2020 Kia Optima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Kia Optima carries a complaint index of 33, ranking 11th out of 16 model years and earning a Good verdict relative to other Optima years. No recalls have been filed for this year. Engine complaints dominate, making up 73% of reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #11 of 16 Optima years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 146
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2020 Kia Optima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine106 (73%)
- Transmission & Powertrain27 (18%)
- Other17 (12%)
- Electrical System13 (9%)
- Fuel System12 (8%)
- Brakes8 (5%)
- Airbags7 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (3%)
- Seat Belts4 (3%)
- Steering2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash reports, including one at 60 MPH where the driver hit a guardrail and lost consciousness.
- Owners describe forward collision warning and automatic braking systems failing to detect vehicles ahead or activate at all.
- One owner reported an ABS module fault causing a spongy, unresponsive brake pedal that delayed stopping.
- Engine complaints include metal contamination found on a VVT solenoid, with debris in the oiling system resembling the Theta II bearing issue.
- Electrical and engine problems were linked to oil consumption, with one vehicle catching fire after smoke emerged from under the hood.
- A driver seatbelt reportedly failed to tighten during a crash where airbags also did not deploy.
2020 Kia Optima recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2020 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Kia Optima reliable?
- Relative to other Optima model years, the 2020 has a complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict, ranking 11th out of 16 years tracked.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Kia Optima?
- Engine complaints are the top issue, accounting for 73% of all reported problems, with a median failure mileage of 103,592 miles.
- Does the 2020 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2020 Kia Optima.
- Did NHTSA receive airbag complaints for the 2020 Optima?
- Yes, owners filed 7 airbag-related complaints, including cases where airbags did not deploy during crashes, with 4 of those complaints involving crashes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Optima?
- The EPA rates the 2020 Optima at 29 mpg combined (25 city / 35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250.