2014 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 586 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 20 involved a crash and 42 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 17, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Campaign 22V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 21, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
Campaign 20V100000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
296 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 11, 2023
Today, 7/11/23, I was traveling on the interstate with no issue. Upon exiting the interstate up a slight hill, there was one car in front of me, I let off the gas and began to roll backwards I hit the brake and didn't think anything of it at first. The car in front of me pulled forward and I took my foot off of the brake and began to roll backwards again, I hit the gas and nothing happened, during this I also heard what sounded like a clunk noise. At this point I put my flashers on and looked at the dashboard, I saw three lights that have never appeared before. (Oil light, battery light, and check engine light) I placed the car in park and sat for a moment. The car was still on but not running, I pressed my start button and the car turned over the lights went off and I drove about 3 miles down the road to a lot. Once the car cooled I checked the oil and the level was fine no smoke nothing strange. I went to pull out and drive again and the same exact thi g happened again. However, a few hours later my fiance drove it home and had no issue. If my car had rolled back I could have hit someone or been hit. It's something unknown and is dangerous. This all just happened today and it has not been taken anywhere yet.
Engine, Jun 25, 2023
Rod knock on the engine
Engine, Jun 19, 2023
Vehicle has been burning oil consistently since 100,000 miles and Kia dealership denied coverage. Now I have a knock sensor code and the Dennis eakin dealership in Killeen is claiming it’s a bad rod bearing and denying their 200k mile warranty coverage due to me not being able to provide 10 years worth of receipts even though this was a known issue.
Engine, May 10, 2023
The car was last inspected/service on 11/23/22. There were no warning lights, no noises, no odors, no indication that anything was going bad or anything. Drove car over 600 miles to visit family. Upon leaving to return home, the car stalled after about 100 miles. We pulled over and restarted the car. Now it began making a noise and the engine came on then started blinking. This was around 5am on the side of the highway in pitch black with two young women traveling alone in very isolated/low population area. Long story short-the engine failed and had to be replaced (had the car towed to the nearest dealer in Rolla, MO). The engine was replaced by Kia and covered completely by Kia. This was at 78,000 miles. This is the 3rd engine for this one car. First replacement occurred just under 10,000 miles.
Engine, May 4, 2023
My car was unable to accelerate and ultimately had a broken rod, which required total replacement of the engine. Since I am the second owner and the original owner or dealer did not request the warranty extension in 2017, KIA refuses to reimburse any amount towards the repairs.
Service brakes, Engine, Apr 30, 2023
I was driving the Kia Optima 2014 down the highway. Without any warning or indication that something was wrong my tires locked up, causing the car to chirp twice and then the engine just died. I had to pay 250$ for a tow company to pick up the car and bring it home. The whole situation was very dangerous. Now I am having trouble with the Kia owner website. It will not even let me report the issue or schedule a maintenance appointment with any Kia Dealer to determine if this is due to a recall issue, or anything.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Since August of 2021 Ive experienced engine oil burning that results in me having to add oil every 10 days after a Valve Cover Gasket replacement 8/11/21 . Ive gone into Lokey Kia in Clearwater FL numerous of times for this issue, and numerous recalls. There is no visible leak, but that had me pay for the Valve Cover Gasket replacement 8/11/21 - Lokey Kia told me again today 4/24/23 that I needed the same repair done again. Over the phone the Lokey Kia service rep. told me he could not find my previous repair in the system and that I should NOT have to fix this repair this soon, but when I came in with a receipt, they stated "oh, things wear our=t faster than we think". Ive taking my car across the street to Fitzgerald Hydauni, tried to explain to them. Paid for vehicle check, completed oil change, found no visible leak, but within a week I had to go back because my car was literally almost out of oil. I called Kia claims today claim# 14751760, on hold for 2 hours and they say I have to spend several hundred dollars 3 times for a oil consumption tests before I can qualify for engine replacement because the recall for this DEFECT is not attached to my VIN, but is a KNOWN issue for the 2016. Ive sat in the waiting area and other consumers have gotten engine replaced, but for me Im brushed to the side. AAA states they've so many Kia's like mine breakdown due to this issue.
Engine, Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption with the check engine warning light constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the engine and catalytic converter were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,111.
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
My 2014 Kia Optima engine started seizing on 03/25/2023. I called to the Kia dealership and explained to them what my car was doing was told they could not get to my car until Monday 04/03/2023. I had my insurance tow my car to Kia on Monday 04/03/2023. The service guy called me and said he couldn't start the car due to the engine being locked to update the KSDS system, and with that being said Kia would not cover the engine. I told him I never received that KSDS recall because, I was not the previous owner who had this car. He gave me an estimate for $5422.17. He said to reach out to Kia Headquarters and talk with them to see if they would approve for the engine to be replaced. I call Kia Headquarters and spoke with a lady and explained to her what my car was doing. She then stated that she would look over the claim and she put me on hold. She then came back to the phone and said unfortunately my engine would not be covered because the previous owner they sent the letter to about recalls never responded to the recall in reference to KSDS, I was not the previous owner. She also stated they only send the recall letter out once. She also stated when you buy a used car you buy all the issues that come with it. So that was her way of saying Kia still not replacing the engine. I purchased my car on 02/01/2021 from a used car dealership. I did not know anything about a recall on the KSDS. I'm trying to understand how I can be held accountable for something the previous owner did not do. Kia needs to be held responsible for these defective engines. Thank God my son and I were not out on the highway when the engine start seizing. How can Kia get away with this is beyond me? Something needs to be done about this ASAP before somebody gets killed in one of these Kia Optimas while driving and the engine locks up. Please investigate this!!
