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
586 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Aug 23, 2020
THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL, WHILE DRIVING. THE HEADLIGHTS WORK IN DELAY MODE, THE PARK LIGHTS CAN BE TURNED ON AND OFF, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT WORK CONSISTENTLY. TURN SIGNALS WORK. THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK WHILE DRIVING. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE TO 3 MECHANIC SHOPS THEY ALL AGREE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY KIA.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2020
DRIVING 65MPH WARNING COMES ON 'HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF' SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN IT WOULDN'T START.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2020
WE WERE GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY HEADED HOME THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE AS WE WERE APPROACHING THE LIGHT ONE I'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT SO AS WE PULLED OFF FROM THE LIGHT GOT DOWN THE STREET THE CAR JUST LOCKED UP AND SHUT OFF LIKE THERE WAS A FLASH OF LIGHT OR SOMETHING COMING FROM THE HOOD AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO STOP SCARED ME AND MY KIDS SO AFTER I MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS OKAY I WAITED TIL WE STOPPED PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND TURNED MY KEY BACK OVER TO PULL OVER OUT THE STREET FULLY SO I CAN CHECK IT THERE IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR BRACKET BROKE WITHOUT A CLUE WHY NO PHYSICAL CONTACT OR ANYTHING WHATSOEVER ALTERNATOR IS NOT DAMAGED NEITHER WAS THE BELT ON IT BAD I KNOW THAT WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THAT'S ANOTHER THING NO ONE NOWHERE COULD GIVE ME AND ANSWER FOR IT SO IT'S LIKE IT OVERHEATED IT OFF AND BROKE THE ENGINE PIECE MY ONLY THEORY NOTHING ELSE IS DAMAGED AROUND IT OR ANYTHING SO THAT'S WEIRD FOR A PIECE TO JUST BREAK SO I DID RESEARCH ON THE KIA OPTIMA AND STUMBLED ACROSS THE OVERHEATION AND THE FUELING PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2020
THE TAIL LIGHT'S ON MY VEHICLE CONTINUE TO COLLECT CONDENSATION CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE FOR A REPAIR. ISSUE CONTINUES TO OCCUR, AND I'M AFRAID THAT THE LIGHTS WILL STOP WORKING CAUSING FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE HIT FROM THE REAR IF THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE WET AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
Electrical system, Seats, Engine, Aug 7, 2020
I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALER IN ORANGE COUNTY, AND THEY CHARGED ME EXTRA TO RESOLVE THE RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE'S AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE GAS INTAKE IS RIDICULOUS, AND THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER AS IT USED TO.
Engine, Jul 12, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD ON A NICE SUNNY DAY, AND WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND I LOSE POWER. MY CAR WON'T START AND I HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT MY CAR AND HE SAYS EVERYTHING CHECKS EXCEPT FOR THE ENGINE. HE SAYS THE ENGINE IS SEIZED. KIA HAS TECH SERVICE BULITEN TSB FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. I'M CURIOUS AS TO WHY MY VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN RECALLED YET. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2020
THE FIRST THING MY VEHICLE SAID WAS TO CHECK THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND IT WOULD NOT DRIVE OR REVERSE, BUT THE STEERING AND BRAKES NEVER STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE STREET MANUALLY. NOW MY CAR IS STARTING TO PUT IN PARK, SHUT OFF AND CHARGE THE BATTERY. I JUST REPLACED THE MAIN BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO SO I KNOW THAT CANNOT BE THE ISSUE. MY KIA MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND O CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION ONLINE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Engine, Jun 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. SHICKER FORD LOCATED AT (3300 S. KINGSHIGHWAY, ST. LOUIS, MO 63139, (314) 664-4100) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine, Jun 19, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED, HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHORTLY AFTER THE RESTART THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. HE THEN PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, OPENED THE HOOD, HEARD A SCREW FALL AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY TO A SALVAGE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOTALED DUE TO THE CONTACT SWITCHING INSURANCE COVERAGE TO ANOTHER USED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO ALERT THEM OF THE INCIDENT BUT THEY HAD NOT CALLED BACK SINCE THE ISSUE OCCURRED IN 05/31/17. THE UNKNOWN DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECENTLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V100000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Engine, Jun 16, 2020
MY ENGINE IS MAKING TICKING NOISES. I NEED A RECALL ON MY ENGINE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LITE KEEPS COMING ON WHEN DRIVING. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD MY IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE, WHY SHOULD I PAY HIM IF KIA HAS A RECALL. I CALLED MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST 70.00 JUST TO BRING IT IN. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 27, 2020
THIS HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING OR WHEN I COME TO A STOP. THE CAR APPEARS TO STALL AND THEN THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHTS IN MY CONSOLE AREA GO OUT AND THE LIGHT INDICATOR IN THE DASHBOARD GOES OUT AND THEREFORE YOU CANNOT SEE WHICH GEAR YOU IN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE KIA DEALER THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT IT APPEARED TO FIX ITSELF. IT APPEARED TO CLEAR UP BUT SINCE HAS STARTED BACK . *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2020, crash
2014 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH DUE TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE STRUCK 2 PARKED CARS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *JS
Visibility, May 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, GRAVEL FELL OFF OF A HEAVY TRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED OR INSPECTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,110.
