Car Yearsto Avoid

2020 Kia Optima Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2020 Kia Optima?

108 owners have reported engine problems on the 2020 Kia Optima, 72% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 70,000–123,000 miles. No recall covers this problem.

108 complaints 72% of all 2020 complaints 116,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Oil / lubrication 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (13 of 108). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Optima year

2008 Optima 24
2009 Optima 16
2010 Optima 11
2019 Optima 94
2020 Optima 108

Related recalls

No recall covers engine problems on the 2020 Kia Optima. See all 0 recalls for this year.

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Common questions

What are common 2020 Kia Optima engine problems?

Complaints most often name the oil / lubrication.

At what mileage do 2020 Kia Optima engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 70,000–123,000 miles. The middle value is about 116,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2020 Kia Optima engine problems?

NHTSA lists no recall for this problem on the 2020 Kia Optima. If you have the problem, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov so it is counted.

Which Optima year has the most engine complaints?

The 2013 Optima, with 651 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.