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2020 Kia Optima Airbags Problems

6 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

6
Complaints
4
Crashes
Feb 2026Dec 2020
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (6)

criticalAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Feb 2026

After hitting ice and water at a stop sign, your car went into a ditch and hit small trees. During this crash, the stability control system didn't work, your driver's seatbelt stayed loose instead of tightening, and the airbags didn't deploy. This is a serious safety issue since multiple protective systems failed when they should have activated.

NHTSA #: 11715952
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension (Illumination of Air Bag Warning Light); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The seat belt alarm chimed while the front driver seat belt was buckled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,860.

NHTSA #: 11622702
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Apr 2022

The contact owned a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a guardrail, causing her to hit her head on the steering wheel and lose consciousness. The vehicle came to a complete stop in a ditch. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact later received medical attention at the hospital for a concussion and was later diagnosed with early signs of onset dementia. A police report was filed and the contact was taken to jail under the assumption that she was intoxicated at the time of the collision. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but the contact was not aware if it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the air bags should not have been deployed. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA #: 11460018
mediumAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2021

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO USE THE BRAKE PEDAL IF THE SHOE SIZE IS US10+. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND THE KNEE AIRBAG MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE USE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.

NHTSA #: 11414072
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Dec 2020

MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN A FORD 150 PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. FORWARD COLLISION WORKED & SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO 35MPH. I HIT THE TRUCK DOING SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHAT SO EVER.

NHTSA #: 11378067
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Nov 2020

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT

NHTSA #: 11374574

Other 2020 Kia Optima Issues