Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2014 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (7)
⚠ Park outside — urgent recall
NHTSA has flagged 3 recalls on this vehicle as severe (fire risk — park away from structures). Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 20V519000 · 27/08/2020Park outside
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.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 23V652000 · 25/09/2023Park outside
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 21V331000 · 10/05/2021Park outside
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.
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Fix: 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.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 17V224000 · 31/03/2017
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.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 20V100000 · 21/02/2020
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.
Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 18V907000 · 19/12/2018
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 22V093000 · 17/02/2022
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.
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE248
- STEERING79
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER77
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
- STRUCTURE44
- SERVICE BRAKES36
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2025· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.
- 12/30/2024· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle is leaking gas from hose and it was already repaired but still happening. Only getting worse and I saw that it's recalled twice however mine is saying no recalls.
- 12/30/2019· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM GOING OVER AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING COMPANY AND THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER (KIA ATLANTA SOUTH; 7310 JONESBORO RD, MORROW, GA 30260) WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BLACK BOX DID NOT CAPTURE THE INCIDENT DETAILS. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE BUT 3 DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE BEING RETURNED, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DETERMINED ON ANY INSPECTIONS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER RIGHT SHOULDER AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO CAPITAL ONE BANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. *TR
- 12/29/2022· STEERING
Steering column making rubbing noise when turning. It felt like a notch was rubbing against something. The car was no reason for this part to deteriorate the way it did. It just all of a sudden started this notch rubbing feeling in steering. I took car to Calavan KIA in Lithia Springs, GA to have it examined. They said the MDPS flexible coupling needed to be replaced. There are other KIA's that had this same issue, but repair was covered in recall. My repair was not covered even though it has less than 110,000 miles and is less than 10 years old.
- 12/29/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT ANOTHER MILE, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER - LEV KIA OF FRAMINGHAM (510 COCHITUATE RD, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701, (508) 879-5555) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC FOUND NO ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
- 12/28/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.
- 12/28/2021· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off without warning. The contact indicated that on several occasions, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low although oil had recently been added to the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- 12/27/2022· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption after the engine replacement. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,805.
- 12/27/2019· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2014 KIA OPTIMA THAT I PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO. MY CAR LOST ALL POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MOTOR IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY KIA DEALER WHO ALWAYS DOES MY OIL CHANGES AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT I NEED A NEW MOTOR BUT NO RECALLS ARE FALLING U SEE MY VIN IN THEIR PAPERWORK. EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS UP TO DATE ON MY VEHICLE OIL CHANGES TO DETAILING ONCE A WEEK AND THIS HAPPENS OUT OF NO WHERE BUT MY INSURANCE STATES THAT UNDER MY VIN I HAVE 2 RECALLS ONE FOR THE MOTOR AND MY KIA DEALER IS REFUSING TO CHECK OR REPLACE IT AFTER MY COMPLAINT I HAVE CONTACTED KIA 1-800 NUMBER AND THEY HAVE ALSO STATED THAT I HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MY MOTOR AND THAT I HAVE IN FACT 2 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT INTO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER BUT I HAVE DONE THAT AND THEY DENIED ME
- 12/24/2019· ENGINE
80,000 MILES ON VEHICLE AND ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD APPEARED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA AND DETERMINED ENGINE FAILED.
- 12/24/2016· ENGINE
AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE CAR HAD A HESITATION AND SMOKE CAME OUT THE EXHAUST PIPE. NO ENGINE, OR OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR DROVE AND RAN AS IT ALWAYS HAS. GOT HOME CALL KIA OF DAYTON FOR AN APPOINTMENT. TOOK CAR IN, COUPLE DAYS LATER I WAS CALLED AND TOLD I HAD SLUDGE BUILT UP AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THEY WILL SUBMIT IT TO KIA FOR APPROVAL. KIA DENIED REPAIRS. I LOOKED UP ONLINE AND READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH SAME YEAR AND AROUND SAME MILEAGE. I EVEN SEEN WHERE A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED OVER IT. KIA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT WONT RECALL NOR FIX IT.
