2020 Kia Optima Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Kia Optima, 3% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.”
NHTSA complaint #11475800, filed 2022-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11688705, filed 2025-09“ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11501369, filed 2023-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11743902, filed 2026-06Related service bulletins
- 10200525Aug 3, 2021PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2019 | 36 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 5 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 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 28, 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