# 2020 KIA OPTIMA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
> NHTSA complaint `2254939` · 2026-10-08 · Kia America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** KIA
- **Model:** OPTIMA
- **Year:** 2020
- **Manufacturer:** Kia America, Inc.
- **Component:** ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
## Narrative
On August 20, 2026, while my minor son and I were inside my 2020 Kia Optima LX, strong burning odors and fumes entered the passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before or during the incident. Although no visible flames were observed, I suspected an electrical component was overheating or melting, creating a potential fire and respiratory hazard.  My son has asthma and experienced coughing and shortness of breath throughout that day, requiring use of his prescribed rescue inhaler. Neither of us received immediate medical treatment.  Due to safety concerns, I had the vehicle towed to R&E Auto Repair on August 21, 2026, rather than risk driving it. The independent repair facility documented suspected melting of the HVAC temperature control unit and identified the blower motor resistor as a possible contributing component. Video evidence of the suspected damage was obtained.  I formally reported the incident to Kia Customer Care on September 1, 2026. The vehicle was delivered to authorized dealer DeMontrond Kia on September 23, 2026, for further inspection. Despite the independent findings, Kia's dealership reported that it could not identify melted components. The suspected defect remains unresolved.  The vehicle remains at DeMontrond Kia and may be available for inspection. I have not been advised whether any affected components have been removed or replaced. No police or insurance inspection has been reported.  I am conc
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*