- 12/23/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
MY KIA OPTIMA KILLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD CAUSING ME TO SCRAPE THE SIDE OF MY CAR AND IT STARTED SMOKING FINDING LEAKING OIL AS WELL OVER A YEAR AGO AND MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP STORAGE BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET FOR AN ENGINE . I HAVE COME OUT OF POCKET FOR TRANSPORTATION FOR MONTHS AND HAVE HAD TO PAY A STORAGE FEE NOT KNOWING THEY WERE CHARGING ME UNTIL HEARING FROM KIA CONSUMERS . NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN A RECALL IS POPPING UP WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN AND EVEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALERTED ME THAT THERE ARE IN FACT 3 RECALLS ON MY CAR. I AM OUT OF A JOB BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING TRANSPORTATION AFTER COMING OUT OF POCKET OVER 3,000 FOR A RENTAL I COULDN'T SPEND ANOTHER DIME OF MY SAVINGS FOR MY FAMILY'S HOLIDAYS AND EMERGENCY STASH. I'M NEVER LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING BUSINESS WITH KIA AGAIN. I'VE BEEN SO STRESSED MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY AND I'M STILL PAYING A CAR NOTE FOR A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE
- 12/23/2018· ENGINE
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TRYING TO MAKE A PASS I SUDDENLY LOSS POWER. I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE RESTARTED ONCE I PULLED OVER. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME ON THE SIDE OF THE I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS HEARING A CONSISTENT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM ME ENGINE. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR ANYTHING WITH THE CAR.
- 12/23/2015· ENGINE
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??????
- 12/22/2025· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCrash
The contact works as an investigator for the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. The contact was investigating a 2014 Kia Optima with a salvaged title and reported that the air bags failed to deploy in a front-end collision. The contact stated that the air bags may have been removed or the air bag sensors were disconnected. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 30-35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No warning light was illuminated. The driver's face struck the steering wheel upon impact. The driver received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where the insurance company investigated the crash, but had not yet deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- 12/20/2018· ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING IN A 2014 KIA OPTIMA WITH AN ESTIMATE 55,400 MILE ON IT DOWN I-285 EAST WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I NOTICE AN ODD CLICKING NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND STAYED ON, AND RPM DROPPED. I SAFELY MERGED OVER IN 4 LINES OF TRAFFIC ON SHOULDER AND TURNED ENGINE OFF. THE CAR SPUTTERED WHEN I CRACKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR SOUNDED TERRIBLE, EXTREMELY ROUGH IDLE AND ENGINE NOISE, THEN I IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK OFF. I CALL ROADSIDE ASSIST AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP. WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP
- 12/20/2017· ENGINE
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX.... RECALL LETTER FROM KIA REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENT... DEFECT CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL.... CONTACT FILED COMPLAINT THROUGH KIA... ENGINE OF VEHICLE HAS NOT STALLED YET... CONTACT UPSET WITH KIA SERVICE.... KIA STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO GO THROUGH TESTING BEFORE ENGINE IS REPLACED.... CONTACT HAD STATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THEN WENT OFF. 1RECALLSASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN MAR 31,2017 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSC147 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V-224 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARYKIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY ON THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: * ALL 2011-2013 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.4L GDI AND 2.0L TURBO-GDI ENGINES PRODUCED FROM AUGUST 12, 2010 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2013; * ALL 2014 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.4L GDI AND 2.0L TURBO-GDI ENGINES PRODUCED AT KMMG FROM AUGUST 28, 2013 THROUGH MAY 15, 2014; * ALL 2012-2014 MY SORENTO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.4L GDI ENGINES PRODUCED FROM APRIL 19, 2011 THROUGH FEBRUARY 10, 2014; * ALL 2011-2013 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L TURBO-GDI ENGINES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 30, 2010 THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2013. METAL DEBRIS MAY HAVE BEEN GENERATED FROM FACTORY MACHINING OPERATIONS OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE CRANKSHAFT'S OIL PASSAGES DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE ADDITIONAL MACHINING PROCESSES OF THE CRANKPINS SAFETY RISK IF THE WARNINGS ARE IGNORED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN, THE BEARING MAY FAIL AND THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WHILE IN MOTION. AN ENGINE STALL AT HIGHER SPEEDS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 12/16/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINECrash
