Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid peaked in 2025, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
Sedan, hybrid, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from Jun 2, 2025 to Jun 2, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints1Below the median 2020 sedan
Severity index0.02020 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jun 2, 2025Failure Jun 2, 2025SAN Jose, CAElectrical system, Engine, Power train
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
NHTSA complaint 11664354
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on file
- DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
Pedestrian alert sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall - DP22003 Defect petition, Engine and cooling
Loss of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022, closed Dec 12, 2023
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
50 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- TSB_CLI049_R2 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides informat… - TSB_BOD336 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: KEY AND CYLINDER SET REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the driver’s door lock and trunk lid key cylinders on some 2019-2024MY Kia vehicles listed below. On affected vehicles, the stored key code may not … - PI2108_OWNR_501 Apr 15, 2026 · Other
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2108 Flight 501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2019-2020MY Kia Optima HEV & PHEV ve… - PS797 Dec 9, 2025 · Other
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating … - PI2108_OWNR_401 Aug 19, 2025 · Other
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2108) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2019-2020 MY Kia Optima HEV & PHEV vehicles to protect th… - TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information re… - TSB_ELE378 Mar 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. The affected vehicle… - PI2108_OWNR_301 Dec 16, 2024 · Other
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2108) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on n 2019-2020 MY Kia Optima HEV & PHEV vehicles to p… - PI2108YZ_TSB_R1 Nov 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2108Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic… - TSB_TRA046_R4 May 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. - PI2108_OWNR_201 Apr 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2108) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2019-2020 MY Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid (P… - TSB_ELE303_R2 Feb 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provi… - PI1802YZ_TSB Aug 31, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2108Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2108) titled Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement … - TSB_CLI049_R1 Jun 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inform… - PS677_R2 Apr 7, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contains information re… - TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced,… - TSB_ENG219_R1 Sep 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting … - TSB_ELE209_R3 Aug 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The KDS is required … - TSB_ELE044_R3 Apr 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines … - PS613_R1 Mar 30, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop provides the KDS ser… - PI2108_TSB Feb 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NU 2.0L GDI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2108) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (K… - PI2108_OWNR Feb 15, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2019-2020 MY Kia Optima HEV & PHEV vehicles to protect the engine from … - PI2108_QA Feb 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Product Improvement Campaign (PI2108). - PI2108_DPSM Feb 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (E… - PI2108_DP Feb 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from e… - TSB_CHA111 Oct 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noi… - TSB_CHA084_R8 Oct 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar… - TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides … - TSB_ELE044_R2 Aug 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines … - PS704 Aug 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Colli… - PS677_R1 Jun 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contains information re… - PS702 Jun 4, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIT STOP: A/C DYE FOR E-COMPRESSOR EQUIPPED VEHICLES - This bulletin provides information on the proper non-conductive A/C system leak detection dye to be used in all EV, HEV, and PHEV models equipped with an electric A/C compressor. - TSB_ELE209_R2 Apr 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the proced… - TSB_CHA084_R7 Mar 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar… - TSB_ELE209_R1 Mar 11, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the proce… - PS677 Mar 12, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W & DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This Pitstop contains information regarding the log file collection procedure for 2020MY~ models equipped with AVN 5.0/W or Display Audio 2.0 head units. - PS686 Feb 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP/TECHNICAL OPERATIONS - SMOKE MACHINE NOT TO BE USED FOR EMISSIONS TESTING WITH HEV/PHEV MODELS - This Pitstop provides information to properly test the evaporative emissions system in all Kia 2011MY~ Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model vehi… - TSB_ENG213_R1 Feb 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC20). This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. - This… - TSB_CHA084_R6 Nov 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin a… - TSB_CHA084_R5 Nov 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin … - PS663 Oct 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside environment condit… - TSB_ELE209 Sep 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. - PS675 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly. - TSB_CLI049 Jun 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV/EV), Soul (PS EV) and Niro (DE… - TSB_TRA046_R1 Apr 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each … - TSB_ENG213 Jan 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC20) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sol… - TSB_ELE148 Jan 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connecto… - TSBCHA084_R4 Nov 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steer… - TSBCHA084_R3 Oct 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven P… - PS616 Oct 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is secured by seven (…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.