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Optima 2020 engine failure

2830 Views 23 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  sphipps11
My check engine light came on the end of the first week in June on my 2020 optima. I made an service appt and took it in. After doing a diagnostic on the vehicle they informed me that my engine failed. Also currently there is a recall on some of the optima engines except mine.
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Actually there aren't any recalls on the 2020 Optima yet, but it's early, so let's wait a while and maybe you'll be joining the last 9 years of crappy engines.
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... is a recall on some of the optima engines except mine.
FYI - it is a "settlement" between Kia and the Feds, see attachment.

Attachments

As you'll see in the settlement, your 2020 isn't included...........yet, but time will tell.
If I would have known about this forum I would have NEVER bought my 2020 KIA Optima. Just appears to be a good car with a junk engine.

Something else about the lawsuit. What if by chance your 2020 really has a leftover engine from 2019 in it? I've seen this happen in other cars over the years working in a parts store.
If I would have known about this forum I would have NEVER bought my 2020 KIA Optima. Just appears to be a good car with a junk engine.
Something else about the lawsuit. What if by chance your 2020 really has a leftover engine from 2019 in it? I've seen this happen in other cars over the years working in a parts store.
Don't think they are left over engines from 2019, just the same engine used in all the years, junk, so don't know why the '20 wasn't included, other than the
settlement was before production began, and here are the facts listed under the 2020 model year:
cylinder block assembly 31113-2GK04

2020KiaOptimaLX, S, Special Edition2.4L L4 - Gas
2020KiaSorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2019KiaOptimaLX, S2.4L L4 - Gas
2019KiaSorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2018KiaSorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2017KiaSorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2016KiaSorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas

cylinder head 22100-2GGB5


2020 Kia OptimaLX, S, Special Edition2.4L L4 - Gas
2020 Kia SorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2019 Kia OptimaLX, S2.4L L4 - Gas
2019 Kia SorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2018 Kia OptimaEX, LX, S2.4L L4 - Gas
2018 Kia SorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2017 Kia OptimaEX, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2017 Kia SorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2016 Kia OptimaEX, LX2.4L L4 - Gas
2016 Kia SorentoL, LX2.4L L4 - Gas

Looks like the 2020 owners should be in for a fun ride.
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Talking to a window salesman the other day and he has a friend who bought a new Kia Telluride in 2021. 5k miles and the engine blew up. He said KIA wants to replace the engine with a salvage (Not short block) engine ??? He said the guy is going to sue if they don't put a new engine in it.
Actually there aren't any recalls on the 2020 Optima yet, but it's early, so let's wait a while and maybe you'll be joining the last 9 years of crappy engines.
The service tech informed me that Kia has VIN specific engine issue. Since my problem has occurred with my engine the dealership where my vehicle was had three in the service lot with the same issue when I dropped mine off and acquired four more since one of which the engine blew a hole in the hood.
The service tech informed me that Kia has VIN specific engine issue. Since my problem has occurred with my engine the dealership where my vehicle was had three in the service lot with the same issue when I dropped mine off and acquired four more since one of which the engine blew a hole in the hood.
Just another bunch of BS. Believe that one and I have a bridge to sell you as they've replaced @ million engines in the 2011-2019 Optima, 2012-2019 Sorento,
2011-2019 Sportage, add the Hybrid junk engine problems to the list, and one can see that there is no logic to engine/VIN specific.

Check the NHTSA recalls for 2020 Kia Optima and there are no recalls, but if there was a recall for VIN specific, the recall would be listed but the site would indicate that the recall is for specific units within that model year.
Guess the 2020 owners will be posting quite a bit in the future, and as I said previously, welcome to the group.
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My check engine light came on the end of the first week in June on my 2020 optima. I made an service appt and took it in. After doing a diagnostic on the vehicle they informed me that my engine failed. Also currently there is a recall on some of the optima engines except mine.
You shouldn't have much to worry about a 2020 is clearly under warranty
You shouldn't have much to worry about a 2020 is clearly under warranty
.... as long as the odometer doesn't read north of 100k.

