VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Optima engine problems

The 2020 Kia Optima has 99 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 50% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

99

Engine complaints

50%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

0

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

What owners report

I was told by me dealership recently that the Kia Optima is not designed for high mileage. It’s been consuming oil and my dealership was aware of the issue. Yesterday smoke came out from under the hood and the engine and front half of the car was engulfed in flames.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 28, 2023 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2020 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 99 complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima engine — 50% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.