What 136 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Optima

I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hill. As soon as I was able I checked my oil which and there was nothing on the dipstick. I put in 3 quarts of oil. I brought it into my usual dealership for service and let them know about the oil issue and issues with power when driving. They failed to address the root cause of the issue, they performed an oil change, engine light turned off, and they started an oil consumption test. But when I drove off the lot the issue with the power continued, and the check engine light came on again. I took my Kia to another dealership to address the car's power issue and the first oil consumption test was not completed because it was unsafe to drive. When I brought my car in, the check engine light was not on, even though there were significant power issues. The dealership was able to confirm my concern, including loss of power and evidence of oil overconsumption. They replaced my turbocharger under warranty. I then underwent a 2nd oil consumption test that indicated overconsumption at a level of 1.5 quarts per 1000 miles. Then they performed a combustion chamber cleaning per Kia guidelines and a 3rd oil consumption test. They 3rd oil consumption results indicated overconsumption at a level of 0.75 quarts per 1000 miles. Although the dealership acknowledged this is still overconsumption, it was not to a level that required Kia to replace my motor. Meanwhile, after all these tests my car is close to out of warranty, at 98.6k miles. I called Kia customer care and their "resolution" to my case was the deny me a new engine and they would not provide me anything in writing. My car's overconsumption of oil and other signs of engine failure match the complaints found in class action settlements related to other Kia models.

NHTSA ODI 11699816

2020 kia optima caught on fire in gallipolis ohio after insurance paid to fix car it continues to leak oil stall and is dangerous to drive12/24/2022

NHTSA ODI 11696226

Metal contamination found on VVT solenoid of 2020 kia optima 2.4L GDI engine. Firestone Autocare Confirmed metal debris in oiling system. Vehicle exhibits symptoms identical to prior theta II bearing recall SC172/SC200/SC227 but not covered under recall range.

NHTSA ODI 11694952

My car has been burning oil rapidly. I’ve contacted kia over this issue and I have had several times where I have had to continually add oil. There is no leak. This is a known issue with kia motors across mechanics nationwide and there should be a recall issued. This has been at several shops and over the last few years. This motor should NOT be consuming 4 quarts of oil within 1000 miles after an oil change.

NHTSA ODI 11693881

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to Downtown Auto Care, where an oil consumption test was initiated. The mechanic added 5 quarts of oil to the engine and advised the contact to return after 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light illuminated after 2,275 miles. The vehicle was urgently taken to Valvoline, where 3 quarts of oil were added to the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,072.

NHTSA ODI 11691908

The turbo system on the car burns oil at a rapid rate. Had to pay $4000 to replace and still continues to give me problems and check engine light. Violates lemon law. Had replaced in September but was giving me problems well before and finally took it to the dealer for repair

NHTSA ODI 11691126

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure. I’ve been reporting engine stalling since around 34,000 miles or so I purchased the car and immediately had battery issues before 25,000 miles as well. While I was driving on the road the engine stalled about 34,000 miles with me and my pregnant daughter in the car. The seatbelts jerked. The car stuutered and shut off and every light on the dashboard went insane. I purchased the car with 34 miles on it. Now…fast forward I’ve been having the car engine check, consumption oil tests performed and more since 60xxx miles or so. I’ve done everything that I’m supposed to do with returning the car for testing and every time I’m told I just need to wait until the engine fails. They clean the engine up make it look pretty after the second test and run some cleaner through then I’m back in a couple of weeks to months for the same thing. The engine valve cover has been replaced many times, spark plugs keep going out, and a ton more engine work that was done under warranty. Brain the service man told both me and my husband it’s what we have TJ deal with, at Suntrup, and doesn’t matter if I’m driving or not wait until the engine blows before Kia can replace the full engine. He said if you’re outta warranty that’ll be your issue. Well when I talked to Kia they said I better not drive it that way, with no oil in the car regardless how it’s brining and keep taking it in. But Bryan every time seems to not want to deal with it. Test after test and he said i just need TJ fault before we replace it. The service department has deemed this a bad engine ever trip. But I’m told it MUST PASS KIA TEST. However, I’m 7,000 miles outta warranty now and I’m praying they cover it because I did everything I’m supposed to do. I have every record however, Lou Fuze has failed to reproduce my records and I’ve requested them by text many times.

NHTSA ODI 11688705

My engine is burning lg amounts of oil. There has been a lawsuit regarding the same issues with Kia engines (specifically up to 2019 Optimas). The Theta 2 engine lawsuit is regarding excessive oil consumption/burning, knock sensor issues, and deeper engine issues. This has been an ongoing issue for me and is ultimately affecting my engine. Kia will not cover the defects or repair expenses despite knowing the concerns with prior Kia Optima engines.

NHTSA ODI 11685083

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that one quart of oil was added weekly, even though the vehicle was rarely driven. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate until the oil pressure was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed. In addition, the contact was informed that an oil consumption test was needed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11684824

Without warning my car went into “Limp Mode” while driving on the highway almost causing a collision as I was forced to pull off the road on the highway. Flashing engine light car would not accelerate and was shaking dramatically. Was forced to wait for a tow on a busy highway. P1326 code. Rod knock. A known issue for the Theta II engine. Many recalls have been made for this exact engine for these exact problems but for some reason the 2020 Kia Optima is not included even though it is the same engine covered by lifetime warranty from the 2019 models due to these recalls and know issues. There’s plenty of recorded cases all over the web and is a wide concern for many affected Kia drivers. Kia does not offer the same KRDS update to 2020 Kia drivers as they do to earlier models even with the same engine failure issues so we don’t even get the benefit of possible early detection. Car is well maintained and inspected at a local American tire depot and I am still forced to deal with unwarranted engine failure on a known defective engine solely because KIA will not offer help for affected customers. The 2020 KIA Optima equipped with the Theta II 2.4L engine is not safe and is a known defective product. Action and accountability are needed.

