2020 Kia Optima

My vehicle keeps consuming/burning oil. In between oil changes I still need to add oil

At around 103K miles, I took to the dealership for a multipoint inspection for knocking when braking and my forward collision/lane assist systems going offline mid drive. I learn I have to replace my axle, despite replacing my axle in sept 2025. I return a week after due to the red oil light blinking on randomly, and when I checked the oil myself it was dry. The braking and assumed wiring issues remained. I find out that my oil is low despite an oil change July 16th 2026. It is October 8th 2026 as I type this. I am doing an engine flush in hopes to improve oil consumption, but i have since learned that my engine may fail from these other Kia stories. I have not stalled or had engine failure yet but now I am worried about having to sell my car to avoid having to keep replacing the same flawed parts over and over, or worse injuring myself while driving it. I was hoping to take a trip but now I have to rent a car and play another 1,600 dollars for the engine flush which I have no guarantee will actually work. I am disgusted, and there should be consequences for KIA (and many other companies) for taking advantage of their customers. I need a new car now!

On August 20, 2026, while my minor son and I were inside my 2020 Kia Optima LX, strong burning odors and fumes entered the passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before or during the incident. Although no visible flames were observed, I suspected an electrical component was overheating or melting, creating a potential fire and respiratory hazard. My son has asthma and experienced coughing and shortness of breath throughout that day, requiring use of his prescribed rescue inhaler. Neither of us received immediate medical treatment. Due to safety concerns, I had the vehicle towed to R&E Auto Repair on August 21, 2026, rather than risk driving it. The independent repair facility documented suspected melting of the HVAC temperature control unit and identified the blower motor resistor as a possible contributing component. Video evidence of the suspected damage was obtained. I formally reported the incident to Kia Customer Care on September 1, 2026. The vehicle was delivered to authorized dealer DeMontrond Kia on September 23, 2026, for further inspection. Despite the independent findings, Kia's dealership reported that it could not identify melted components. The suspected defect remains unresolved. The vehicle remains at DeMontrond Kia and may be available for inspection. I have not been advised whether any affected components have been removed or replaced. No police or insurance inspection has been reported. I am concerned about potential electrical fire hazards, fumes entering the passenger compartment, and respiratory injuries to occupants. I request that NHTSA investigate this suspected HVAC electrical defect and potential safety risk to other Kia owners.

purchased this vehicle on June 18, 2024, as a second owner with 125,019 miles on the odometer. Within months of purchase, the engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure: engine knock, excessive oil burning (requiring oil top-ups every 2-3 weeks), and rough running. The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System warning). I took the vehicle to Kia Stonecrest dealership for diagnosis. Kia informed me that the engine failure is not covered under warranty because I am not the original owner. A independent mechanic at Lions Auto evaluated the engine and quoted $4,800 for full engine replacement. THE DEFECT: This vehicle is equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine identical to engines in 2011-2019 Kia Optimas and Kia Sorento models that were subject to multiple recalls (including NHTSA Recall 17V-224) and a $1.3 billion class action settlement. The defect is manufacturing debris left in the crankshaft oil passages during production, which restricts oil flow to connecting rod bearings, causing premature bearing wear, engine seizure, and potential engine fire. KIAS KNOWLEDGE AND RESPONSIBILITY: Kia had clear notice of this defect years before the 2020 model year was introduced. Despite this knowledge, Kia continued manufacturing 2020 and later Optimas with the identical Theta II 2.4L GDI engine without remedying the manufacturing process. The class action settlement litigation was filed in 2017 and covered model years through 2019; however, Kia’s decision to exclude 2020 models from coverage despite using the same defective engine creates an unjust gap in consumer protection. SAFETY CONCERN: Connecting rod bearing failure can cause sudden engine seizure while driving, resulting in loss of power steering and brake assist, creating an immediate crash hazard. The symptoms I experienced — engine knock and P1326 code — are documented precursors to catastrophic failure.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 32 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and underneath the driver's side of the vehicle, and a bystander informed the contact to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to a stop, and the contact quickly exited the vehicle. The smoke coming from the vehicle went from gray to black. The vehicle then completely became engulfed by flames. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed; however, the information was not available. The vehicle was towed to a temporary impound lot. The failure mileage was approximately 185,700.

While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, Kia is refusing to cover the inspection, diagnostic, or any repairs due to the vehicle not having any open recalls, having more than 100k miles and the model of my vehicle despite this being a well known and documented manufacturing defect issue to these engines. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

The oil consumption in my 2020 Kia optima is low so fast and needs to be replaced frequently. The engine is always hesitant and bucking. The car when you press the gas shakes and doesn't take off properly i have brought this up to the dealership multiple times to be told nothing is wrong. When sitting at a light idle the car shakes and the RPM's drop and rev up. When you in reverse in the car and hit the gas the whole car shakes so bed the engine feels like its go to fall out. When you drive and press the gas the engine revs all the way before the car actually finds where it needs to be. There is something wrong with the 2020 Kia Optima Engine all though nothing will be done about it even with all these complaints!!!! This has been going on for years with this car and I maintain my car had all services done...Kia doesn't want to fix the problem.

While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical Symptoms: The car is experiencing slow cranking, engine sputtering, and multiple dashboard warning lights.

My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the Kia 2.4L Theta II engine. My specific VIN number is not listed on the Kia recall list. And Kia is stating that it does not qualify for a warranty replacement. Although it is the same engine with the known defect.

Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L GDI engine which has identical problems relating to previous lawsuits.

My transmission failed the week I got it it was inspected by the dealership and I was told that they could not do anything about it I’ve been calling them for a whole year I’ve made notes and complaints I’ve contacted my lender they contacted the dealership to trade me in a new car and was told no I have been out of thousands of dollars paying every month I’ve been ubering I’ve been late to work this is costing me money and my job is on the line

I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it’s unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it starts to shake when driving I have tried to call Kia corporate and explain this situation but they have yet to follow up with me in my case

Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It’s not in a class action but probably should be. It’s been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.

Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no warning lights so they changed my oil and I was able to made it home. Shortly after I broke down again at night and pulled into a parking lot again no warning and no oil. I had to call someone to get oil and from that point on I had to put oil in my cart every other day with no signs of a leaks and no warning lights. It has become to dangerous to drive and the engine has now failed and knocking and shaking has caused me to park my car and not drive it. I am deeply concerned about the risk of catastrophic engine failure and the potential for fire, which has been documented in similar cases. Despite having the Knock Sensor Detection System installed, my vehicle continues to exhibit these dangerous symptoms. I sought assistance from Landers Crain dealership and KIA; however, they declined to properly evaluate or service my vehicle along with KIA declining according to the KIA Regional Manager. This lack of support has left me with an unsafe, undrivable car and no clear path toward resolution. The Center for Auto Safety Key Affected Vehicles (2.4L GDI) Kia Optima 2011–2018 (some 2019) exact same engine in 2020 Optima Kia Sorento 2012–2019 Kia Sportage 2011–2018 (some 2019) Details of the Recall and Settlement The Problem Manufacturing debris and tight tolerances can cause connecting rod bearings to fail, causing knocking, seizure, and potential engine fires. The Fix Dealers will update the software with a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) to detect rod bearing issues before failure. My Optima has the KSDS installed but failed. Warranty Extension As part of a class action settlement, Kia extended the warranty on these engines to 15 years or 150,000 miles, provided the KSDS update is installed.