2020 Kia Optima Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 136 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 Kia Optima overview page.
What owners report
“My engine has failed. This is the second car Iâve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.”NHTSA complaint 11728508 — filed 04/01/2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and vibrating abnormally while starting. There were no warning lights…”NHTSA complaint 11714482 — filed 01/30/2026
“Iâve been told by multiple Kia dealerships that my Kia needs a new engine however I am barely outside of their class action lawsuit so…”NHTSA complaint 11713970 — filed 01/28/2026
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Kia Optima have engine problems?
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Kia Optima: 91 of 136 complaints on file (66.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2020 Kia Optima have in total?
136 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 6 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 4 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
