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.
Air bags, Mar 28, 2016, crash
I WAS T BONED BY A LADY IN A DODGE MINI VAN WHO RAN A STOP SIGN APPROX 30 MPH THERE WAS DAMAGE FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR TO THE REAR WITH THE PASSANGER DOOR BEING RIPPED OFF DURING THE IMPACT. THE SIDE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED
Engine, Mar 21, 2016
LESS THAN 30,000 AND MY ENGINE IS SHOT! I TOOK MY CAR FOR SERVICE IN JANUARY 2016, TOLD THEM I WAS SEEING BLACK SMOKE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING. I ACTUALLY WAS TOLD TO PUT FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER IN WITH EVERY FILL-UP. I CONTINUED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM AND TOOK IT BACK IN FEBRUARY 15, 2016. NOW THEY SAY I HAVE SLUDGE IN MY ENGINE AND WARRANTY WON'T COVER, BECAUSE WE USED THE WRONG OIL DOING OUR OWN OIL CHANGES. I PROVIDED COPIES OF THE PAGES FROM THE OWNER'S MANUAL SHOWING THAT WE USED THE CORRECT OIL, BUT NO LUCK. AFTER A WEEK I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WOULD BE REPLACED VIA A "GOODWILL GESTURE", BUT A RENTAL WILL NOT BE COVERED. I WAS ALSO TOLD MY CAR WOULD BE OUT WITHIN 7 DAYS....FFWD 35 DAYS...STILL NO CAR AND WHEN I GET SOMEONE ON THE PHONE FROM THE SERVICE DEPT, I'M GIVEN THE RUN-AROUND AND PROMISED THAT I WILL BE CALLED BACK WITHIN A FEW HOURS WITH AN UPDATE. WELL, IT'S BEEN 96 HOURS THIS TIME AND I'M STILL WAITING. NOT ONLY DO YOU NOT HAVE CALLS RETURNED, EMAILS ARE NOT RESPONDED TO EITHER. THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE WITH A SERVICE DEPARTMENT EVER. THANKFULLY I ONLY KEPT THE RENTAL THAT THEY MADE ME PAY FOR 15 DAYS. (I STILL BELIEVE I DESERVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR IT.)
Engine, Feb 17, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, BLACK SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE REPAIR DUE TO EXCESSIVE SLUDGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Steering, Feb 8, 2016
IF I DRIVE OVER 35-40 MPH MY CAR BEGINS TO SWERVE AND I OR MY HUSBAND CAN'T CONTROL THE STEERING. I CAN'T DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE OF MY CAR SWERVING UNCONTROLLABLY DESPITE MY CONSTANT CORRECTIONS. I HAVE ALMOST HIT COUNTLESS CARS BECAUSE OF THIS MALFUNCTION. WINDY DAYS ARE THE WORST, I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR OVER 20 MPH. I'VE ALSO BEEN PULLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE OF THE CAR SWERVING. MIND YOU I JUST PURCHASED MY CAR IN OCTOBER 2015, I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR A FEW MONTHS BUT I'M READY TO GET RID OF IT. I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I AM SCARED FOR ME AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. I'VE TALKED TO MULTIPLE OPTIMA OWNERS AND WE ALL SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL?? HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE TO HAPPEN BEFORE THIS IS A RECALL?
Steering, Jan 29, 2016
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING PANEL. I ASKED WHY I DID NOT GET A NOTICE AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM THAT I WOULD NEED TO CALL KIA MOTORS. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THEY DO NOT SEND THEM OUT ALL AT ONCE...CERTAIN TIMES. THIS DID NOT MAKE SENSE I ASKED IF ONE HAD BEEN OUT TO ME AND THEY WERE VERY UNHELPFUL. SHOULDN'T EVERYONE RECIEVE NOTICE WHEN THERE A PROBLEM?
