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, May 16, 2022
The paint on my car is just falling off. I cant even wash my car because its peeling off so easily.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 1, 2022
The paint is defective/chipping. Now, rusting has occurred.
Structure, Apr 30, 2022
Pearl white paint has been rapidly chipping. Dealership has refused to do anything.
Structure, Feb 25, 2022
Pearl White paint peeling around windshield, paint bubbling and lifting on roof and trunk lid.
Structure, Feb 25, 2022
Snow White paint is chipping and peeling on random parts of the car
Structure, Jan 12, 2022
Paint started peeling on both sides of front windshield and has gotten worse over the years
Structure, Oct 6, 2021
My car has 80,000 miles and the paint chipping on the bumper, hood, and roof is starting to cause rust on the car body.
Structure, Sep 2, 2021
I noticed a small spot of paint chipping one day. Then I was washing my car and noticed a lot of spots chipping. As I started watching them they kept chipping all over from my hood which is the worst to side of doors sides and roof around front window and front and back bumper. I looked online to research it and if anyone had this problem and it seems to be just the white kia that has this problem. I have contacted kia mutable times. I sent pictures of my car and 3 estimates. All I keep doing is getting the run around about what there going to do. It is now getting worse and starting to rust real bad.
Structure, Jul 18, 2021
I noticed that the pain on the hood had a chip in it. About two months or so later there were a few spots where the paint has bubbled and peeled off. Later I noticed the the paint was doing the same along both sides of the windshield and above both doors. The spots are continuing to bubble and peel.
Structure, Engine, Jun 21, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle shut off and rolled in a parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the dashboard and vents melted and the air conditioner became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was informed there were metal shavings in the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Structure, Apr 9, 2021
PAINT HAS BEGUN BUBBLING AND PEELING IN SEVERAL AREAS. BODY SHOPS HAVE SAID IT IS DELAMINATION.
Structure, Apr 29, 2020
THE ANTENNA FIN SCREWS SHEERED OFF AND PLASTIC SCREW HOLDER BROKE INTO PIECES CAUSING THE FIN TO COME LOOSE AND FALL OFF, EXPOSING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INTERFERENCE WITH THE FIN, I OBSERVED THE FIN SLIGHTLY LIFTED ON THE FRONT END AND IT PULLED RIGHT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARKED POSITION AFTER JUST DRIVING IT 5 MINUTES. THERE IS NO EASY WAY OF FIXING THIS ISSUE, RAIN DAMAGE MAY OCCUR CAUSING ISSUES WITH RADIO AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO THEIR KIA OPTIMA ANTENNA FINS.
Structure, Oct 15, 2019
2014 KIA OPTIMA SHARK FIN RADIO ANTENNA COVER BROKE OFF AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY. ALL FIVE SCREW HOLDERS CRACKED INSIDE THE HOUSING, OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY DESIGN. THE 2016 KIA OPTIMA SHARK FIN RADIO ANTENNA WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS STORED IN A GARAGE EACH NIGHT AND HAS NEVER SUSTAINED ANY DAMAGED TO THE ROOF AREA. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY KIA OPTIMAS, GOD FORBID MY ANTENNA FLEW OFF AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE I EXITED.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2019
NOTICED THE SHARK FIN MISSING. AFTER CLOSER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT IT SNAPPED OFF TO REPLACE THE HEADLINER MUST BE REMOVED I ORDER A NEW ONE AND I AM UNABLE TO REPLACE IT. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP AND HOPEFULLY THE WILL IT WHEN CHECKING ON MY STEERING ISSUE.
