2020 Kia Optima

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure. I’ve been reporting engine stalling since around 34,000 miles or so I purchased the car and immediately had battery issues before 25,000 miles as well. While I was driving on the road the engine stalled about 34,000 miles with me and my pregnant daughter in the car. The seatbelts jerked. The car stuutered and shut off and every light on the dashboard went insane. I purchased the car with 34 miles on it. Now…fast forward I’ve been having the car engine check, consumption oil tests performed and more since 60xxx miles or so. I’ve done everything that I’m supposed to do with returning the car for testing and every time I’m told I just need to wait until the engine fails. They clean the engine up make it look pretty after the second test and run some cleaner through then I’m back in a couple of weeks to months for the same thing. The engine valve cover has been replaced many times, spark plugs keep going out, and a ton more engine work that was done under warranty. Brain the service man told both me and my husband it’s what we have TJ deal with, at Suntrup, and doesn’t matter if I’m driving or not wait until the engine blows before Kia can replace the full engine. He said if you’re outta warranty that’ll be your issue. Well when I talked to Kia they said I better not drive it that way, with no oil in the car regardless how it’s brining and keep taking it in. But Bryan every time seems to not want to deal with it. Test after test and he said i just need TJ fault before we replace it. The service department has deemed this a bad engine ever trip. But I’m told it MUST PASS KIA TEST. However, I’m 7,000 miles outta warranty now and I’m praying they cover it because I did everything I’m supposed to do. I have every record however, Lou Fuze has failed to reproduce my records and I’ve requested them by text many times.

My engine is burning lg amounts of oil. There has been a lawsuit regarding the same issues with Kia engines (specifically up to 2019 Optimas). The Theta 2 engine lawsuit is regarding excessive oil consumption/burning, knock sensor issues, and deeper engine issues. This has been an ongoing issue for me and is ultimately affecting my engine. Kia will not cover the defects or repair expenses despite knowing the concerns with prior Kia Optima engines.

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.

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