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Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Kia Optima Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid. The EPA rates it 41 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
41mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Filed with NHTSA
Fuel cost / yr
$1,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2022 – Mar 2022
  1. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Optima Plug-in Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201723
2018244
2019215
20201
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AM6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
EV range
630 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
04 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Optima Plug-in Hybrid
Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
394441$1,50097
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
05 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 14122
06 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
08 —FAQ

2020 Optima Plug-in Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are . Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid at 41 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026