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2014 Kia Optima problems

What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.

590owner complaints
7safety recalls
20involved a crash

Also reported: 43 fires, 22 people injured, 2 deaths. Each complaint is counted once even if it lists several components.

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Most reported problems

Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 590.

Engine284
Usually 49,000–119,000 miles (middle half of 169 reports with mileage)
Steering96
Usually 188–64,165 miles (middle half of 58 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Electric power assist system (1)
Unknown or other89
Usually 46,786–89,000 miles (middle half of 33 reports with mileage)
Electrical system60
Usually 49,750–94,742 miles (middle half of 31 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (1)
Structure48
Usually 57,625–106,919 miles (middle half of 16 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Body (48)
Fuel/propulsion system42
Usually 40,500–114,594 miles (middle half of 12 reports with mileage)
Service brakes25
Usually 56,900–83,901 miles (middle half of 11 reports with mileage)
Vehicle speed control21
Usually 40,000–89,000 miles (middle half of 13 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Cruise control (1)
Power train20
Usually 42,924–106,592 miles (middle half of 14 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Automatic transmission › control module (tcm/PCM/tecm) (1)
Exterior lighting18
Usually 33,569–94,000 miles (middle half of 12 reports with mileage)

When problems show up

Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.

Engine

169 reports with mileage · median 85,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Steering

58 reports with mileage · median 12,125 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Unknown or other

33 reports with mileage · median 71,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Safety recalls (7)

Recalls that cover the 2014 Kia Optima. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.

Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module

Campaign 23V652000 · 2023-09-25 · 1,730,192 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline › delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 22V093000 · 2022-02-17 · 72,848 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module

Campaign 21V331000 · 2021-05-10 · 440,370 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module

Campaign 20V519000 · 2020-08-27 · 440,370 vehicles

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)…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline › delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 20V100000 · 2020-02-21 · 141,774 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Engine; fuel system, gasoline › delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 18V907000 · 2018-12-19 · 71,653 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Engine and engine cooling › engine

Campaign 17V224000 · 2017-03-31 · 618,160 vehicles

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Questions to ask the seller

Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.

284 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 49,000 and 119,000 miles.

Any steering noises, pulling, stiffness, or loss of power assist? Turn lock to lock while parked and listen.

96 owner complaints mention the steering, half of the reports with mileage are between 188 and 64,165 miles.

Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.

60 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 49,750 and 94,742 miles.

Any rust, frame damage, or body repairs? Look underneath and ask whether the car has been in an accident.

48 owner complaints mention the body or structure, half of the reports with mileage are between 57,625 and 106,919 miles.

Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.

42 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system, half of the reports with mileage are between 40,500 and 114,594 miles.

Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year.

Other Kia Optima years

Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.

Compare all years on one chart

Source: NHTSA complaints file (FLAT_CMPL, updated 2026-10-21) and NHTSA recalls file. Page generated 2026-10-22.

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