2020 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 44owner reports
- 84,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
105 of the 146 complaints on this car are about the engine. 44 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Optima.
Tick what matches of 44 reports
Engine failure on other Optima years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (40 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Optima
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
5 of the 44 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $600 to $4,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 34,000 and 117,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“It is an oil burner and engine failed and went into limp mode less than 5 years when drove off dealership brand new.”
Filed Dec 10, 2025
“Engine failure do to excessive oil consumption. I do have records. Not able to file now. Please contact if needed Thank you”
Filed Jun 16, 2025
“UNKNOWN, Engine excessively burns oil and is now seized. Kia used the same engine in this car as they did in the 2016-19 Models which were recalled for engine failure, however mine was not included. 2.4 Theda Engine.”
Filed May 13, 2025
“I was driving down the interstate and all of a sudden the blinking lights of the check engine light came on and automatically I went from 75 mph down to 63 mph and when I looked up what it was, it was the knock detection system of the 2020 Kia Optima. I could not accelerate beyond 63 mph and I fear that the engine might stall on me so I went to OâReillys and have them check it and it says itâs the P1326 Code”
Filed May 1, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Burns oil or oil level rises 33 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 31 reports