2020 Kia Optima: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · NC

On October 25, 2026, while traveling eastbound on US Highway 74 near Bryson City, North Carolina, my 2020 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI experienced a sudden and substantial loss of engine power while driving through mountainous terrain. The check-engine light began flashing, and the vehicle entered what appeared to be reduced-power or limp mode. The engine remained running, but acceleration and available engine power were significantly reduced. This created a serious safety concern due to the mountainous highway conditions and surrounding traffic. I immediately pulled over at the first safe opportunity and did not continue driving the vehicle. My partner, who was approximately six months pregnant, was traveling with me. We remained stranded along the roadside for approximately three hours awaiting assistance, approximately 202 miles from home. Diagnostic trouble code P1326 was subsequently identified. There were no noticeable knocking, rattling, or ticking noises before or after the incident. The oil-pressure warning light did not illuminate. After the incident, the engine oil level was checked and found to be between the minimum and maximum dipstick markings. Timestamped photographs were taken during the towing process and at dealership drop-off. The vehicle was transported to a Kia dealership, where a bearing clearance test was performed and passed. The dealership also identified an external oil leak. However, the cause of the sudden loss of power and P1326 activation has not been conclusively established. I am reporting this incident because the unexpected and substantial loss of engine power while driving on a mountainous highway created a potentially dangerous situation. I am concerned that the condition could recur and pose a safety risk to other drivers and passengers.

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 May 27, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it’s unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it starts to shake when driving I have tried to call Kia corporate and explain this situation but they have yet to follow up with me in my case

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Engine · GA

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. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System – range/performance). During inspection, the dealer found metal contamination in the engine oil and oil control valves and advised that the engine has internal damage and requires replacement.

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Engine · GA

I got the car was running good week or 2 later I see the oil light flash after my oil change I go back top it off repeat the cycle almost weekly burning losts of oil then I get a code p1326 for a knock sensor same day car go into limp mode no power rpm won’t go over 2 car won’t go over 60-65 I park it go outside to take it to the dealership next day it ain’t start I haven’t had the car 4 months only have 138,000 miles

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · AR

It is an oil burner and engine failed and went into limp mode less than 5 years when drove off dealership brand new.

Filed Sep 1, 2025 · Engine · CA

Without warning my car went into “Limp Mode” while driving on the highway almost causing a collision as I was forced to pull off the road on the highway. Flashing engine light car would not accelerate and was shaking dramatically. Was forced to wait for a tow on a busy highway. P1326 code. Rod knock. A known issue for the Theta II engine. Many recalls have been made for this exact engine for these exact problems but for some reason the 2020 Kia Optima is not included even though it is the same engine covered by lifetime warranty from the 2019 models due to these recalls and know issues. There’s plenty of recorded cases all over the web and is a wide concern for many affected Kia drivers. Kia does not offer the same KRDS update to 2020 Kia drivers as they do to earlier models even with the same engine failure issues so we don’t even get the benefit of possible early detection. Car is well maintained and inspected at a local American tire depot and I am still forced to deal with unwarranted engine failure on a known defective engine solely because KIA will not offer help for affected customers. The 2020 KIA Optima equipped with the Theta II 2.4L engine is not safe and is a known defective product. Action and accountability are needed.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Fuel system · AZ

I own a 2020 Kia Optima. My vehicle has experienced repeated low-pressure fuel pump failures, causing hard starting, loss of power, and stalling risk. These issues first appeared in July 2023 and have recurred despite multiple repairs. The dealership has replaced the upper portion of the fuel pump three times (July 10, 2023; March 1, 2025; June 9, 2025) for the same issue, but the problem persists. Most recently, in August 2025, the vehicle again exhibited difficulty starting and loss of power. Diagnostic code P123300 was found, indicating the pump is not generating enough pressure. The dealership confirmed the entire fuel pump assembly needs replacement. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle has gone into limp mode three times while driving — twice previously on the freeway, and again on [XXX]. On that date, I experienced sudden loss of power while driving, but I had a scheduled oil change on July 29, 2025 so I waited until then to bring the car in. At that visit, the dealership claimed the problem was only an old code P0456 and that my car needed a software update. However, the very next day, my vehicle went into limp mode yet again, creating another hazardous driving situation. My check engine light has repeatedly illuminated, and each failure matches the conditions described in Kia’s extended warranty program (WTY028) for low-pressure fuel pump failures on my model year. The warranty extension letter (WTY028) for my vehicle states that “repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure” are covered for 15 years/150,000 miles. It does not state that only the upper portion of the pump is covered. However, my dealership (Sands Kia Surprise) insists that Kia will only cover the upper portion, even though my issue requires replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly to correct the failure. This repeated failure creates a dangerous driving condition and appears to be part of a larger defect affecting this model’s fuel delivery system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Apr 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OK

Accelerating at a normal rate to get on the highway and the check engine light starts flashing out of nowhere and car goes into limp mode. Made it to local shop and they informed me it was a P1326 code and that a knock sensor would have to be replaced, but that Kia has recalled the older models for this same reason.

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine · WV

Vehicle Check engine light started flashing on and off, Code thrown is a P1326 and vehicle went into limp mode, shutting down power essentially going down the highway. Oil burning is excessive, and replacement of oil is at 1-2 quarts every 2 weeks. Engine is not running smoothly. No warning signs of oil burn present until oil pressure light flickers on when taking a curve or sitting on a major incline. Kia Dealership is aware of an issue with the P1326 codes and bearing wear, however, year of vehicle seems to not be included in the original lawsuit and recall/safety notice from all indications. Engine was manufactured and is the same as the 2019 engine that is included. Engine seizure is potential at highway speeds which could cause major harm or death during travel without warning.

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Engine · CA

June 29th I was driving home and car suddenly went into limp mode. Had this car less than 2 yrs. I'm the second owner so I don't have 100,000 engine warranty. Its at 91 000 miles. Gets maintained regularly. But the cart consumes a lot of oil and after I google and read all about P1326, i find out there is a campaign by kia fixing these engines. Unfortunately my make and model, even tho same engines didn't make the cut. From the list of complaints from people online seems to me that there will be more legal action taken. These are the same crappy engines. I will never nor let anybody I know by a Kia/Hayandai ever again, if I can help it.