2020 KIA OPTIMA Complaints

Dealing with sudden excessive oil consumption at 130,000 miles. Had an oil change about 2,000 miles ago and oil sensor has been going off after 1,500-2,000 miles driven. Mechanic put 3 more quarts in and a week and a half later oil sensor is going off again indicating low oil. Mechanic confined this has been a frequent problem with this engine and insists piston rings are faulty & will eventually need engine replacement.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driver’s side window. The contact discovered that the glass had shattered. The contact stated that the Police Department advised her to contact the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, not the Insurance Company. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected or repaired. diagnoses. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,009.

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. Despite all of these “repairs” performed by a Kia-authorized dealership, the check engine light continues to return, and the vehicle still stalls unexpectedly, making it dangerous to drive. On March 10, 2025, after Kia claimed to have tested the vehicle for 200 miles, I picked up the car from the dealership, only for it to stall and trigger the check engine light within hours before I even reached my destination. This vehicle has been returned to me multiple times in an unsafe condition. Additionally, an independent mechanic discovered an engine oil leak and a torn axle that Kia’s dealership never disclosed. This raises major concerns about their lack of proper inspection and repair procedures. This is a serious safety issue that Kia refuses to take accountability for. I request an immediate investigation into this matter before this defect leads to an accident.

Oil consumption has rapidly been increasing causing the loss of several quarts of oil. Inspection by service center confirmed this is a known Kia issue and recommended a flush to help combat some of the issue. Service center did note that this issue would not fix the problem, but put off needing to replace the engine. Oil light was not flashing on the dash unless coming to a quick stop, but then would disappear. The value of these cars has resulted in quite a bit of negative equity for folks due to the theft issue. Now add on a fear of blowing an engine cause your vehicle is burning through oil like no tomorrow.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating and there was excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the piston rings were faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

My car is using a lot of oil and I have to change the oil every 2 thousand miles, oil light will come on and I check the oil and it shows the oil stick almost dry within 2,000 miles after having oil changed. The car will loose power and has a ticking noise in the motor. It’s frustrating to have to change the oil every 2,000 miles instead of every 3,000-5,000 miles like most vehicles.

Vehicle Check engine light started flashing on and off, Code thrown is a P1326 and vehicle went into limp mode, shutting down power essentially going down the highway. Oil burning is excessive, and replacement of oil is at 1-2 quarts every 2 weeks. Engine is not running smoothly. No warning signs of oil burn present until oil pressure light flickers on when taking a curve or sitting on a major incline. Kia Dealership is aware of an issue with the P1326 codes and bearing wear, however, year of vehicle seems to not be included in the original lawsuit and recall/safety notice from all indications. Engine was manufactured and is the same as the 2019 engine that is included. Engine seizure is potential at highway speeds which could cause major harm or death during travel without warning.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was connected to a diagnostic machine. The DTC indicated a glow relay failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Oil pan developed stress crack below and along both sides of the oil pan drain plug All components are in place and there are no signs of road damage or damage do to obstacles being hit Leak started slowly and progressively became worse Returned car to have plug checked but no report back of any problem and it was documented on service order

At gas, the vehicle jumps/judders as if it’s not getting enough gas to get up and go, and then at higher speeds it goes fine. Was reported to Horne Kia while under warranty. They never found the issues. Months later issue was found by a new mechanic, now the vehicle is no longer under warranty and the TRA codes are posted online. [XXX] Reported August 2021 [XXX] Reported December 2020 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)