2020 KIA Optima Plug IN Hybrid

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Immediately after getting Kia's latest recall "Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign" software update, my transmission began to Hard-Shift between neutral and 1st gear, and when slowing down, from a gear to a neutral position with the transmission. The car has lunged a few times when going from neutral to 1st gear position--concerning. This is most noticeable when car is cold, but is still always noticeable. Stop-and-go traffic it's also most noticeable. I have notified local dealership by phone message and email but have not heard back in 2 weeks.

• 12/28/2024· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  I was driving on the high way and the car loose power completely have to do change oil every two weeks and can’t find a solution

• 12/26/2022· ENGINE

  2020 Kia Optima with 39,000 miles. Check engine light came on for knock sensor and put into limp mode. Before the check engine light came on I've been noticing a faint noise during acceleration from the engine. Waiting to hear back on the overall problem.

• 12/23/2025· ENGINE

  Took to Kia for engine burning excessive oil. They determined the cylinder wall was scorched due to piston ring. The warranty people say it’s normal wear and tear and won’t honor the warranty. It’s still sitting in their engine bay because they want me to pay for the diagnostic which I don’t have. $4000 roughly for that but it needs a new engine. The warranty should be covering this! NEVER PAY FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY!!! They will not help you

• 12/21/2022· POWER TRAIN

  On Thursday, I was leaving to drive my son 5 miles up the road and my check engine light started flashing with no warning. My car slowed down and started jerking. I took it to auto zone (on limp mode) to receive a code and it came back with p1326. My car only has 64,216 miles and I also just recently got the oil changed. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I wanted to report this because my car is only 2 years old and shouldn’t have engine/power train issues.

• 12/18/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine consumed an excessive amount of oil and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid, knock sensor, and spark plugs needed to be replaced, and a complete fuel system cleaning was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

• 12/18/2023· STEERING

  Steering wheel bearing broken. Had replaced in November and again now needs to be replaced. Major safety concern that Kia should fix properly so the car runs efficiently

• 12/16/2025· ENGINE

  Vechile is burning oil and knock sensor came on which indicated rod bearing. While driving the car lost power the check engine came on was abl to pull over and turned off the car. Did not drive it was tow home.

• 12/13/2025· ENGINE

  I got the car was running good week or 2 later I see the oil light flash after my oil change I go back top it off repeat the cycle almost weekly burning losts of oil then I get a code p1326 for a knock sensor same day car go into limp mode no power rpm won’t go over 2 car won’t go over 60-65 I park it go outside to take it to the dealership next day it ain’t start I haven’t had the car 4 months only have 138,000 miles

• 12/13/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. The whole situation has caused tons of stress and anxiety.

• 12/10/2025· ENGINE

  It is an oil burner and engine failed and went into limp mode less than 5 years when drove off dealership brand new.

• 12/10/2024· ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that oil changes needed to be performed more frequently than normal. The contact stated that the oil light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

• 12/07/2023· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  My 2020 Kia Optima had engine failure and engine is being replaced now. I've had this car for 1yr/84k miles. It went limp on the freeway 2 mos ago and I could've caused an accident when it shut down. Would not go over 30 mps, engine light kept blinking and had knocking sound. Diagnostic code as the other recalls, Engine is same for the other recalls 2.4 Theta, oil was black and almost empty & just had oil changeI called kia corporate and they told me that they are not covering it since its not a recall. I have extended warranty but CNA National Warranty will only approve a used engine and a new one I would have to pay $3,000! I have made 2 car payments for a car that is immobile, $200+ for deductible, and $600+ for car service, this is not right at all. How can I get Kia to correct this. I do not want this car or any other kia! I cannot afford xmas this year all because I chose the wrong car maker!!

• 12/06/2024· ENGINE

  Driving at highway speed of 65 mph, the vehicle abruptly lost power. The check engine light started flashing. I was almost rear ended due to the loss of power, I was able to coast to the emergency shoulder and stop. The car was towed to the nearest Kia dealership. Diagnostics show code P1326, the engine has failed and needs to be replaced at a cost of over $10000. This the same engine that was included in a class action lawsuit for model years up to 2019, the 2020 was not included. Kia is offering no assistance to me as the second owner of the vehicle even thought the car only has 98,000 miles, the powertrain warranty is reduced to 60,000 for a second owner. The cost of repairs is more than the value of the vehicle.

• 12/06/2020· AIR BAGSCrash

  MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN A FORD 150 PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. FORWARD COLLISION WORKED & SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO 35MPH. I HIT THE TRUCK DOING SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHAT SO EVER.

