2020 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 9%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 Kia Optima, 9% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,000 miles.
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 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11740375, filed 2026-05“I am filing this complaint due to severe and ongoing safety defects in my 2020 Kia Optima EX, which has repeatedly stalled while driving, creating a life-threatening road hazard. Since September 2024, my vehicle has suffered from major failures, including a complete transmission replacement, multiple high-pressure fuel pump replacements, multiple oil flushes due to fuel contamination, and all fuel injectors replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11647773, filed 2025-03“I was stopped at a red light and the car stayed on but just stopped working. I had to wait for it to reset itself, or at least that was what it felt like it was doing. I got the oil changed in it the next day and about three weeks later the low oil light has come back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11593335, filed 2024-06“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11769918, filed 2026-10“My vehicle burns oil too quickly. I schedule my regular oil change based on the feedback from the auto repair shop. During my last oil change he said I practically had no oil left, but it has been less than 5,000 miles since my previous oil change. The tech informed me he's seen this happen a lot within Kia's including the optima that I currently drive. Fast forward a few months i noticed my oil light illuminate for a moment and immediately turn off. I still want to get it checked out just in case so i brought it back to the same shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11733038, filed 2026-04Related service bulletins
- 10225574Oct 31, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 10225572Oct 28, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and…
- 10216905Jul 29, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to…
- 10216907Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 10216906Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).
- 10216904Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle…
- 10216903Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 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 29, 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