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Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (0)
No US recalls found for the 2020 Kia Optima.
Canadian recalls (1)
Show 1 Canadian recall
Engine
2022-01-11 · campaign 2022-004 · 200 vehicles
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: This only affects Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Owner complaints (151)
Owners filed 151 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Optima (6 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries reported). Among 20 model years of this model, it ranks #13 for the most complaints (median 212).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Engine | 102 | |
| Power train | 27 | |
| Unknown or other | 16 | |
| Electrical system | 14 | |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | |
| Service brakes | 7 | |
| Air bags | 7 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Kia Optima.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2020 Kia Optima version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Optima 1.6 L Automatic (AM7) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Optima 2.0 L Automatic (S6) | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Optima 2.4 L Automatic (S6) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Optima FE 2.4 L Automatic (S6) | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Optima Hybrid 2.0 L Automatic (AM6) | 40 | 45 | 42 | $1,600 |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid 2.0 L Automatic (AM6) | 39 | 44 | 41 | $1,650 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.