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH, after having stopped at a traffic signal, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights flashing. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after having a passerby jump start her vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam shaft had failed, and the vehicle was low on oil. The contact stated that the mechanic added oil and started the vehicle for a test drive. The contact stated that the engine seized while on the test drive. The independent mechanic researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park at a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle first to her residence and the following day to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2023
Last Friday(01/20/2023), I was driving my car suddenly out of nowhere my car slowed down and wouldn’t start. It has just been 20days since I last serviced. Engine light was on and the other two lights where on as well. I towed it to Kia dealership and after diagnosing they said there has been a lot of fuel leak and issue with the starter so the car wouldn’t turn on. I’m not sure if this isn’t a recall, because my car was completely fine before this incident. The dealer quoted me around $560 for the fuel tube and $890 for the starter.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption after the engine replacement. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,805.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely and smoke started coming from the vehicle with a smell of burning oil coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was being towed, the contact saw that oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the stated that the oil drain plug was missing. The vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had open recalls and the recalls could not be repaired because the oil drain plug needed to be replaced first. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the dealer reported the issue. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2022
driving down the highway, there was no previous warning, all the warning lights on the dashboard came on simultaneously. The car began jerking and was difficult to steer. The car began to shut down in the middle of the road before I had a chance to get off the highway. I managed to get it off the road and into a parking lot. I was unable to bring it to a complete stop even after putting it in park. It rolled up to a fence, and that is what eventually stopped the vehicle from moving. It stalled out on itself, and shut down. At that time, underneath the hood began to smoke, and smelled like something was burning. It continued for about 5 minutes. it was towed to the Kia dealership and has been there for over 10 business days. They completed the diagnostic testing, and decided it was the engine, but they're waiting for corporate to make a decision about repairing at their cost, or placing the responsibility on me. They've been trying to make a decision, and in the meantime, I am out of a car. They did not provide me with a rental car as they make a decision, so i ended up having to pay for a rental car out of my own pocket. My insurance will not pay for a rental car until we hear back from corporate about their decision. This happened one other time in 2017.
Engine, Nov 9, 2022
While driving on the highway, the check engine light came on and started flashing. The vehicle simultaneously seems to lose power. We pulled over immediately and looked flashing engine light up in the owner's manual and saw it meant emergency and not to drive the car any further. Today, we are paying to tow the vehicle. After searching google, this seems to be a common issue in similar years of Optima's, yet it seems Kia is not addressing this. See blog at: https://cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t57983_ds1051588
Engine, Nov 9, 2022
Engine seized not even 10mins after driving it. Car now needs a new engine. I'm on disability and can't afford it and I need to go to my doctors appointments.
Engine, Oct 20, 2022
Engine speed slowed. Engine knock noticed. Engine wouldn't remain running.Took it to mechanic. Checked NHTSA website for reals and TSBs. None found. He retrieved DTC P0014 Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). He recommended replacing the Timing Chain, Tensioners, Guides AND the Camshaft Phasers. During this process, he discovered that the crank turned only with great difficulty.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
While driving at highway speeds approximately (70mph), engine began knocking. Knocking sound got louder when accelerating. Suspecting a rod bearing failure, I pulled over and had the car towed to Greenway Kia in Antioch,TN. I am right waiting for them to analyze the engine. The car did not have an illuminated engine light. This engine was not recalled for a knock sensor to be installed.
Engine, Sep 28, 2022
Engine is making like a rattling noise and I am going through an excessive amount of oil in between oil changes that are done regularly ask about any oil leaks and was told I do not have any oil leaks that my car is just burning that much oil at my last oil change service
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2022
Engine light on car will not accelerate past 60 mph
Engine, Sep 15, 2022
My engine locked up while I was driving. I turned onto my street, luckily close to my home and the car stopped accelerating. I pulled over and turned the car off and it would not turn back on. My car is now undriveable, and it only has 105,000 miles on it. This could have put my safety at risk, imagine if I were going 50mph rather than 10-15mph. I had a mechanic take a look at it and he could not get the crank shaft to turn. Through his assessment, he said I will need a replaced or repaired engine. He offered me get another opinion, but he was pretty certain on the issue. Prior to this, the check engine light came on for less than a day back in June. I contacted my dealership and since it went off, nothing progressed.
Engine, Sep 6, 2022, fire
Almost wrecked when the engine bearings seized prematurely in there expected life span. I would like to submit for my car to be fixed. Please help me with this process. Thank you.
Engine, Aug 24, 2022
Engine knocking bottom end.yes it’s available for inspection.Engine could have locked up on freeway and caused an accident.Machanic checked out an said rod bearing failure.Yes vehicle has been inspected.No warning lights or symptoms just got off the interstate and vehicle was doing fine then all of a sudden motor started knocking with no warning. Towed vehicle a hour and a half back home.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
I was driving down the interstate for my work commute apx 70 mph when HEV warning light engaged and vehicle went into limp mode. Had vehicle towed to dealership after running several tests determined the engine was knocking and needed replaced. After 2 months reman engine placed in vehicle. Vehicle function apx 6 months when the exact same problem occured on the highway traveling apx 60 mph. Vehicle is still in dealership. Thankfully, both times I was able to coast to the shoulder and avoid a collision. There is something wrong with these vehicles that need to be fixed.