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.
2020 Kia Optima: fire, smoke or burning smell
5 of the 153 complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 32 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and underneath the driver's side of the vehicle, and a bystander informed the contact to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to a stop, and the contact quickly exited the vehicle. The smoke coming from the vehicle went from gray to black. The vehicle then completely became engulfed by flames. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed; however, the information was not available. The vehicle was towed to a temporary impound lot. The failure mileage was approximately 185,700.
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 drive12/24/2022
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
I was told by me dealership recently that the Kia Optima is not designed for high mileage. It’s been consuming oil and my dealership was aware of the issue. Yesterday smoke came out from under the hood and the engine and front half of the car was engulfed in flames.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC367)
- SC367_POC: proof of correction card
- Voluntary emissions service campaign
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: dealer principal memo (SC367)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: dealer parts and service manager memo (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: SC340_POC: proof of correction card
- SC340_STKR: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- Kia connect modem reset (SA611)
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Kia Optima fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2020 Kia Optima?
5 of 153 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima (3%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Kia Optima?
There are 0 recalls and 28 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Kia Optima
Oil consumption 42Check engine light 40Engine failure 29Knocking 29Loss of power 16Won't shift 16Stalling 15Shudder 6Jerking 5
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