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: structure
48 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2025
My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.
Electrical system, Structure, Service brakes, Oct 6, 2025
[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Aug 21, 2025
Paint is peeling off in big chunks down to the metal. On the hood, trunk, and over the doors.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2025
The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? This is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.
Structure, Jun 23, 2025
My vehicles paint is chipping off. It’s chipping off on the hood the top of the car and on the trunk some spots have rusted over. As I was looking into a possible repaint, I’ve heard that there has been an issue with this type of color is associated with my vehicle on other Kia Optimus, as well as some Hyundai vehicles. There were no warning lamps associated with this issue. No component or system has failed that related to the vehicle. The safety confirm would be that the rush gets deeper into the vehicle and causes other parts of the vehicle to rush to and messes up with the vehicles operating systems that could cause greater issues in the future with the operation of my vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Kia dealership, as well as inspected by other paint and body shops.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2025
The Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint on the exterior body of the car is peeling-off in various places. The paint often peels completely off the hood in large sheets while in motion, and flies up and sticks to the windshield obstructing the driver's view while moving.
Structure, Jan 5, 2025
Driving down the road several large pieces of pain flaked off on the driver side door. This is a 2014 Kia Optima with 61,000 miles on it. None of the other questions apply. I am filing this because I see on other forums that both KIA and Hyundai cars with the Snow White Pearl paint have this problem, so it seems to be a failure by the manufacturer.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2024, crash
My car overturned/flipped over after i hit a very small bump in the road located on [XXX] in Utica Ny doing about 15 mph in a trailer park where I worked I have printed out all of my recalls on my 2014 Kia Optima GDI there was some brake fluid on the ground around the area where my car landed in a ditch however the Sheriff that came to the scene of the accident and the female state troopers failed to even check or smell the fluid after I informed both the officers and the Deerfield Fire Department the only ones willing to give me any advice on how to handle this matter even though I could had lost my life then to show up to court for the tickets I got for literally driving 15 mph in a trailer park and my car flips over into a ditch and not be able to make a statement in court due to the paperwork not being in to the courthouses computer system in [XXX] at 6:00 to show the judge all my recalls as well as plead not guilty to them I find unprofessional and as for the damage sustained to my vehicle I need to find an independent property adjuster to do a investigation however it is set to go to the Kia Dealership located at 5056 commercial Dr., Yorkville, NY, for the recalls on December 30, 2024 however due to the damage done in the roller I am unsure on what to do please help I paid for this car in full as a private sell and it had no issues with it at all no lights on the dashboard or anything was driving good at time of accident on [XXX] at [XXX] until I literally hit that bump in the road of the trailer park should anyone from your agency need to contact me to view the damage and pictures please contact me at [XXX] for I could not upload all documents and photos thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jun 11, 2024
White paint is peeling all over the car, in spots as large as 6 inches by 4 inches.
Structure, May 8, 2024
Pearl white paint is chipping and falling off all over the car. The paint isn't sticking to the factory primer, causing paint chips to fly off while driving. This issue also exposes the unprotected steel to the elements, causing rust and weakening the car body.
Structure, Apr 28, 2024
My paint is delaminating all over my vehicle and is flying off in large sheets. My car now has metal exposed which is susceptible to rust which poses a risk to the structure of my vehicle and the potential of my windshield flying off as a result. This first started occurring less than 2 years after purchasing my vehicle in 2019. KIA fails to recognize this manufacturer defect and it continues to delaminate at an alarming rate.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2024
Pearl white paint has been chippong through the years. I have had paint retouched in certain places. I continuously complained and demanded it get fixed. Eventually they would repaint. But when it gets painted over a new part of the car starts chipping away. It’s nonsense. I bought this car new and my parents have cars older than me that have no problems with the paint. My car started chipping with it warranty we paid for but they always found loopholes. Fast forward more years and my car is an embarrassment to drive around
Structure, Jan 8, 2024
Pearl White Paint is peeling off the car in multiple locations. Several areas are beginning to rust and damage the body The problem is well known online through multiple Kia/Sorrento Owners. We've taken the vehicle to several car painting companies who confirmed the defect. The problem began about 2020.
Structure, Nov 27, 2023
Paint (Pearl White) has been peeling and delaminating for a number of years. Tried working w/Kia directly. Their Customer Care center told us they have a memo stating the known issue with the pearl white paint and told us to send in pictures, get it repaired and send in the bill. We didn't want to do this directly so received an estimate from the body shop. Kia then recanted and said we weren't under warranty. We've seen many other complaints across Kia and Hyundai cars related to this pearl white paint. We just want them to cover repainting. The body shop has 50 photos to include the actual paint thinness measured with digital measurement device.
Structure, Nov 18, 2023
paintKIA Kia optima lx SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION! it started about a few months ago in oct 2023 and now its starting to peel in different places please help this is not fair!
Structure, Oct 10, 2023
I have snow white pearl color car. I noticed that the there is painting peeling off my car. I also had my windshield replaced by safelite and they took a chunk of paint off my car as well and are refusing to pay for damage.
Structure, Jul 11, 2023
The pain is delaminating (peeling) throughout the vehicle. The pain color is white pearl, it starts bubbling up then peeling off in large areas.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2023
Paint is peeling off in substantial amounts. The door pillars/roof rails are almost completely bare metal. There is a large paint bubble on the trunk that will come off soon. The roof, hood, doors all have paint delaminating and coming off. Its all getting worse by the day. I've discovered that this is a common issue with Kias in my year range (2014), model (Optima) and color (white) particularly. The paint started to delaminate about maybe a year ago and I let my local Kia dealership know and they said there was nothing they could do. It got so bad I went to a body shop in my area about 4 months ago, JJ paint and body shop in Bakersfield, CA, and he told me it should be covered by Kia, so I went through Kias customer care program with them intaking my information, getting photos, quotes and service records, only for them to take 10 weeks to deny rectifying this paint issue citing that the paint was out of warranty (3 years 36, 000 miles). I appealed to the BBB Auto Line and they took several weeks as well to come to the same result citing the warranty. This widely known paint defect is Kias fault, I know Toyota has had paint issues of the same type and they warranty it for 10 years. I wash my cars regularly and keep them up to date on service. It is unfathomable to me that I should bear the financial responsibility to repaint my vehicle. There's more damage than I could show, being limited to only 10 pictures. I'm hoping that this organization can give me recourse.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 18, 2023
Vehicle paint is chipping / peeling off in large parts . Mainly roof and area surrounding windshield
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 18, 2023
I have a snow white pearl painted Kia optima that has peeling paint on the pillars by the windshield. It started out really small but now it’s almost down the entire pillar.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 10, 2023, fire
The contact's sister owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, it spontaneously caught fire. The ABS warning indicator light had previously been turned on and off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. A police report was filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, crashes, or air bag deployments. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Structure, Mar 30, 2023
Paint on vehicle on top of trunk has chipped off like a whole section out of no where.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2023
The paint is bubbling and peeling from the hood, pillars, and the roof. So. Enough that will start to settle in. Kia refuses to acknowledge it is a manufacturer defect.
Structure, Aug 26, 2022
The White paint is chipping on the hood and roof of the car.
Steering, Structure, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would jerk and shake. In addition, the steering wheel would vibrate whenever the contact would drive over rough roads. The vibration would omit a loud vibrating noise as well. The vehicle's driver seat would move out of position independently. The contact also mentioned that whenever they attempted to move the seat it failed to adjust accordingly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the steering column needed to be replaced along with other parts in connection to the steering. The contact stated that many bolts and screws had detached, as well, that needed to be replaced as well. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,170.