2020 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Electrical · TX · 1 injury

On August 20, 2026, while my minor son and I were inside my 2020 Kia Optima LX, strong burning odors and fumes entered the passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before or during the incident. Although no visible flames were observed, I suspected an electrical component was overheating or melting, creating a potential fire and respiratory hazard. My son has asthma and experienced coughing and shortness of breath throughout that day, requiring use of his prescribed rescue inhaler. Neither of us received immediate medical treatment. Due to safety concerns, I had the vehicle towed to R&E Auto Repair on August 21, 2026, rather than risk driving it. The independent repair facility documented suspected melting of the HVAC temperature control unit and identified the blower motor resistor as a possible contributing component. Video evidence of the suspected damage was obtained. I formally reported the incident to Kia Customer Care on September 1, 2026. The vehicle was delivered to authorized dealer DeMontrond Kia on September 23, 2026, for further inspection. Despite the independent findings, Kia's dealership reported that it could not identify melted components. The suspected defect remains unresolved. The vehicle remains at DeMontrond Kia and may be available for inspection. I have not been advised whether any affected components have been removed or replaced. No police or insurance inspection has been reported. I am concerned about potential electrical fire hazards, fumes entering the passenger compartment, and respiratory injuries to occupants. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this suspected HVAC electrical defect and potential safety risk to other Kia owners.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL

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 continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating system will not turn on or operate properly. I was informed that the problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system/wiring. These problems have continued and require repeated attention. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly the continued oil loss and the electrical malfunction. I am reporting these issues so they can be documented and investigated to determine whether other 2020 Kia Optima owners are experiencing similar problems.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AR

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 O’Reillys and have them check it and it says it’s the P1326 Code

Filed Mar 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Hi, thank you for taking the time to look over my complaint. On Saturday march 22 while driving down the highway going about 75 mph, my car died. The check engine light was flashing and so was the oil light. I pulled over to the shoulder and when I tried cranking the car it sounded like a rumming noise and the car would not stay on. I had the vehicle towed to Texas Star Auto Shop. On monday march 24th i spoke with the mechanic and he said there is an internal engine problem . Since I am a 2nd owner and the car has 105,736 miles kia will not honor their extended warranty and I am left to pay out of pocket for repairs est cost 10,000+. I am now without a reliable transportation. This has left me annoyed and unhappy with the assistance from Kia.

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MS

Code P1326 and oil pressure light keeps flashing

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IN

I got a CEL (code P1326), three different times. Each time has been after a hard rain or a car wash. I have had to pay to have the knock sensor replaced each time, twice by a mechanic and once by a Kia dealership. There’s a recall for this issue on model years older than my 2020. I was told that Kia is aware but that there aren’t enough people having the issue to warrant them to investigate.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Electrical · FL

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.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · TX

My front headlights on both signs shorts out while driving. If one goes the other goes. No warning. I have replaced the headlights since 2020, 3 times and the bulbs 4. There needs to be an investigation into to these headlights shorting out can cause an accident.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AR

I purchased my 2020 kia optima 8/2022. On 10/21/23 I was on the freeway and the engine light started flashing, car made a knocking sound, went limp, speed dropped from 75 to 32 quickly while I was changing lanes, and Would not go over 32 mph. I made it home and started researching online and found out about the recalls. My car is not one since it's a 2020. I removed the car from my garage and parked it at end of my driveway and it's still sitting there as of today 11/13/23. I ordered a diagnostic reader and it stated code 1326 for engine. My car has done same things as the other recalled cars, same code, and same 2.4L Theta ll engine. I called Kia Corporate office on 11/13 (case #15978041) they stated my car is not one of the recalled cars, my warranty expired at 60k, and everything will have to be paid out of my pocket! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was given their voicemail. I called Kia here in Conway, Ark and they stated to bring car in for them to test it. Towing and testing would be at my expense. My insurance might cover towing and since I have extended warranty then they will need that information. I am not involving my insurance since alot of companies will not cover my vehicle due to the recent theft issue defect. They could drop my car to avoid possible liabilities. I should not have to involve my extended warranty since this is a Kia problem and I do not have money for a deductible for new engine. They knowingly put those same raggedy engines in the 2020 kia's, settled the recall case and now expect the consumer to come out of pocket for their fraud. Kia needs to come tow this car, provide me a rental, and replace the engine. They need to pay my car note and insurance for the months its not driveable, but thats legal issue I will address