Suspension, Jan 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Dec 23, 2015
CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, DOESN'T MATTER IF GOING 40 MPH OR 80 MPH.......ENGINE TACH DROPS TO "0"........FOOT FEED DOESN'T RESPOND........YOU KEEP TRYING TO GIVE GAS UP AND DOWN.......FINALLY WILL BUCK AS TRYING TO RESPOND ......AS CUTTING IN AND CUTTING OUT.....FINALLY WILL THEN DRIVE AS NORMAL........YOU MAY COAST DOWN TO FROM 80 TO 20 MPH BEFORE IT GOES AGAIN. NO DASH LIGHTS INDICATED, DO NOT HAVE TO TURN KEY TO START, DOES NOT......CAUSE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO CODES INDICATED...........DAUGHTER ALMOST GOT REAR END ON THE INTERSTATE......SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED!!!! WITHOUT A DOUBT A MAJOR "SAFETY ISSUE"..................READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF OTHER KIA MODELS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.................THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO, HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST FROM KIA'S CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING??????
Engine, Dec 10, 2015
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE SAME ISSUES THAT ARE ALSO HAPPENING ON HYUNDAI SONATAS WITH THEIR ENGINE RECALLS. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 50-60 MPH AND THEN ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE MAY SOMETIMES JERK/SPUTTER AS IF ABOUT TO STALL. THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINES WERE NOT CLEANED PROPERLY WHILE BEING MANUFACTURED, LEAVING MECHANICAL DEBRIS WITHIN, AS STATED BY THE HYUNDAI ENGINE RECALL INVESTIGATION.THIS CAN BECOME A MAJOR CONCERN AS THE CAR COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME UNRESPONSIVE ON THE HIGHWAY OR EVEN SLOW DOWN/ STOP SUDDENLY IN THE CASE THAT THE ENGINE MAY STALL.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2015
I PURCHASED A KIA OPTIMA IN DECEMBER OF 2014. AT 8,000 MILES I NOTICED UNUSUAL WEAR ON MY TIRES, I HAD THEM ROTATED AND BALANCED AT 7,500. I RECENTLY WENT TO AMERICA TIRES WITH THE MILEAGE AT 14,50 THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO LESS THAN 50% OF THE TREAD. THEY ROTATED AND BALANCED THEM BUT THE LIFE OF MY TIRES IS SHORT. IT APPEARS THAT THE TIRES ARE INFERIOR. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY CAR. I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL CARS HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACED TIRES THIS SOON ON A VEHICLE. I HAVE ABOUT 5 TO 7 THOUSANDS MILES LEFT BEFORE REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. THE TIRES IN QUESTION ARE NPRIZAH8. MY FEAR IS THAT SEVERAL UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE ARE DRIVING AROUND ON THESE UNSAFE TIRES WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE REGULAR SERVICE ON THEIR TIRES. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE HAS THERE BEEN ANY ISSUES WITH THESE TIRES?
