MYRModel Year Report

2014 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2014 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
587
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2014

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2014 587 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2014 587 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 587 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2014: 587 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

48% · 283 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving normally on I-76 when suddenly, I couldn’t feel the gas working. Everything was fine with the car until then, but all of a sudden, I saw all the lights on the dashboard.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Also filed under Electrical system and fuel/propulsion system

Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. While driving at an unknown high speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-25

Steering

16% · 95 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

10% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-30

Also filed under Air bags

Summer 2017 The engine failed while driving with my family. The engine seized and a fire was engulfed. I was in the interstate and we feared for our life. Out of town visiting family we were stranded in another state for a month waiting for repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03

I was driving down the street when car caught on fire out of no where.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-30

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Structure

8% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 42 reports
CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2014Complaint volume 587 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  3. R
    2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  5. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  7. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  8. R
    2020-06-12Fuel system, gasoline20V100000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2020-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic20V519000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2021-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic21V331000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  12. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  13. R
    2022-08-02Fuel system, gasoline22V093000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  15. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  16. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2014 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 283 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 95 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 20V100000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 20V519000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 21V331000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 22V093000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2014 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Optima have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.