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Exterior lightingPart report

2020 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
1%of 153 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Kia Optima, 1% of the 153 complaints for this model year.

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.

“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

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202021%
201921%
2018146%
2017156%
2016476%
2015232%
2014183%
2013403%
2012313%
20118815%
201023%
200998%
200886%
20072716%
20061610%
200543%
200452%
200332%
200222%
200132%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima

Engine
104 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
27 complaints
Other or unknown
18 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Steering
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Optima

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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