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE RACED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UP AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 15, 2020
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOK. I SAY I AM PARK BAD SO I GOT BACK IN MY CAR TO PARK BETTER. I PUT THE KEY IN AND TRY TO TURN THE KEY BUT I COULDN'T TURN KEY MY WHEEL WAS LOCK WHEN I TRY TO PUSH MY BRAKE DOWN IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN. SUPPOSED I WAS ON THE ROAD WHEN THAT HAPPEN. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2020, fire
DRIVING ON CITY STREET CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. ENGINE SEIZED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V100000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BERWYN KIA (7050 OGDEN AVE, BERWYN, IL 60402) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Apr 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, AND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THICK BLACK SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN KIA DEALER, LOCATED IN BATON ROUGE, LA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 19, 2020
DRIVING DOWN IN MOTION ON A VILLAGE ROAD GOING 40 MPH, CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, LOST POWER STEERING, I HAD TO PULL CAR OVER WITHOUT POWER STEERING TO SIDE OF BUSY ROAD, CAR WOULD NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY AND PARK WOULD NOT ENGAGED RIGHT AWAY INTO PARK, CAR THEN ROLLED FORWARD ABOUT 10 FEET AND SLAMMED INTO PARK. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER HOWEVER ALL POWER LIGHTS, AND BATTERY WERE WORKING WITHOUT ISSUE. CALLED A TOW TRUCK, COULD NOT GET AHOLD OF KIA FOR KIA 24 HOUR EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, DUE TO COVID-19, I HAD TO CALL A LOCAL BODY SHOP/USED CAR DEALER FOR A TOW.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 17, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND AN ALERT POPS UP. IT SAID "POSSIBLE BMS CONDITION." I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE, BUT ALSO NOTICED MY CAR SPEED REDUCING. I SAFELY GOT INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND THEN THE CAR STEERING WHEEL FROZE UP. ANOTHER ALERT TO CHECK BRAKES WENT ON. I PUSHED THE BRAKES OVER AND OVER TO GET THE ALERT OFF. IT THEN OVER A TIME SPAN OF 3-5 MIN STARTED TO SLOWLY RUN LOW ON ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE HAZARDS LIGHTS WERE BLINKING SLOWER. I GOT IT TOWED AND WAITING TO SEE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. BEEN LOOKING IT UP AND MOST LIKELY IT'S THE FUSE IN THE BACK TRUNK UNDER THE COVER UNDERNEATH. *TR
Engine, Apr 15, 2020
AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF NOWHERE MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE OUT OF THE FEW YEARS I HAD THIS CAR BUT NOW IT JUST CAME ON I'M UPDATED WITH OIL CHANGES AND ALL I'M NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THIS IS HAPPENING I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Engine, Apr 14, 2020
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND OFF AND WHEN I WENT TO GO GET IT CHECKED, IT CAME UP AND TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR CIRCUIT (PNRDL) INPUT. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK, I CAN'T TAKE IT OUT UNTIL I TURN MY CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. MY CAR HAS A LITTLE OVER 87,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TRANSMISSION/ENGINE ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2020
TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX AIR CONDITIONING ISSUE. WHEN THEY WENT TO RUN IT THROUGH THEIR CAR WASH, THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE WOULD NOT DO IT DUE TO THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA BEING LOOSE. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD, I SHOOK THE SHARK FIN LIGHTLY AND IT CAME OFF IN MY HAND. ALL OF THE SCREWS HAD BROKEN THE PLASTIC OFF THE SHARK FIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX IS OVER $500. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH SUCH A WEAK DESIGN. LUCKILY THIS WAS CAUGHT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND DID NOT COME OFF WHILE DRIVING.