2020 Kia Optima reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Kia Optima holds 146 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 8 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 9 Optima years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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The complaints owners file most often name Engine (99 of 146), then Powertrain (27) and Electrical system (13). Those filings include 6 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 3 that report an injury.
The 2019 Optima has 208 complaints, 14 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2020 Kia Optima. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (146 total)
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light…"
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"The oil consumption in my 2020 Kia optima is low so fast and needs to be replaced frequently. The engine is always hesitant and bucking. The car when you press the gas shakes and doesn't take off properly i have brought…"
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"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,…"
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"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…"
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"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…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Automatic (7-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 37 | 31 MPG | $2100 |
| Optima | 2.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 32 | 27 MPG | $2400 |
| Optima | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 21 | 30 | 24 MPG | $2700 |
| Optima FE | 2.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 35 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
| Optima hybrid | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 40 | 45 | 42 MPG | $1550 |
| Optima Plug-in hybrid | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 39 | 44 | 41 MPG / 630 mi range | $1600 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 18V161000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently. If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Kia Optima holds 146 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 8 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 9 Optima years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Kia Optima?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (99 of 146), then Powertrain (27) and Electrical system (13). Those filings include 6 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 3 that report an injury.
Is the 2020 Kia Optima more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 Optima has 208 complaints, 14 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2020 Kia Optima been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Kia Optima.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2020 Kia Optima get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Kia Optima is 32.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What oil does a Optima take?
5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.4L and 2.0L turbo per manual)
What does NHTSA recall 18V-161 cover on the Kia Optima?
NHTSA campaign 18V161000.
What generation is the 2013 Kia Optima?
4th generation (JF) (2012-2020).