Hit dig mark in road caused by a plow about a half inch to a 1 inch deep by 5 to 7 inches wide while driving 15 mph down the road into work on November 19,2024 around 1:03/1:10 pm next thing I know I am upside down in my car in a ditch about four to five feet wide by 3-4 feet deep
- 12/16/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A KIA OPTIMA 2014 KIA OPTIMA LOVE MY CAR. THERE'S ONLY ONE BAD THING I GO DO MY RECALL ON MARCH 28 2019 IT SAYS EVERYTHING HAD PASSED BUT IN REALITY. THE SERVICE THAT THEY DID WAS CARELESS 9 MONTHS LATER MY CAR IS BAD MOTOR. HAS 130,000 THAT'S WHAT 20,000 DOLLAR IS WORTH WOW. THEY DID MY OIL KIA CHANGE THEY PUT THE WRONG OIL 5-30 REALLY THAT FOR KIA TURBO AND KIA OPTIMA 5-20 NOW MY CAR IS IN A MECHANIC. I NEED MY CAR FIX , I DID MY RECALL THOUGHT IT WAS FOR A CAUSE BUT I GUES IT WASN'T . I NEED MY CAR FIX ! MY CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE IFF THE 57 SOUTH FREEWAY .. KIA OPTIMA IN POMONA CA
- 12/16/2014· STEERING
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
- 12/15/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Exact same issue happened to my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid (NHTSA ID Number: 11556409). I was traveling on the freeway approximately 65mph and out of nowhere the engine turned off, brakes did not work and steering quality went to a manual operation. I almost got into a serious accident as I could not control my vehicle. The hybrid system warning light, to stop using the vehicle became illuminated for approximately 30 seconds. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer ( Koons Kia, 14208 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States). We are still awaiting diagnostics. A few years ago the standard hybrid light came on (not the same warning light) in which we took it to the same dealer to fix. It was still under warranty at the time, however took them weeks to fix the issue as I had to take it back multiple times. They eventually replaced something in the hybrid system that was worth around $5-6k, since then we have had no other issues. We conduct the routine maintenance on the vehicle, passes all inspections.
- 12/15/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KIA OPTIMA “WHITE PEARL” PAINT DELAMINATION
- 12/15/2020· STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
RECALL ON ENGINE WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO FOR HAVING METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THE SECOND MOTOR HAS 15,000 MILES ON IT AND IT'S BURNING OIL AND SMOKING TO WHERE YOU CAN'T SEE ANYTHING. I WAS GETTING ON I 65 GOING NORTH AND SMOKE CAME OUT. IT HESITATES TO GO. CAN'T DRIVE IT OVER 45-50. STEERING HAS A RECALL FOR A PLASTIC CUFFLING BEHIND STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR ACCORDING TO RIVERCHASE KIA IN PELHAM ALABAMA. IT IS NOW MAKING A POPPING NOISE AGAIN. CONDENSATION IS GETTING IN TAIL LIGHTS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BLOW. THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN ON DIM YOU CAN BARELY SEE.
- 12/14/2023· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
unknown
- 12/11/2019· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE IGNITION FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF WYLER FAIRFIELD CADILLAC KIA NISSAN (LOCATED AT 5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,871.
- 12/10/2015· ENGINE
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.
- 12/09/2020· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINECrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE LOST CONSCIOUSNESS WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHICH RESULTED IN HER VEHICLE ROLLING OFF THE ROAD AND INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND WAS IMMEDIATELY RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER BACK AND CHEST; AS WELL AS LACERATIONS TO HER RIGHT LOWER ARM AND LOWER ABDOMINAL AREA. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AT THE SCENE AND WAS UNCERTAIN OF ITS CURRENT WHEREABOUTS. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER HAD YET TO BE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:17V224000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, SHE HAD NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V519000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
- 12/08/2021· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the turbo engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine was replaced with a non-Kia rebuilt engine. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer; Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley (12840 Auto Mall Dr, Moreno Valley, CA 92555) who diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who had replaced the engine. The dealer advised the contact that the engine had failed and advised the contact to no longer drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,127.
