2014 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Optima Hybrid year — the 2014 model ranks #3 of 10 Optima Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
51
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
6
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2014 compare to other Optima Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 16 | 31% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 12 | 24% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT STRUCTURE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND CONTROL ON IT'S OWN AND HIT THE WALL HEAD ON. I WAS ALREADY IN MY PARKING SPOT AND ONLY FEW FEET AWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED AND BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO…”
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET (35MPH) WHEN I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER CAR MAKING A TURN IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED. I T-BONED HIS CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DIDNT GOT OFF. MY CAR STALLED COMPLETELY AND NOTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT REACTED TO THE CRASH. THE SYSTEM (CLUSTER AND SCREEN)…”
“WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT STRUCTURE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND CONTROL ON IT'S OWN AND HIT THE WALL HEAD ON. I WAS ALREADY IN MY PARKING SPOT AND ONLY FEW FEET AWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED AND BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO…”
“WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT STRUCTURE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND CONTROL ON IT'S OWN AND HIT THE WALL HEAD ON. I WAS ALREADY IN MY PARKING SPOT AND ONLY FEW FEET AWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED AND BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO…”
“STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF I-25, GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND RUSH HOUR. I WAS ABOUT 40 MIN FROM HOME STILL ON MY EVERYDAY COMMUNTE. I AM SEEING VERY MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAS ME AND MY FAMILY IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION DAILY AND KIA WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. THERE CLEARLY NEEDS…”
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 2014 model at #3 of 10 Optima Hybrid years. It is one of the Optima Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2014 Optima Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).
Does the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid.
Is the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Kia Optima Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima Hybrid years belongs to 2019.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.