2020 Kia Optima engine problems
110 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2020 Kia Optima, which is 50% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 110 50% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 116,000 miles 15 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 15 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 116,000 miles, and 7% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires.
What owners wrote
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.
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.
Other problems reported for the 2020 Kia Optima
- Drivetrain & axles 27 complaints