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 24, 2015, crash
I WAS TRYING TO BACK IN BETWEEN2 VEHICLES IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. AND WHILE DOING SO, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNCHED BACKWARDS WITH A JERKING MOTION, LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO DO 2 DIFFERENT THINGS ATONE TIME, AT FULL RATE OF SPEED AND DOING SO, IT BACKED INTO THE VEHICLE TO MY LEFT, THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT HAD A MIND OF IT'S OWN. I REPORTED THE ACCIDENT AND WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SIGHT, HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD SEEN AN ISSUE LIKE THIS HAPPENING ON THE NEWS. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF AND I WENT ONLINE TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT. I WAS NOT HURT AND IF MY COUSIN WASN'T IN THE CAR, I DON'T THINK ANYONE WOULD'VE BELIEVED ME. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO, I'M REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2015
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PAN DRAIN PLUG IS CRACKED.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 1, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LAST FRIDAY AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING AND THEN SLOWING DOWN. I TRIED TO SPEED UP WHEN IT SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND WAS AFRAID THAT SOMEONE WOULD HIT ME SO IT WOULD SPEED UP AND THEN SLOW DOWN. IT SCARED ME SO I PULLED OVER ON A SIDE STREET SO NO ONE WOULD HIT ME BEING THAT THE CAR WAS DRIVING ERRATIC. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF THEN RESTARTED IT . ONCE I DID THAT , SAME THING AGAIN SO I TURNED IT OFF AGAIN AFTER I PULLED OVER THE SECOND TIME. THE 3RD TIME , IT STARTED DRIVING NORMAL BUT A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER , I COULD NOT START IT. I HAD TO HAVE TOWED 3 DAYS IN A ROW TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED SOMETHING EACH DAY BUT THE NEXT DAY , THE CAR WOULD NOT START . I AM AFRAID TO GET STRANDED AGAIN AND THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR !!! ITS A 2014. I WAS INITIALLY REAL EXCITED WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE BUT I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. *TR
Visibility, Jun 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY INCREASED AND A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WAS HEARD. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2015
WE HAD TAKEN OUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND FIXED WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS. WE FOUND THE FUSE COVER ON THE DASHBOARD. 1 DAY LATER, THE SYMBOLS ON THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO LIGHT UP AND THE CAR FROZE, LOCKED AND DIED. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. THIS CAR HAS 7800 MILES ON IT AND IS A YEAR OLD. IT WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY. THERE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I COULDN'T EVEN GET MY FLASHERS ON BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND IF IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND WAS GIVEN NO CONCRETE ANSWER. I LOVED DRIVING THIS CAR, BUT MY CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE IS NOW LOST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2015
THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC BUT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. IF I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE MY SPEED, WHETHER FROM A STOPPED POSITION, OR TO PULL INTO A BUSY ROADWAY, OR TO INCREASE MY SPEED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CAR WILL START TO GO THEN CHOKE, SO THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, THE RPM STAY THE SAME AND THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND WILL NOT SPEED UP. IF KIA DOESN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS - BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN OTHER PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT OPTIMA VEHICLE YEARS COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS - SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS NEAR MISSES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO SEE MANY PEOPLE SAYING KIA IS TELLING THEM THIS IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BEHAVE - REALLY??? MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER TO HOPEFULLY HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND FIXED. THEY GAVE ME A LOANER CAR, WHICH IS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA, AND GUESS WHAT? PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP IN THE LOANER I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BECAUSE THE LOANER ALSO HAS THIS PROBLEM, BUT 10 TIMES WORSE THAN MY CAR. IT HAPPENED AT LEAST 30 TIMES BETWEEN THE DEALER AND WHERE I WORK - ABOUT A 30 MINUTE DRIVE. ALWAYS WHEN SPEED NEEDS TO BE INCREASED BY WAY OF THE GEARS NEEDING TO UPSHIFT. