How many transmission complaints does the 2020 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Optima, which is 18% of the 146 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Kia Optima transmission?

No related recalls are listed for the Transmission & Powertrain component on the 2020 Optima.

What symptoms do 2020 Optima owners report with the transmission?

Owners describe jerking or judder at low speed and takeoff, sudden loss of power with a flashing check engine light and P1326 code, and the vehicle dropping into limp mode.

Did the 2020 Kia Optima transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to this complaint category, though 1 fire was reported in the broader complaint set for this model year.

2020 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Kia Optima, 18% of the model's 146 total complaints for that year. There are no related recalls filed against this component for this year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 27; 18% of 146
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: —
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power on the highway with a flashing check engine light and a P1326 diagnostic code, sometimes paired with a knocking sound.
Some describe the 7-speed dual clutch transmission jerking or judder at low speed and during takeoff, including unexpected surges without pedal input.
Several report the car dropping into limp mode, unable to exceed low RPM or speed, requiring a tow or roadside stop.
A few owners say the transmission needed complete replacement after repeated stalling episodes.
One owner reported juddering at low speed that a dealer could not diagnose, with the issue later confirmed by an independent mechanic after the warranty had expired.

When 2020 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 21, 2022, latest Sep 22, 2026.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2025 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2020 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 27 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Optima, which is 18% of the 146 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Kia Optima transmission?: No related recalls are listed for the Transmission & Powertrain component on the 2020 Optima.
What symptoms do 2020 Optima owners report with the transmission?: Owners describe jerking or judder at low speed and takeoff, sudden loss of power with a flashing check engine light and P1326 code, and the vehicle dropping into limp mode.
Did the 2020 Kia Optima transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to this complaint category, though 1 fire was reported in the broader complaint set for this model year.