2020 Kia Optima fuel/propulsion system problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2020 Kia Optima — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the…”
filed Aug 27, 2026
“Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety…”
filed Aug 7, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Optima | 15 | 7% |
| 2018 Optima | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 20 | 8% |
| 2016 Optima | 53 | 7% |
| 2015 Optima | 46 | 5% |
| 2014 Optima | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 Optima | 92 | 7% |
| 2012 Optima | 42 | 5% |
| 2011 Optima | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 Optima | 3 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.