2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid ranks 3rd worst out of 9 model years, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 31 NHTSA complaints, mostly tied to the engine (55% share). No recalls have been issued for this year, but owners report engine failures around a median 45,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Optima Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 36.5
- 35 city / 38 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine17 (55%)
- Electrical System11 (35%)
- Fuel System4 (13%)
- Other4 (13%)
- Airbags3 (10%)
- Steering3 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (10%)
- Brakes2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine throws a rod or knocks under acceleration, sometimes shortly before the hybrid system shuts down.
- Warning messages such as "hybrid system not charged, pull over" appear along with a sudden loss of power on the highway.
- Vehicle stalls unexpectedly at intersections or low speeds after a check engine or hybrid charging alert.
- Steering wheel jolts unpredictably at various speeds, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
- Car lurches or moves on its own while parking, resulting in collisions with walls or barriers.
- Electrical failures include a failed 125 amp fuse in the hybrid safety plug that caused stalling and required towing.
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 36.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,775
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Optima Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Optima Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 75, the 3rd highest among the 9 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 55% of complaints (17 of 31), with a median failure mileage of 45,000 and reports of engines knocking or throwing a rod.
- Does the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2014 Optima Hybrid, though owners have reported engine failures similar to those covered by recalls on other Optima model years.
- How does the 2014 Optima Hybrid compare to other years?
- It ranks worse than the 2011 (Complaint Index 63, Caution), 2015 (38, Good), and 2017 (50, Caution), but better than the 2012 (100, Avoid) and 2013 (88, Avoid).