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Other or unknownPart report

2020 Kia Optima Other or unknown Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
12%of 151 total for the year
Median mileage
96,600miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2020 Kia Optima, 12% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“It either has issues shifting gears like its stuck or the transmission may be slipping, it's had this issue since I bought the car. However I wasn't aware until my uncle drove the car and said something might be wrong.. I have no idea what's causing it. It shudders when I make turn or speed up to pass. Not all of the time but at least twice per my normal trip”

NHTSA complaint #11723595, filed 2026-03

“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”

NHTSA complaint #11743522, filed 2026-06

“When I accelerate the car jerks as if is going to cut off. I have taken it to the dealer, and they can not find any thing wrong. After searching the internet, I find I am not the only one with this issue. I just want my car fixed so that I feel safe driving it.”

NHTSA complaint #11441181, filed 2021-11

“Immediately after getting Kia's latest recall Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign software update, my transmission began to Hard-Shift between neutral and 1st gear, and when slowing down, from a gear to a neutral position with the transmission. The car has lunged a few times when going from neutral to 1st gear position--concerning. This is most noticeable when car is cold, but is still always noticeable. Stop-and-go traffic it's also most noticeable. I have notified local dealership by phone message and email but have not heard back in 2 weeks.”

NHTSA complaint #11708020, filed 2025-12

“2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. …”

NHTSA complaint #11497229, filed 2022-12

Other or unknown: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20201812%
20194320%
20183917%
20173313%
201612316%
201514014%
20149015%
201318914%
20128810%
2011417%
201057%
200933%
200896%
200742%
200696%
200564%
2004125%
200375%
200211%
200143%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima

Engine
102 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
27 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 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 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