2020 Kia Optima Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

“The vehicle experiences a dual-clutch transmission shudder in low gears and at low speeds. This issue causes a sudden loss of speed in situations such as merging onto a highway, leaving a parking spot, or while driving at approximately 30 mph”

“After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway”

“The vehicles 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), is horribly jerky at very low speeds and on take off. It has become dangerous to drive as my wife almost caused an accident from the vehicle not reacting to acceleration pedal, or from it reacting completely unexpectedly”

“The passager side seat belt goes off by itself”

“UNKNOWN But the passenger side seat belt start chumming on its on and won't stop until I connect the seat belt”

“The vehicle is incredibly easy to steal. A simple flat head screw driver in the hands of a child will steal this vehicle. My car was stolen from Daytona Beach Florida on July 8 2022 by 2 14 year and one 15 year old kids”

“April 30, 2023 my 2020 Kia Optima was stolen. The thief or thieves broke my backside passenger window to get inside. Once inside they started my car using a USB cord/ charger block. I purchased the car in Feb 2023”

“I need an immobilizer installed on my car so I will be able to get insurance. Please recall these vehicles. This problem is because something wasn't installed on the car that it needs. PLEASE help us”

“My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the Kia 2.4L Theta II engine”

“My engine is burning lg amounts of oil. There has been a lawsuit regarding the same issues with Kia engines (specifically up to 2019 Optimas). The Theta 2 engine lawsuit is regarding excessive oil consumption/burning, knock sensor issues, and deeper engine issues”

“While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power and entered limp mode. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle had very limited acceleration, creating a safety concern when driving in traffic”

“MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN A FORD 150 PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. FORWARD COLLISION WORKED & SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO 35MPH. I HIT THE TRUCK DOING SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHAT SO EVER”

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT”

“Stable track control failed to work, the driver seatbelt did not tighten & stayed loose, & air bags did not deploy upon hitting the ditch & small trees resulting after hitting ice/water upon coming to a stop sign at a “T” cross road”

“THE FCW FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM SEEMS TO NOT GET ACTIVATED UNDER ANY CIRCUSNSTANCES. I HAVE CHANGED THE SENSITIVITY OF THE SYSTEM TO ALL LEVELS AND IT NEVER SEEMS TO DETECT THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. IT NEVER WARNS YOU OF AN COLLISION”

“IN THE PROCESS, I HIT A BUMP (NOT A POT HOLE) IN THE ROAD'S AND MY BRAKES DISENGAGED AND I THOUGHT I WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE THE BRAKE WERE GOING TO ENGAGE IN TIME FOR ME MISS A HIT ON COLLUSION”

“ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal”