2020 Kia Optima transmission problems

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, Kia is refusing to cover the inspection, diagnostic, or any repairs due to the vehicle not having any open recalls, having more than 100k miles and the model of my vehicle despite this being a well known and documented manufacturing defect issue to these engines. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L GDI engine which has identical problems relating to previous lawsuits.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MO

Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It’s not in a class action but probably should be. It’s been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · KY

My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Airbags, Fuel system · AZ

I purchased in July 2020, from sept 2020 I've had it at the dealership with shuddering, stalling and loss of acceleration. I originally thought fuel pump or transmission but kia said no. then in 2022 I received a letter from kia corporate stating low pressure fuel pump failure. so i called the dealership and told them the letter states everything I had been in to see them about numerous times. made an appointment they said they found an error but had no fix. I complained heavily due to the fact I sat there for 4 hours, and they knew they had no fix as of yet. It was too dangerous like this. so the Manager said he'd just replace it with a whole new fuel pump but it could also fail. I sent the car in for 4 days just to find out they did not replace it. they only changed the fuel filter. stating kia wont let them put in a new pump due to their system not showing any other issue. The problem persisted and multiple visits to kia to no avail. Then on top of that my air bag light came on Jan 4, 2024. They said it was my responsibility it's not covered 1138.67 it would cost me. Then in Feb kia corporate sent me a letter about airbags. I did not go back because the light eventually went off by itself without a fix, then April 17, 2024 the original problem got even worse, shuddering, lack of acceleration , stalling feeling. Dec. 10, 2025 back to Kia. they have a code for dual clutch and flywheel so they ordered it & had my car for 19 days. I called numerous times to see about progress. I was told they are trying to chase down a code with a tech line. 7 days after that I picked it up & they said they did not change out any parts because there was no code. They only did a cap discharge. I have my car back now after 19 days & it's still not fixed. I called Jan5, 2026 and they said if kia is to fix it they need a code to be present or it'll cost me several thousand, even if its a known issue. so far it's been in the shop 9 times and 24 days total.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · WA

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 car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hill. As soon as I was able I checked my oil which and there was nothing on the dipstick. I put in 3 quarts of oil. I brought it into my usual dealership for service and let them know about the oil issue and issues with power when driving. They failed to address the root cause of the issue, they performed an oil change, engine light turned off, and they started an oil consumption test. But when I drove off the lot the issue with the power continued, and the check engine light came on again. I took my Kia to another dealership to address the car's power issue and the first oil consumption test was not completed because it was unsafe to drive. When I brought my car in, the check engine light was not on, even though there were significant power issues. The dealership was able to confirm my concern, including loss of power and evidence of oil overconsumption. They replaced my turbocharger under warranty. I then underwent a 2nd oil consumption test that indicated overconsumption at a level of 1.5 quarts per 1000 miles. Then they performed a combustion chamber cleaning per Kia guidelines and a 3rd oil consumption test. They 3rd oil consumption results indicated overconsumption at a level of 0.75 quarts per 1000 miles. Although the dealership acknowledged this is still overconsumption, it was not to a level that required Kia to replace my motor. Meanwhile, after all these tests my car is close to out of warranty, at 98.6k miles. I called Kia customer care and their "resolution" to my case was the deny me a new engine and they would not provide me anything in writing. My car's overconsumption of oil and other signs of engine failure match the complaints found in class action settlements related to other Kia models.

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OH · fire

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

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Transmission · NY

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. The shudder occurs randomly and poses a serious safety concern. The problem first appeared in 2020 when the vehicle had fewer than 5,000 miles on it. Beginning in 2024, at around 20,000 miles, the condition began escalating rapidly, with the shudder occurring more frequently and with greater severity. All incidents have been recorded on dash cam and provided to the dealership’s service department. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times for this issue and was kept at the dealership for approximately six weeks in total. Despite this, the dealer refuses to acknowledge the problem, citing the absence of warning lights. When the clutch was adjusted at my request, the issue temporarily improved but returned about three weeks later. The shudder now occurs more often and with greater severity, frequently forcing the driver to pull over for safety. This ongoing transmission defect creates unsafe driving conditions, and the lack of acknowledgement or permanent resolution by the dealer further increases the risk to the driver and others on the road.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OH

The engine in my 2020 Kia Optima S (2.4L GDI Theta II) has been experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and loss of power, consistent with known issues in earlier model years of this engine. This component is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The issue puts my safety at risk due to unpredictable power loss while driving and the potential for engine seizure or fire, especially during high-speed travel. I’ve had to top off oil multiple times between regular oil changes, and the vehicle showed signs of low oil without any dashboard warning. No KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software was ever installed on the vehicle. I have not yet had a full diagnosis from the dealer, but I have opened a case with Kia Consumer Affairs, who informed me that I do not qualify for recall repair based on the vehicle’s manufacture date — despite the engine matching those in previous lawsuits and recalls. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I can provide receipts for oil purchases and logs documenting how often I’ve had to refill the oil. I am also filing a claim with my third-party powertrain warranty provider. Symptoms first appeared at approximately 85000 miles Engine knocking/ticking noise Oil light flashing briefly or low oil found without warning Needing to add 1–2 quarts of oil between oil changes Rough acceleration or loss of power This issue is widespread, has been previously acknowledged in other model years, and should be formally investigated in the 2020 Optima as well. I am concerned for the long-term safety and reliability of this vehicle