2020 Kia Optima Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Kia Optima, 4% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20 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.
“It is impossible to use the brake pedal if the shoe size is us10+. The distance between the floor and the knee airbag mechanism does not allow the use of the brake pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #11414072, filed 2021-04, 20 miles“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 have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hill. As soon as I was able I checked my oil which and there was nothing on the dipstick. I put in 3 quarts of oil. I brought it into my usual dealership for service and let them know about the oil issue and issues with power when driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11699816, filed 2025-11“Leased this Kia by force from rightway auto here in Indianapolis in. Had for about 1 1/2. First notice after filling up my tank gas was depleted within 3 days on driving 12 miles to and from work in town. Then oil start disappearing a week after oil changes. .around Jan 8,2024. Check engine light start flashing driving the highway to work. Speed jumped down to 45. Engine start shaking if I tried to go faster. Got a engine light scan says needs knock sensor. Had it replaced. 6 months later. Car did the same thing. Same code. Knock sensor. Had it re replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11598792, filed 2024-07“Was on highway going 65, check engine light started flashing loss power. Couldn't go over 2000 rpms car would struggle to accelerate, car had been using up oil like crazy the week before. Stopped at an autozone car read code P1326.”
NHTSA complaint #11619551, filed 2024-10Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 5% |
| 2016 | 29 | 4% |
| 2015 | 36 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 4% |
| 2013 | 39 | 3% |
| 2012 | 40 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 8% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Optima
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
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 31, 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