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: steering
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 28, 2026
Steering effort loss. Can’t drive vehicle as steering wheel is hard to move. EPS and Traction light came on. Could cause accident as I was driving and with no warning could not make turns unless using excessive force.
Steering, Jul 13, 2026
Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the noise and clunk feel when driving over bumps and turns. There has been a campaign/recall for other makes and models. But this car hasn’t been included.
Steering, May 4, 2026
Steering violently shakes at 65 mph. Steering wheel makes a clunking noise when moving side to side.
Steering, Mar 16, 2026
Rattle in the steering column when turning and over bumps.
Steering, Jan 28, 2026
The vehicle is currently experiencing failure consistent with a U.S safety call {Technical Service Bulletin) related to the steering column. A diagnostic scan has confirmed error code C1259 (angle sensor signal error) that match those referenced in the recall documentation. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized Kia dealership in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where we were informed that no recall appears in their system and that the recall “only applies to the mainland United States”. This response is concerning, as Puerto Rico is a US territory, and this defect directly impacts driver safety and vehicle control. Given that this involves steering system failure, I consider this a critical safety concern.
Steering, Jan 15, 2026
I am getting a clunking in the steering column.. I feel that my vehicle may be unsafe to drive.. Upon inspection it was brought to my attention that kia had known of a problem with a coupler in the steering that goes bad..they have extended the warranty.. But only for cars purchased in certain states. I feel that this problem should be covered...
Steering, Nov 6, 2025
Steering column damage, it started with the horn not working and not allowing me to use the bottoms on the wheel I thought it was an electric thing ,but then I notice a noise when I was driving over 60 mph then when I was braking or turning
Steering, Oct 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel was loose while turning. Additionally, the contact stated that on approximately three occasions while in reverse(R), the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the EPS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and could not be moved, due to the failure with the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,800.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 19, 2025
While driving Kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel to turn. Code C12 60 returns for power steering sensor malfunction.
Steering, Jul 22, 2025
The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wears out prematurely. This is a known problem for KIA Optimas and results in very expensive repairs for a very cheap part.
Steering, Suspension, May 20, 2025
Pep boys told me in Panama City that this is a recall for Kia and it's a safety issue and my steering is loose I'm taking it to Kia on May 28th to get them to fix it
Steering, Mar 13, 2025
Steering is clicking when turned from side to side. Also steering wheel shakes when coming to a stop or going over bumps. Checked with several people, including a service manager at Roseville Kia. The MDPS Flexible coupler needs replacing. They confirm its an ongoing problem. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS 1604). I spoke with Kia customer service and they refused to repair under warranty.
Steering, Jan 2, 2025
1. On [XXX] the steering wheel stuck 2 minutes after me and my wife exited the highway and tried to park on a mall’s parking. 2. On 13 November 2024 I brought car to Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington dealership to fix (93 Cambridge St, MA-3A, Burlington, MA 01803. Phone: (781) 202-3456) . 3. On 27 November 2024 got Kia back from the dealership. Drove it back home on a highway, and a few minutes later after exiting the highway the steering wheel stuck again. 4. On 29 November 2024 the car was towed back to the Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington dealership. 5.On 14 December 2024 got Kia back from the dealership.
Steering, Oct 18, 2024
There is a recall on steering shaft.
Steering, Sep 5, 2024
There is a serious malfunction with the motor driven power steering. Needs replacement as I am not able to steer my car thus I am not able to drive it.
Steering, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel felt abnormal and made an abnormal clunking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2024
driving down the road went over a speed bump and all the sudden the steering wheel started making a clanking noise it seem to steer fine but the steering column makes some kind of noise. i was told they have a recall on this item a bushing or something like that
Steering, Jul 10, 2024
Kia 2014 Optima LX-There are noises in the steering column when turning the wheel or going over bumps. It sounds like metal rubbing together. Took it to a mechanic and it was determined there was a coupler problem and it was recalled. The mechanic said we should take it to Kia to be fixed. I am anticipating having trouble getting them to fix it because my car year and model does not fit the total criteria. I am in New Jersey and live on the coast near long beach island. It is humid here even though NJ is not listed. [XXX] Kia recalled some 2011–2014 Optima vehicles to replace the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS). The recall was for vehicles produced between August 12, 2010 and December 18, 2013 that were sold or registered in areas with high humidity and warm ocean waters. The flexible coupling can wear out over time, causing noise when turning the steering wheel, especially when the car is stopped. Kia dealers replaced the coupling at no cost to customers. Please let me know how I should proceed. I will be visiting my local Kia to see if they will accomodate us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Air bags, Jan 26, 2024
Clock spring broke causing airbag light to turn on. Clicking when turning steering wheel. Airbag will not deploy due to this issue. $800 cost of repairs
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2023
While driving my car an Alan went off telling me to pull over and turn off the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had no steering, brakes or acceleration and me and my two little boys were almost hit. I checked and my car year, make and model had a recall for the exact issue and module but mine wasn’t listed in the recall and I think it should be!
Steering, Sep 6, 2023
Steering seems to binding while turning the wheel in either direction.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 5, 2023
This will be my Second Review about this dealer's service department. I'm not reviewing the service technicians but I'm reviewing the customer service, porters and advisors. I had my vehicle towed there on the 23rd of August after waiting a full month for my appointment. I have called to check on any updates to see have my 2014 Kia has been looked at. 1st time they didn't even know my vehicle was there even after confirming with a service representative. 2nd time I was told when my vehicle was assigned to an advisor someone would contact me. Today I called and spoke with [XXX] and he put me on hold to speak with an advisor. After 15min Of silence. I thought maybe I was forgotten about by mistake. I called back and [XXX] who stated this was him name when I called back was very RUDE. He stated I put you on hold to someone who would speak to you and hung up on me. This is when I called back to speak directly to a supervisor in the service department. I been on hold over 16min as I write this review. No hold music just silence. My 1st encounter here for a recall I was told to pull in lane and leave keys in car. I waited as porters took other vehicles and mine sat blocking lanes. To my amazement I listened to them saying what assholes people where for leaving their cars, when an advisor took the keys. This is an great establishment with a lot of History to have its name tarnished by bad apples. 22min on hold and one has cared to even speak to me. Please pay attention to hold times at to of screen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The steering column shakes violently between 60 MPH and 75 MPH. I have taken it to two different mechanics and they both said the same issue is the cause. There is a joint down in the steering column that has a rubber piece in the middle of it for securing the joint to keep it from shaking. That piece wears out and then it's metal on metal; hence the shaking. It always makes a loud clanking noise when I hit any bump, pothole, etc.
Steering, Feb 13, 2023
It feels slipping, clunking and metal hitting metal while turning steering wheel either right or left 1 inch or 2 inches either way. Feels like its going break. I uploaded the issue that I'm pretty sure it is, I called kia and they didn't extend the warrant on my specific kia optima 2014 even though it was affect and in their letter it said 2014 kia optima have that defect of coupler . I will also upload the letter but mines doesn't qualify and they're not able to tell my why
Steering, Dec 29, 2022
Steering column making rubbing noise when turning. It felt like a notch was rubbing against something. The car was no reason for this part to deteriorate the way it did. It just all of a sudden started this notch rubbing feeling in steering. I took car to Calavan KIA in Lithia Springs, GA to have it examined. They said the MDPS flexible coupling needed to be replaced. There are other KIA's that had this same issue, but repair was covered in recall. My repair was not covered even though it has less than 110,000 miles and is less than 10 years old.