Structure, Jun 3, 2019
SHARK FIN ANTENNA SNAPS OFF, ONLY 4TINY SCREWS HOLD IT ON
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2019
'KIA PEARL WHITE PAINT RECALL' I HAVE HAD MY KIA OPTIMA FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. I AM FROM THE SOUTH AND I DROVE IT UP NORTH A FEW WEEKS AGO AND ICE AND SNOW GOT ON MY CAR AND MY PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING. IT'S $2,000 TO GET THE HOOD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE PANNEL FIXED AND ALL KIA TOLD ME IS THEIR PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. I DID NOT EVEN OWN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE WAY THEY PAINTED THE CAR. NO 2014 CAR SHOULD BE LOSING PAINT FROM DRIVING UP NORTH FOR A FEW DAYS. I ALSO CALLED KIA AND THEY STARTED A 'CASE' THEY TOLD ME TO SUBMIT A QUITE. I SUBMITTED THE NEXT DAY AND A FEW DAYS LATER THEY SAID THEY DECLINED MY REQUEST AND THEIR REASON WAS BECAUSE THE PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. ALL PEARL WHITE PAINT CARS NEED TO GET THEIR CARS COMPLETELY REPLANTED. IF THIS IS NOT A COMMON CASE PLEASE GOOGLE THE PAINT ISSUES ON THIS CAR. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE BUYING THE CAR. (3 PHOTOS ATTACHED)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2019
SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WITHIN THE CABIN, GLASS SHARDS THEN BROKE AWAY FALLING INSIDE VEHICLE AND OUTWARD ON INTERSTATE.
Structure, Feb 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ALHAMBRA (1247 W MAIN ST, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801, (626) 478-1012) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM A LOOSE LICENSE PLATE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Structure, Nov 8, 2018
MY ANTENNA SHARK COVER CAME OFF DURING WASHING IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SHARK COVER. THE OWNER OF THE CAR WASH TOLD ME THIS AND SO DID THE COLLISION CENTER AT THE REPAIR PLACE. IT IS GOING TO COST ALMOST 400.00 TO REPAIR THIS AND I THINK KIA SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THESE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SCREWS HOLDING THE SHARK ON IS BREAKING OFF. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS.I SAW 2 OTHERS WHILE I WAS AT THE REPAIR PLACE.I DO HAVE A REPORT FROM THE CAR WASH AND THE OTHER SAYS THE VIDEO SHOWS THAT HER EMPLOYEES DID NOT TOUCH OR HIT THE SHARK.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2018, fire
I WAS HEADING NORTH BOUND, CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 55 WHEN MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA THERA II MOTOR STARTED MAKING A GRINDING SOUNDS, LOST COMPLETE POWER AND STALLED OUT. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON ANYMORE, A TEXAS STATE TROOPER AND SMALL TOWN COP HELPED ME PUSHED THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE BAY. LUCKILY NO ONE GOT HURT BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE AND I HAVE A FEELING KIA IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE RUNAROUND. THE THETA II DOES HAVE AN OPEN RECALL. THE MOTOR WAS CHECKED TWICE AND PASSED BOTH TIMES.
Structure, Mar 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SHARK FIN FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ABILENE (4702 SOUTHWEST DR, ABILENE, TX 79606) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
Structure, Sep 28, 2017
THE ANTENNAE FALLS OF, IT SNAPPED. IT IS ONLY PLASTIC AND IT LEAVES COMPONENTS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ROOF. ALSO IF IT SNAPS OF WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TO THE CAR BEHIND YOU. THERE ARE MANY OF THESE OUT THERE THAT HAVE COME OFF. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO, THEY ARE ASKING ABSORBENT PRICES TO REPAIR .IT HAPPENED WILL PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT.
Visibility, Structure, Feb 20, 2014
DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 IN VIRGINIA, I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION LIKE A GUNSHOT. MOMENTS LATER, I HEARD THE SOUND OF AIR RUSHING PAST FROM ABOVE MY HEAD AND DEBRIS VIBRATING ON THE INTERIOR SUNROOF SCREEN. I LATER FOUND THAT IT WAS BROKEN GLASS CRACKLING AND FALLING AGAINST THE INTERIOR SUNROOF SCREEN. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK THE ROOF FOR DAMAGE. WHAT I FOUND WAS A GAPING HOLE (8-12 INCHES IN DIAMETER) IN THE GLASS OF THE FRONT SUNROOF. I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASS OR WORK TRUCKS, NOR DID I EVER OBSERVE ANYTHING STRIKING THE CAR AT ANY TIME- NOT DURING THIS INCIDENT OR EVER BEFORE. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT THERE HAD BEEN AN EXPLOSION OR GUNSHOT SOMEWHERE NEARBY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. THE EXPLODING SOUND ALONE MIGHT CAUSE A PERSON TO GO OFF THE ROAD OR OTHERWISE SWERVE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR