

Incident date: Sep 29, 2020

This is now a safety risk because I carry my child in the car, and I’m scared that my engine will lose power while I’m driving according to the recall. This is so irresponsible of Toyota that they still don’t have a remedy and I have been waiting.

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

The vehicle’s high-voltage battery and charging system experienced repeated failures, preventing charging while the vehicle was parked. This issue occurred three times: January 2024: Charging error “BMS_a079. Unable to charge” appeared. Vehicle was stranded and required service intervention. ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2025

I was just stopped at a red light and took foot off pedal and the vehicle didn't restart. The instrument cluster showed a warning saying "Auto StartStop Shift to P then Restart". This has happened 4-5 times in the past month.

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

When I’m driving my high beams automatically come on and blind the drivets ahead of me. They come on by themselves and it’s not even dark enough for them to be on. It happens when I’m on the freeway going to work. This has happened more than once. It’s happened four times already and it w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2025

After starting car, car went into Power Failure mode, warning to immediately stop car, car continued driving, but eventually engaged parking mode and wouldn’t go back into drive mode until I turned it off and back on again.

Incident date: Nov 12, 2025

I had a coolant link problem they couldn't find or fix even after taking it in over 4 times ,how I have a blown head gasket ,also different components in my Ac keep going out have had to fix 3 times in the last 3 years, both these are know issues for this year honda

Showing 50 of 211 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.8%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	30.0	24.0	Regular	$2,550
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	32.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: 292.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

86 manufacturer communications from 64 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	21
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	18
140000 AIR BAGS	8
010000 STEERING	7
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	7
100000 POWER TRAIN	4
350000 EQUIPMENT	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3

140000 AIR BAGS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION: SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) INSPECTION ANDREPLACEMENT FOR DTC(S) B1380/B1384 (WTY036) - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY036) to diagnose and repai

140000 AIR BAGS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT FOR DTC(S) B1380/B1384 (WTY036) - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY036) to diagnose and repair certain a

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY036) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warrant

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY036) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY036) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY036.

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY036) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs rela

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY036) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the illumination of the A

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contai

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Modu

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pro

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump filter assembly on 2016-2

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides inform

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on your vehicle's Engine Control Mo

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optim

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.0

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC205).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA 2.0L T-GDI ULEV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR EMISSIONS (SC205) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure in 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extensi

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure for 2016-2020 MY Op

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF THE DUAL PINION MOTOR DRIVER POWER STEERING SYSTEM - This bulletin provides information regarding the availability of partial repair (depending on faulty components) of the Dual Pinion Motor Dri

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pr

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W & DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This Pitstop contains information regarding the log file collection procedure for 2020MY~ models equipped with AVN 5.0/W or Display Audio 2.0 head units.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC20). This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside e

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. When servicing windshield wi

130000 VISIBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be i

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a partial repair on the trunk latch base sub assembly on the certain Forte, Rio and Optima vehicles, which may exhibit a difficult-to-close/latch concern with the trunk lid.

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

PITSTOP: SUN VISOR WITH FRENCH TEXT AIRBAG WARNING LABELS - This Pitstop provides information regarding the left and/or right side sun visors on some 2020MY Optima (JFa) vehicles which may have been equipped with both English and French SRS

140000 AIR BAGS

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC20) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of cer

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is s

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001, 2019).

59 Total Recalls

10,397 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

536 Reported Crashes

485 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020 (current)	0	211
2019	1	321	View
2018	2	334	View
2017	3	355	View
2016	5	1,079	View
2015	4	1,403	View
2014	7	791	View
2013	9	1,889	View
2012	5	1,263	View
2011	5	781	View
2010	1	99	View
2009	1	166	View
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	218	View
2006	2	214	View
2005	0	180	View
2004	1	306	View
2003	2	190	View
2002	3	168	View
2001	3	231	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models