• 12/03/2019· STRUCTURE

  THERE IS A VERY LIMITED AND INADEQUATE SPACE BETWEEN THE THE BOTTOM OF THE DASHBOARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH CAN IMPEDE A DRIVER FROM MAKING AN EMERGENCY STOP.THE SAME LACK OF SPACE BETWEEN THE DASHBOARD AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL.NOTHING HAPPENED IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.

• 11/29/2023· ENGINE

  Oil plug fall out at highway speeds, engine failure. Engine stalled while driving, got vehicle to side of road, called tow truck after attempting to restart. When tow truck driver pulled vehicle onto the flatbed a massive amount of oil came out. After driver towed vehicle home he looked for a hole in the block found where plug had fallen out and advised us to look in the skid plate to see if oil plug was there, if we were lucky we could put it back in, fill with oil and restart. That is when it became obvious that the oil came from drain plug site and oil plug was found. Put plug back in, filled with oil and let the vehicle sit for a while before attempting to restart. Engine would not crank. Had vehicle towed to KIA service center by neighbor and dropped off where it was"lost" for two weeks. After they "found" my vehicle they scheduled a time to look at it. They called needing permission to put in a new starter and told us if they installed the started and the engine failed the test, engine repair would be covered under "this campaign". They put in the starter, ran an engine test and confirmed a new engine was needed. They called later that day, said it was not covered under warranty or campaign. I could not afford the engine replacement so had it towed back home by neighbor after paying for the starter. Car is at home parked and has not been touched since getting it back here. Plug fall out was 4,000 miles after last oil change. Vehicle went into limp mode one time, did need a boost a few times and the day off plug fall out my son was on his way home from work, headed to auto parts store to have them check battery, starter and alternator.

• 11/29/2022· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…

• 11/21/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  When I accelerate the car jerks as if is going to cut off. I have taken it to the dealer, and they can not find any thing wrong. After searching the internet, I find I am not the only one with this issue. I just want my car fixed so that I feel safe driving it.

• 11/20/2025· ENGINE

  Out of the blue I get a code for a misfire on cylinder one. Got in to head to work as normal and it was stalling and shaking so bad that I am scared to drive it. The next day the check engine light was on when I started it to seek out the issue. Car was manufactured in September 2019 but is the 2020 model year. I was told by a license mechanic this is related to an internal Kia engine issue. I contacted 800 333 4KIA to see if this was a known issue that they had a solution to. Of course I was told to self repair that my VIN is not covered under the recall. Can you tell me how Kia assumes that engine issues with the 2019s model year would have been fixed before the 2020 models were assembled? Sounds like my dream car is now my nightmare. 3rd White Kia Optima but I am likely leaving the Kia family if this requires a new engine.

• 11/17/2025· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  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.

• 11/13/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  I purchased my 2020 kia optima 8/2022. On 10/21/23 I was on the freeway and the engine light started flashing, car made a knocking sound, went limp, speed dropped from 75 to 32 quickly while I was changing lanes, and Would not go over 32 mph. I made it home and started researching online and found out about the recalls. My car is not one since it's a 2020. I removed the car from my garage and parked it at end of my driveway and it's still sitting there as of today 11/13/23. I ordered a diagnostic reader and it stated code 1326 for engine. My car has done same things as the other recalled cars, same code, and same 2.4L Theta ll engine. I called Kia Corporate office on 11/13 (case #15978041) they stated my car is not one of the recalled cars, my warranty expired at 60k, and everything will have to be paid out of my pocket! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was given their voicemail. I called Kia here in Conway, Ark and they stated to bring car in for them to test it. Towing and testing would be at my expense. My insurance might cover towing and since I have extended warranty then they will need that information. I am not involving my insurance since alot of companies will not cover my vehicle due to the recent theft issue defect. They could drop my car to avoid possible liabilities. I should not have to involve my extended warranty since this is a Kia problem and I do not have money for a deductible for new engine. They knowingly put those same raggedy engines in the 2020 kia's, settled the recall case and now expect the consumer to come out of pocket for their fraud. Kia needs to come tow this car, provide me a rental, and replace the engine. They need to pay my car note and insurance for the months its not driveable, but thats legal issue I will address

• 11/13/2020· AIR BAGSCrash

  AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT

• 10/30/2024· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension (Illumination of Air Bag Warning Light); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The seat belt alarm chimed while the front driver seat belt was buckled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,860.

• 10/28/2025· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEFire

  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

• 10/22/2025· ENGINECrash

  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.

• 10/16/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 10/13/2024· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  Was on highway going 65, check engine light started flashing loss power. Couldn't go over 2000 rpms car would struggle to accelerate, car had been using up oil like crazy the week before. Stopped at an autozone car read code P1326.

• 10/08/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, and depressing the accelerator pedal, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was being depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC code: P1326; and notified the contact that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, one quart of engine oil was being added weekly. The contact called a dealer however, the Service Manager did not return the call. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

• 10/07/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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.

