2020 Kia Optima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 9%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Kia Optima, 9% of the 151 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I got a CEL (code P1326), three different times. Each time has been after a hard rain or a car wash. I have had to pay to have the knock sensor replaced each time, twice by a mechanic and once by a Kia dealership. There’s a recall for this issue on model years older than my 2020. I was told that Kia is aware but that there aren’t enough people having the issue to warrant them to investigate.”
NHTSA complaint #11639763, filed 2025-01“I was driving down the interstate and all of a sudden the blinking lights of the check engine light came on and automatically I went from 75 mph down to 63 mph and when I looked up what it was, it was the knock detection system of the 2020 Kia Optima. I could not accelerate beyond 63 mph and I fear that the engine might stall on me so I went to O’Reillys and have them check it and it says it’s the P1326 Code”
NHTSA complaint #11658199, filed 2025-05“My front headlights on both signs shorts out while driving. If one goes the other goes. No warning. I have replaced the headlights since 2020, 3 times and the bulbs 4. There needs to be an investigation into to these headlights shorting out can cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11562977, filed 2024-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11547377, filed 2023-09“I need an immobilizer installed on my car so I will be able to get insurance. Please recall these vehicles. This problem is because something wasn't installed on the car that it needs. PLEASE help us.”
NHTSA complaint #11573169, filed 2024-02Related service bulletins
- 11037394Sep 11, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC367) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions…
- 11037393Sep 10, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain…
- 11037392Sep 10, 2026Sc367_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11037391Sep 10, 2026Sc367_poc: proof of correction card
- 11037390Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC367) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding…
- 11037389Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC367) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is…
- 11037388Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC367) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting an important…
- 11030390Mar 17, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 104 ) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11029979Mar 6, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11024469Oct 23, 2025Sc340_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14 | 9% |
| 2019 | 23 | 11% |
| 2018 | 33 | 14% |
| 2017 | 25 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 14% |
| 2015 | 135 | 13% |
| 2014 | 60 | 10% |
| 2013 | 146 | 11% |
| 2012 | 122 | 13% |
| 2011 | 63 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 17% |
| 2009 | 16 | 14% |
| 2008 | 15 | 10% |
| 2007 | 14 | 8% |
| 2006 | 23 | 15% |
| 2005 | 29 | 20% |
| 2004 | 45 | 20% |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% |
| 2002 | 14 | 13% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology