MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In

Recall and complaint safety record from NHTSA. This configuration has not been crash-tested.

0Recalls
136Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA OPTIMA PLUG-IN

The Kia Optima Plug-In is a midsize plug-in hybrid sedan aimed at commuters and eco-conscious family buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient car without fully committing to a battery-electric vehicle. Slotting into the competitive midsize sedan segment, it blends a conventional trunk-back silhouette with an electrified powertrain, appealing to shoppers who prioritize efficiency alongside everyday usability.

VERDICT

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 0 recalls and 136 owner complaints on file, giving it a light recall and complaint burden.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally find the Optima Plug-In to be a comfortable, reasonably refined midsize sedan with a smooth ride and an accessible cabin layout. They tend to appreciate the practicality of its plug-in hybrid setup for daily commuting, though some note that interior materials feel closer to mainstream than premium, and driving dynamics are considered adequate rather than engaging.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

136 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

6reported crash
2reported fire
4reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 91Power Train 25Unknown Or Other 15Electrical System 12Fuel/Propulsion System 9Engine And Engine Cooling 8

Other Optima Plug-In years

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings, recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Optima Plug-In 2020. Methodology · Disclosure