2020 Kia Optima Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 09/08/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 144 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 Kia Optima overview page.
What owners report
“My engine has failed. This is the second car Iâve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.”NHTSA complaint 11728508 — filed 04/01/2026
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11699816 — filed 11/17/2025
“2020 kia optima caught on fire in gallipolis ohio after insurance paid to fix car it continues to leak oil stall and is dangerous to…”NHTSA complaint 11696226 — filed 10/28/2025
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Kia Optima have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2020 Kia Optima: 26 of 144 complaints on file (18.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2020 Kia Optima have in total?
144 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Across all categories, 6 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 4 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