This is assuming you are correct in saying your engine is excluded from the Recall VIN List.
The service tech informed me that Kia has VIN specific engine issue. Since my problem has occurred with my engine the dealership where my vehicle was had three in the service lot with the same issue when I dropped mine off and acquired four more since one of which the engine blew a hole in the hood.
@Deva992

If you do not mind, I'd like to see how your situation came out and get more information. I have a 2020 Optima as well and was recently told my vin is not a part of the issues for 2020??? I assume yours was under warranty.

What issue did your Optima and sounds like 2 or 3 others have a like cause them to say the engine failed and what code or codes if you remember? Was the car drivable? Did it have any symptoms prior to the failure? I'm 2nd owner and the warranty ends at 60k which I am not far from. Any info would be valuable and appreciated!! Thanks in advance. @Deva992
it's early, so let's wait a while and maybe you'll be joining the last 9 years of crappy engines.





it's early, so let's wait a while and maybe you'll be joining the last 9 years of crappy engines.





I'm tapped out at 60k which is 7k away so personally I don't have too long to decide to ride it out, get an extended warranty (would have to research the best) or make a move but the market isn't great. Zero issue with my 2020 though but 6-10k for an engine is not an option. If I were in the lifetime club then letting roll is the best option! lol
I'm tapped out at 60k which is 7k away so personally I don't have too long to decide to ride it out, get an extended warranty (would have to research the best) or make a move but the market isn't great. Zero issue with my 2020 though but 6-10k for an engine is not an option. If I were in the lifetime club then letting roll is the best option! lol
As it's the same crappy engine as the previous years, when you presented this fact to Kia, what response did you receive?
As it's the same crappy engine as the previous years, when you presented this fact to Kia, what response did you receive?
I just received emails back on my 2 different requests. Appears I missed a call from Kia Customer care so I will call them with my case #. A claims administrator replied and gave me a new # to call for anything after Dec 1, 2021 so will do that as well early this week. Don't expect much but I'll go down that hole. Was hoping @Deva992 may have replied prior to with specifics on his 2020 and the others that had the same issue for reference but he may not be active. Mentioned recall on some engines but no detail. I'll mention that to Kia as well to see what input they have for sure. If it exist they have to know about it!
Tired of having no definitive answers and just going back and forth to no avail, so I tried calling Hyundai this morning as they were opened on Saturday, at least on the site, but as usual that was also wrong, closed.
Naturally Kia is opened on Monday, so I'll call them and see what words of wisdom they have to say.
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Well, here's the answer according to Kia, any year/model not listed in the Settlement is not covered. When they were challenged that the 2020's have the same engine as previous years, it was repeated, the 2020 is not covered as that year is not listed in the Settlement.

Thought I'd check with Hyundai as the 2020 Santa Fe has the same crappy engine, but got tired of waiting listening to the repulsive music.

Bottom line, if it's out of the factory warranty, looks like you had better start a law suit on the 2020 or as you mentioned previously, dump the car or look for an aftermarket warranty that will probably cost an arm and leg.

Kia sure knows how to treat people that purchase their crap.
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Well, here's the answer according to Kia, any year/model not listed in the Settlement is not covered. When they were challenged that the 2020's have the same engine as previous years, it was repeated, the 2020 is not covered as that year is not listed in the Settlement.

Thought I'd check with Hyundai as the 2020 Santa Fe has the same crappy engine, but got tired of waiting listening to the repulsive music.

Bottom line, if it's out of the factory warranty, looks like you had better start a law suit on the 2020 or as you mentioned previously, dump the car or look for an aftermarket warranty that will probably cost an arm and leg.

Kia sure knows how to treat people that purchase their crap.

Thanks for that!! Saved me a couple calls this afternoon. That was the #1 response I expected to hear. Didn't think they would volunteer to take on more with all the $$$ there already spending plus they are not treating existing warranty customers too well. Was hoping they would indicate they felt there is a fix or progress on these issues but seems to be the same ole crappy engine as you say. Car's great now but 6.5k from 60k which leads to the final 2 choices you mentioned above.
Dealing with this problem now 2020 Kia Optima, engine failed with 90k miles. Not covered by warranty not covered in recall. Now we’re in limbo on what to do next.
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