• 10/03/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  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

• 10/02/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact's husband was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with DTC Code: P0304 “Cylinder # 4 misfire). The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

• 09/30/2023· ENGINE

  My engine is failing as of right now . It has yet to completely fail , but I was told by KIA today that it’s failing and they don’t know how long it has left . I just thought I would try and get a re call on it to get it fixed instead of putting myself or others at danger if/when the engine does fail .

• 09/29/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFire

  I was told by me dealership recently that the Kia Optima is not designed for high mileage. It’s been consuming oil and my dealership was aware of the issue. Yesterday smoke came out from under the hood and the engine and front half of the car was engulfed in flames.

• 09/21/2025· ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  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.

• 09/16/2024· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  I started having clicking sound in engine around 50k miles . Then my check engine light came on and my engine has been using so much oil. I have to get an additional 3 quarts in between oil changes. The clicking sound is getting louder and my car is now having issues accelerating. . My engine is failing and I bought this car brand new and have regularly maintained it .

• 09/08/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

  I OWN A 2020 KIA OPTIMA (MY SECOND ONE IN LESS THAN A YEAR). THREE WEEKS AGO, I APPLIED MY BRAKES BEFORE ENTERING A CURVE. IN THE PROCESS, I HIT A BUMP (NOT A POT HOLE) IN THE ROAD'S AND MY BRAKES DISENGAGED AND I THOUGHT I WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE THE BRAKE WERE GOING TO ENGAGE IN TIME FOR ME MISS A HIT ON COLLUSION. THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN, YESTERDAY. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH A KIA OPTIMA. IN MY 2016, THE SAME THING WAS OCCURRING. THE SERVICE SHOP REPLACE A ROD OR SOMETHING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I HAD A LOANER KIA OPTIMA (2019). I COULD FEEL VIBRATIONS IN BRAKE PADDLE WHEN I DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE SAME OCCURRED IN THE FIRST 2020 KIA OPTIMA THAT I PURCHASED LAST OCTOBER. KIA COUNTRY SAVANNAH TRY EVERYTHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. LUCKILY, THE DEALERSHIP TRADED ME I OUT OF THAT VEHICLE BEFORE MY FIRST PAYMENT AND WAS GIVEN A LOANER VEHICLE UNTIL MY CURRENT VEHICLE WAS LOCATED AND DELIVERED FROM ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. NOW, I EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR COMPANY'S VEHICLE. I WAS FORCED TO TRADE-OUT OF 2016 CAR DUE TO KNOWN ENGINE PROBLEMS.

• 09/04/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 09/03/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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.

• 09/01/2026· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred. The "Service In" message flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

• 09/01/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 08/30/2026· ENGINE

  I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with Kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells like another class action.

• 08/30/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine

• 08/27/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating system will not turn on or operate properly. I was informed that the problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system/wiring. These problems have continued and require repeated attention. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly the continued oil loss and the electrical malfunction. I am reporting these issues so they can be documented and investigated to determine whether other 2020 Kia Optima owners are experiencing similar problems.

• 08/27/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Snow White Pearl exterior paint is peeling off hood and sides of our 2020 Kia Optima. We paid an extra $495 for this paint.

• 08/27/2025· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 08/27/2024· ENGINE

  Car has been excessively consuming oil for the past year. Black smoke blowing out of exhaust pipe. Engine siezed up which almost caused an accident, had to veer off the road to keep from causing myself and the other party harm. Kia is stating no recall but there is tons of motors having this same issue. The actual motor in car is a 2019 model engine.inspected by Kia dealership with no help stating out of warranty even though this has been going on for over a year.

• 08/27/2021· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Fuel line had a quick detachment have to be replaced

• 08/24/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The vehicles 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), is horribly jerky at very low speeds and on take off. It has become dangerous to drive as my wife almost caused an accident from the vehicle not reacting to acceleration pedal, or from it reacting completely unexpectedly. The transmission is very jerky as you take the foot off the brake without pressing accelerator pedal, it shakes the entire vehicle. It also jerks heavily if you barely touch the gas pedal on take off. Dealership has done a software update on the transmission which only helped initially for about 2-3 weeks, after which the transmission started behaving in that way much worse. It is a constant and persistent issue, however, as there are no fault codes or check engine light is not displayed, the dealer states there is nothing they can do to fix the problem. The vehicle is under full manufacturer power train warranty, yet they refuse to fix it.

• 08/21/2026· ENGINE

  Today as I was driving to work my car suddenly stopped while being idle at the stop light. It turned off. I was able to restart and drive to work safely and home. I googled the issue and saw many Kia optima owners having the same issues and they’re saying no codes or anything popping up. Should this be considered a recall.