- 12/08/2019· AIR BAGS,ENGINE
SINCE PURCHASE THIS CAR HAS CONTINUED TO HAVE ENGINE ISSUES , OIL ISSUES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF. IT'S A REAL CONCERN TO ME AND SINCE THIS CONTINUES THE AIR BAG SENSORS KEEP COMING ON. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2017 FROM DEALERSHIP. THIS STARTED OCCURRING MID JANUARY 2018 AND HAD GOTTEN PROGRESSING. THIS CANNOT BE NORMAL. I RECEIVED A RED RECALL NOTICE AND HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME ! THIS CAR OBVIOUSLY HAS SERIOUS ISSUES. THE VEHICLE IS READING THIS AS THERE ARE MESSAGES ALERTING ME ON THE DISPLAY AND THROUGH THE DIGITAL SYSTEM.
- 12/03/2020· STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
- 12/03/2014· STEERING
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
- 12/02/2022· ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely and smoke started coming from the vehicle with a smell of burning oil coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was being towed, the contact saw that oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the stated that the oil drain plug was missing. The vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had open recalls and the recalls could not be repaired because the oil drain plug needed to be replaced first. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the dealer reported the issue. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- 12/01/2021· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that an independent mechanic informed her that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
- 12/01/2020· ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN WHEN TRYING TO EXCELLERATE ON THE GAS TO ENTER ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED BOGGING DOWN AND NOT PICKING UP SPEED. TOOK IT TO O'REILLY AUTOPARTS TO GET THE ENGINE CODE AND IT CAME BACK AS A FAULTY BOOST CONTROL POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT.
- 12/01/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
I HAVE A 2014 KIA OPTIMA AND I KEEP UP WITH THE MAINTENANCE AND ALSO THE RECALLS ON MY CAR THE ONLY THING I HAVEVREALL HAD TO REPLACE THAT WAS QUITE EXPENSIVE TO ME WAS THE BATTERY SO FAR BUT I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL FOR THE BEARING AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT AND THEY CHANGED MY OIL FOR FREE LESS THAN 5 MONTHS LATER I AM BACK AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 6 AM COLD RAINING AND SLEETING AND MY CAR LOSES POWER ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FLASHING SO I PULL OVER TURN OFF THE ENGINE THEN WAIT A MINUTE TURN IT BACK ON SAME THI G SO I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY WILL CHECK OUT MY CAR AND WITHIN 20 MINUTES TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE SO NOW THAT THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED LESS THAN A MONTH AGO MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS DOES NOT TURN ON AND OFF LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO AUTOMATICALLY IF I DONT TURN THEM OFF OR ON THEN THEY WON'T BE OFF OR ON I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY DRIVERSIDE HEADLIGHT BULB FOR THE SECOND TIME NOW AND WHEN I'M DRIVING IT LOOKS SO DIM SO NOW I HAVE TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY EVERY MONTH ON A BULB THAT ISN'T CHEAP MY BACK PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT LIKE EVERY 3 WEEKS THE KIA OPTIMA HAS SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND KIA NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND GET THEM ALL FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE ENCOUNTER A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND KIA HAVE A MUCH SERIOUS ISSUE ON THEIR HANDS.
- 11/30/2020· ENGINE
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ROUGHLY 65 MILES , I HAD LITERALLY JUST GOTTEN ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T , THE RPMS AND MPH JUST WENT DOWN AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. I HAD TO PULL OVER. I SHUT CAR OFF, CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO START SINCE THAT DAY. THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY LOUD NOISE WHEN THIS HAPPENED , THERE WAS NO SMELLS. IT JUST STOPPED ACCELERATING & ENGINE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT ALL CAME ON. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY FULL OF OIL AND THE FILTER WAS CLEAN. THE CAR HAD COOLANT IN IT, NO LEAKS. I USE THE SAME SHOP FOR ALL MECHANICAL WORK SO HE HAS ALL RECORDS OF MY MAINTENANCE.
- 11/29/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
SHAVINGS FOUND IN OIL CAUSING ENGINE SEIZURE
- 11/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow for traffic however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle drove off the roadway, jumped the curb and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a towing compound. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
- 11/27/2023· STRUCTURE
Paint (Pearl White) has been peeling and delaminating for a number of years. Tried working w/Kia directly. Their Customer Care center told us they have a memo stating the known issue with the pearl white paint and told us to send in pictures, get it repaired and send in the bill. We didn't want to do this directly so received an estimate from the body shop. Kia then recanted and said we weren't under warranty. We've seen many other complaints across Kia and Hyundai cars related to this pearl white paint. We just want them to cover repainting. The body shop has 50 photos to include the actual paint thinness measured with digital measurement device.
