YearToAvoid

2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Problems

Owners filed 17 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, 55% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 45,000. NHTSA lists no engine recall tied to this model year despite several reports of catastrophic failure and stalling.

Engine complaints
17
55% of 31
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
45,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe sudden engine knocking during acceleration followed by loss of power and a "hybrid system not charged, pull over and turn off engine" warning.
  • Some reported the engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly at highway speeds, including at 70 mph.
  • One owner reported the engine threw a rod through the motor, comparing it to the recalled engine used in the gas Optima.
  • Others describe loud valve noise, lurching under acceleration, and a burning rubber smell from the vents.
  • Several complaints mention the check engine, HEV, tire pressure, and oil change warning lights illuminating together before the engine stalled.

When 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 8, 2014, latest Jan 10, 2023.

2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2014Apr 2017Jul 2017Oct 2017Aug 2018May 2019Jul 2019Jul 2022
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Jan 2023; peak Aug 2014 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Optima Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201122 (65%)
  2. 201276 (70%)
  3. 201318 (33%)
  4. 201417 (55%)
  5. 20155 (42%)
  6. 20162 (50%)
  7. 201717 (65%)
  8. 20183 (100%)
  9. 20201 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA list for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid?
NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, which is 55% of the 31 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, even though some owners compare their engine failures to the recall issued for the gas-only Optima.
At what mileage do 2014 Optima Hybrid engine problems usually happen?
The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 45,000 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?
Among the 2014 Optima Hybrid complaints in this data set, there were 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.