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS - I HOPE KIA ISN'T WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE THEY LOOK INTO THIS FAILURE THAT IS HAPPENING THAT THEIR DEALERSHIPS ARE WRITING OFF AS NORMAL FUNCTION! JUST AS I WAS READY TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT, MY DEALERSHIP CALLED ME BACK AND SURPRISE: "WE ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM" AND "NO PROBLEM CODES WERE DETECTED." PLEASE KIA, TAKE NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!! *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2015
THIS IS MY SECOND KIA OPTIMA, THE FIRST ONE WAS AN OPTIMA EX FULLY EQUIPPED. I NEVER DROVE OVER 60 MPH, SO NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY WRONGS WITH MY STEERING, I WAS TRULY HAPPY WITH IT. WHEN I GOT MY SECOND KIA JUST A FEW MONTHS BACK, I DECIDED TO GET THE SX TURBO, AGAIN FULLY EQUIPPED. IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT A WISE DECISION, THIS CAR HAS MANY ISSUES BUT I WILL CONCENTRATE ON "STEERING AT HIGH SPEEDS". WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OVER 65 MILES AN HOUR THE CAR TRIED TO STEER TO THE LEFT SO A 4 HOUR DRIVE BETWEEN MIAMI EN ORLANDO BECAME A WORKOUT, TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. WHILE SWITCHING LANES, THE CAR WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD MOVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. I THOUGH MAYBE THE TIRES AIR PRESSURE IS HIGH, SO I STOPPED TO CALIBRATE THEM, BUT NO THEY WERE OKAY. LONG STORY SHORT I DID SLOW DOWN TO BELOW 60MPH, BUT MY QUESTION REMAINS, WHY A TURBO IF YOU CANT DRIVE IT AT HIGH SPEEDS (OVER 70), I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND GUESS WHAT I GOT BACK HOME CAUSE THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I AM THE DRIVER, I KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS WRONG, I EXPLAINED THE ISSUE WITH DETAILS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO FIND THE ISSUE AND SOLVED IT. KIA IF THIS WAS A SURVEY. 1 START OUT OF 5 I AM UNHAPPY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROVIDE ENOUGH LIGHTING ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VOLTAGE ON THE BULB WAS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED WITH NEW BULBS HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,722.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2015, crash
I WAS IN A PARKING STRUCTURE, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. I CONTINUED A FEW FEET TO MY DESIGNATED PARKING STALL AND WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL THE CAR ACCELERATED AT WHAT FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. THE SURGE OF THE VEHICLE FORCED THE CAR TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE WALL CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND BODILY INJURY TO MYSELF. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A FEW MONTHS OLD. THIS CAR HAS SOME VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. NOW I AM TERRIFIED TO EVER DRIVE IT AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Jan 28, 2015
IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR STRAIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE STEERING STICKS AND IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SMALLEST CORRECTION, YOU HAVE TO OVER-CORRECT. THIS RESULTS IN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN AN S PATTERN. IT IS NOT AS NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS. I JUST TOOK A 3 HOUR TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY AND BY THE TIME I FINISHED I WAS EXHAUSTED FROM THE AMOUNT OF CONCENTRATION REQUIRED TO SIMPLY DRIVE THE CAR IN MY LANE. *TR
Steering, Jan 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,050.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 9, 2015
HI MY NAME IS [XXX]I HAVE 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX. I HAVE THE CAR SINCE IT HAD 2 MILES AND NOW HAS 14700. WHAT IS RIDICULOUS IS THE STRUTS MAKE CLUNKING NOISE OVER SPEED BUMPS. THE CAR CHANGES LANE BY ITS SELF. YOU CAN HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER AND THE CAR GOES TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S NORMAL. LIES ALL LIES . PLEASE TELL ME HOW MY STRUTS HAVE A SMALL LEAK BUT NOT ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT I THOUGHT IT WAS A NEW CAR. IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR WAS MADE POORLY AND RUSHED. I ALSO FEEL AS IF KIA IS LYING ABOUT GAS MILEAGE AGAIN. THE STEERING FEELS TERRIBLE WHEN YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY. THEY ARE A SAD EXCUSE FOR A CAR COMPANY AND AM COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THEM. THE REFUSE TO HELP TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE OPTIMA STEERING I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER WITH A 2013 KIA OPTIMA LX WITH THE SAME STEERING ISSUE. SO TELL ME HOW DO THEY HAVE THE SAME STEERING ISSUE IF THE 2014 WAS REDESIGNED. THE CAR SEEMS LIKE IT LEAKS AIR INTO THE CABIN THEY SAY OTHER WISE. I'M NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER AND WON'T BE TILL THEY PUT A RECALL FOR MPG. SUSPENSION. STEERING AND BRAKES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2014
AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 30 MPH, THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS A DELAYED RESPONSE. AS YOU TORQUE THE STEERING TO HOLD A POSITION ON A CROWNED ROAD SURFACE, THE STEERING FINALLY RECOGNIZES A STEERING INPUT COMMAND AND IMMEDIATELY JUMPS TO THE NEW POSITION. NOT ONLY IS IT DISCONCERTING, BUT DEPENDING ON THE ROAD CONDITION (TRAFFIC, LANE WIDTH, OVERALL SPEED) THESE "DIGITAL" JUMPS IN POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT DRIFTING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I HAVE FOUR CARS, THIS IS THE ONLY "FLY BY WIRE" CAR OF THE LOT. ALL OTHERS HAVE "ANALOG" STEERING WHICH ENABLES CONTINUOUS PRESSURE TO BE APPLIED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN POSITION ON THE ROAD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION. I HAVE THE TURBO OPTIMA. THE DEALER "SOLUTION" WAS TO "TAKE THE STEERING OFF SPORT MODE" AND PUT IN STANDARD MODE. I DIDN'T BUY A TURBO VEHICLE TO BE FORCED TO OPERATE IT LIKE A STANDARD OPTIMA. THE STEERING PERFORMANCE IS FAR LESS IN STANDARD MODE AND MAKES THE VEHICLE RESPONSE SLUGGISH. *TR
Steering, Dec 3, 2014
TRAVELING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK DAILY CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE HIGHWAY..CAR DRIFTS LEFT TO RIGHT .CONSTANTLY TRYING TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY BY TURNING VEHICLE LEFT RIGHT....LEFT RIGHT!!!!!STRESSFUL!!!!! I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE! *JS
Steering, Nov 17, 2014
THIS IS NOT A NEW COMPLAINT AS I SEE MANY OTHERS!!!! I PURCHASED A KIA OPTIMA 2014 ON NOVEMBER 8, 2014 WITH 175 MILES. I DID TEST DRIVE BUT NOT AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH. THE FIRST TIME I DROVE ON THE INTERSTATE, AT SPEEDS 70-80 MPH, I NOTICED I WAS REALLY HAVING TO "STEER" THIS CAR. FIRST LEFT, THEN RIGHT AND NEVER STOPPING UNTIL SPEEDS DROPPED BELOW 60 MPH OR SO. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT OVER AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NEXT HIGHWAY DRIVE WAS 90 MILES EACH WAY AND THE CAR IS DEFINITELY "ALL OVER THE LANE", SO MUCH SO I ACTUALLY GOT MOTION SICKNESS AND ALMOST HAD TO STOP TO VOMIT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND STARTED RESEARCHING, I FOUND A SITE WWW.ARFC.ORG AND TO MY SURPRISE, THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE JUST NOTIFIED THE DEALER, ALTHOUGH FROM READING OTHERS EXPERIENCES, I AM NOT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT KIA FIXING IT. I IMPLORE YOUR ORGANIZE TO FORCE KIA'S MANAGEMENT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THERE ARE DEATHS INVOLVED. IT IS TRULY AN UNSAFE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, WHICH SADLY, IS THE BULK OF MY DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Engine, Nov 17, 2014
I PULLED OFF A FRONTAGE ROAD ON TO THE HIGHWAY INTO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25-30 MPH MY HAZARD LIGHTS CLICKED ON WHEN MY BLINKER WENT OFF, I REALIZED MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND I WAS LOOSING CONTROL. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REALIZED MY ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. SCARED ME TO DEATH! IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING FASTER OR GOING AROUND A TURN I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN SERIOUS DANGER! I GATHERED MY THOUGHTS AS TO WHAT HAPPENED, CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE SAID TO TRY AND SIMPLY RESTART THE CAR. IT STARTED ON THE FIRST TURN W/ NO HESITATION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO CODES SHOWING AND IT WAS PROBABLY JUST A GLITCH AND THEY TRIED TO SEND ME HOME IN IT! THAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM TO ME! I BELIEVE I DESERVE AN EXPLANATION AND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN TOLD IT PROBABLY WONT HAPPEN AGAIN, SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! AFTER SPENDING 4 HOURS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY DECIDED TO KEEP THE CAR FOR ANOTHER FEW DAYS AND PUT ME IN A RENTAL. I PRAY THEY FIND THE CAUSE SINCE I DON'T FEEL SAFE UNTIL THEY DO. *TR