- 11/27/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I TOOK MY CAR IN AFTER SMELLING FUEL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A TEAR IN MY FUEL LINE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT KIA WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE WHEN THEY PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED FOR RECALL ISSUES THEY SAID THERE WAS NO ISSUES FOUND. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT KIA AND THEY DID NOT GET BACK TO ME.
- 11/26/2024· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKESCrash
My car overturned/flipped over after i hit a very small bump in the road located on [XXX] in Utica Ny doing about 15 mph in a trailer park where I worked I have printed out all of my recalls on my 2014 Kia Optima GDI there was some brake fluid on the ground around the area where my car landed in a ditch however the Sheriff that came to the scene of the accident and the female state troopers failed to even check or smell the fluid after I informed both the officers and the Deerfield Fire Department the only ones willing to give me any advice on how to handle this matter even though I could had lost my life then to show up to court for the tickets I got for literally driving 15 mph in a trailer park and my car flips over into a ditch and not be able to make a statement in court due to the paperwork not being in to the courthouses computer system in [XXX] at 6:00 to show the judge all my recalls as well as plead not guilty to them I find unprofessional and as for the damage sustained to my vehicle I need to find an independent property adjuster to do a investigation however it is set to go to the Kia Dealership located at 5056 commercial Dr., Yorkville, NY, for the recalls on December 30, 2024 however due to the damage done in the roller I am unsure on what to do please help I paid for this car in full as a private sell and it had no issues with it at all no lights on the dashboard or anything was driving good at time of accident on [XXX] at [XXX] until I literally hit that bump in the road of the trailer park should anyone from your agency need to contact me to view the damage and pictures please contact me at [XXX] for I could not upload all documents and photos thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 11/26/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX, AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM ON LOW BEAM IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BRIGHT LIGHTS WORK GREAT. LOW BEAM WHEN YOU MEET ANOTHER ONCOMING VEHICLE YOU CAN BARELY TELL IF YOU ARE IN YOUR LANE OR NOT. ALSO IF YOUR BY YOURSELF ON THE ROAD, YOU CANNOT HARDLY TELL IF ANYTHING IS UP AHEAD IN THE ROAD OR ON THE SIDES OF THE ROAD.
- 11/22/2023· ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Regal Kia (1025 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.
- 11/21/2024· ENGINE
Upon an engine light appearing I immediately turned the car around, and parked it at my fiancé's house. I had called kia and it was a little bit until I could take my car In. I had driven it over there which did ride a little rough. Informing kia of my issue they inspected it. I was told the second cylinder had melted which was caused by a spark plug. I do not understand how this happened, Kia said I am responsible for this and that they will not cover any repairs. As a result my car is junk and I am now left without a vehicle. I believed that it was caused due to the Theta II Class Action law suit as the only possibility for this happening is due to the fact that the car consumes large amounts of oil and constantly needs replenished. Which I believe is a direct cause, and high oil consumption is apart of the defect within the "Theta II Class Action." However they denied my claim.
- 11/20/2019· AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON..CANNOT PASS INSPECTION
- 11/19/2024· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught fire. Smoke and flames were coming from the engine of the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure opened a case and the vehicle was inspected; however, the inspector could not determine the origin of the fire due to the fire damage. The failure mileage was 113,000.
- 11/19/2022· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam (driving) lights are incredibly poor, almost non-existant. In order to actually see the road at night you need to use high beams, which is a problem for the drivers in front of you and on the other side of the road. It seems this is a widely know issue with this vehicle as I find multiple postings about it online. This has been going on for some time, and replacing the bulb does no good. I've gone to the dealership about it and they offer to "adjust" it at no charge, but there is no change and since they don't charge me for it there's no service ticket, which means there's no record. The consumer stated the form is outdated and has expired.
- 11/19/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT AN ATTACHMENT TO THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V097000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE, ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
- 11/18/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle
- 11/18/2023· STRUCTURE
paintKIA Kia optima lx SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION! it started about a few months ago in oct 2023 and now its starting to peel in different places please help this is not fair!