VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Kia Optima carries two red flags at once: 780 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.9× the Optima norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Optima years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 34 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 291 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

780

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

8

Investigations · 1 open

35

Crash-involved

60

Fires reported

34

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine29137%
Steering9312%
Other8711%
Electrical System658%
Body & Structure486%
Fuel System476%
Brakes415%
Speed Control213%
Transmission203%
Lighting182%
Airbags152%
Visibility & Wipers132%
Suspension101%
Seats51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Seat Belts10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2014 Kia Optima have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

22V093000Fuel SystemFebruary 17, 2022 · 72,848 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

21V331000BrakesMay 10, 2021 · 440,370 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy

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.

20V519000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 440,370 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

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.

20V100000Fuel SystemFebruary 21, 2020 · 141,774 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

17V224000EngineMarch 31, 2017 · 618,160 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND WITH SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND NOT LONG AFTER ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. FOUND OUT AFTER THE FACT THAT CAR HAD RECALL ON IT. CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2018 · fire

“I LEFT THE DEALER LOT AT CLOSING TIME 2/5/2021 THE TRACTION LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WARNINGS WERE ON THE ABS LIGHT THE CAR BRAKES SKIDDED UPON APPLYING BRAKES DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE CAR SHOOK WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE MOTOR WAS GOING TO FALL OUT . LATER MY 17 YEAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 5, 2021 · crash

“I PARKED MY KIA OPTIMA AT 7 PM. AT MIDNIGHT I WAS WOKEN UP TO FIRE TRUCKS OUTSIDE OF MY APARTMENT. MY CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR REPORTED NO FOWL PLAY BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE HOW IT HAPPENED. SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE LEFT. HAD 62K MILES AND WAS FREQUENT WITH OIL CHANGES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 28, 2018 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STALLED RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE. I HAD JUST MADE A TURN & THE CAR WENT DEAD. STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP. NOW MY CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED NOT TO MENTION THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY FIANC WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A FRACTURED HIP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 4, 2019 · crash

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 20, 2018 · fire

2014 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Optima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 780 complaints put the 2014 model at #5 of 20 Optima years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Optima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (291 complaints), steering (93 complaints), other (87 complaints).

Does the 2014 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2014 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Kia Optima 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.