NHTSA ODI 11684244

Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine

NHTSA ODI 11684127

The vehicle experiences a dual-clutch transmission shudder in low gears and at low speeds. This issue causes a sudden loss of speed in situations such as merging onto a highway, leaving a parking spot, or while driving at approximately 30 mph. The shudder occurs randomly and poses a serious safety concern. The problem first appeared in 2020 when the vehicle had fewer than 5,000 miles on it. Beginning in 2024, at around 20,000 miles, the condition began escalating rapidly, with the shudder occurring more frequently and with greater severity. All incidents have been recorded on dash cam and provided to the dealership’s service department. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times for this issue and was kept at the dealership for approximately six weeks in total. Despite this, the dealer refuses to acknowledge the problem, citing the absence of warning lights. When the clutch was adjusted at my request, the issue temporarily improved but returned about three weeks later. The shudder now occurs more often and with greater severity, frequently forcing the driver to pull over for safety. This ongoing transmission defect creates unsafe driving conditions, and the lack of acknowledgement or permanent resolution by the dealer further increases the risk to the driver and others on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11683362

I own a 2020 Kia Optima. My vehicle has experienced repeated low-pressure fuel pump failures, causing hard starting, loss of power, and stalling risk. These issues first appeared in July 2023 and have recurred despite multiple repairs. The dealership has replaced the upper portion of the fuel pump three times (July 10, 2023; March 1, 2025; June 9, 2025) for the same issue, but the problem persists. Most recently, in August 2025, the vehicle again exhibited difficulty starting and loss of power. Diagnostic code P123300 was found, indicating the pump is not generating enough pressure. The dealership confirmed the entire fuel pump assembly needs replacement. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle has gone into limp mode three times while driving — twice previously on the freeway, and again on [XXX]. On that date, I experienced sudden loss of power while driving, but I had a scheduled oil change on July 29, 2025 so I waited until then to bring the car in. At that visit, the dealership claimed the problem was only an old code P0456 and that my car needed a software update. However, the very next day, my vehicle went into limp mode yet again, creating another hazardous driving situation. My check engine light has repeatedly illuminated, and each failure matches the conditions described in Kia’s extended warranty program (WTY028) for low-pressure fuel pump failures on my model year. The warranty extension letter (WTY028) for my vehicle states that “repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure” are covered for 15 years/150,000 miles. It does not state that only the upper portion of the pump is covered. However, my dealership (Sands Kia Surprise) insists that Kia will only cover the upper portion, even though my issue requires replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly to correct the failure. This repeated failure creates a dangerous driving condition and appears to be part of a larger defect affecting this model’s fuel delivery system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11681001

Every since I bought my car back in 2020 I have to keep getting a oil change because my light keep coming on I was told by a mechanic the my Kia have a oil consumption problem

NHTSA ODI 11679718

The engine in my 2020 Kia Optima S (2.4L GDI Theta II) has been experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and loss of power, consistent with known issues in earlier model years of this engine. This component is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The issue puts my safety at risk due to unpredictable power loss while driving and the potential for engine seizure or fire, especially during high-speed travel. I’ve had to top off oil multiple times between regular oil changes, and the vehicle showed signs of low oil without any dashboard warning. No KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software was ever installed on the vehicle. I have not yet had a full diagnosis from the dealer, but I have opened a case with Kia Consumer Affairs, who informed me that I do not qualify for recall repair based on the vehicle’s manufacture date — despite the engine matching those in previous lawsuits and recalls. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I can provide receipts for oil purchases and logs documenting how often I’ve had to refill the oil. I am also filing a claim with my third-party powertrain warranty provider. Symptoms first appeared at approximately 85000 miles Engine knocking/ticking noise Oil light flashing briefly or low oil found without warning Needing to add 1–2 quarts of oil between oil changes Rough acceleration or loss of power This issue is widespread, has been previously acknowledged in other model years, and should be formally investigated in the 2020 Optima as well. I am concerned for the long-term safety and reliability of this vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11678832

Burning oil, not wanting to accelerate properly on the freeway, kia has engine in previous years having the same issue, and these 2020 and they are not trying to fix them.

NHTSA ODI 11676550

After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.

NHTSA ODI 11674268

Engine knocking and stalling on interstate

NHTSA ODI 11670133

Engine failure do to excessive oil consumption. I do have records. Not able to file now. Please contact if needed Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11667144

Car consumes a lot of oil. Approximately 5 quarts per week-faulty engine parts allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. The oil is then ignited along with the fuel, creating blue-tinted exhaust smoke. It is burning out spark plugs which is then wearing them out and almost caused car accident when car started sputtering and would not barely go once pressing gas. Has been inspected by KIA dealership. Was told engine needs to be replaced-warranty expired and nothing can be done. Car only 2 years old when this problem started and they will not replace.

NHTSA ODI 11665785

2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.

NHTSA ODI 11665441

by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil

NHTSA ODI 11664106

When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11663266

engine's knock sensor

NHTSA ODI 11662323

I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.

NHTSA ODI 11661481