2014 Kia Optima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2014 Kia Optima has 585 complaints, a complaint index of 67, and 7 recalls, earning a Caution verdict ranked 6th worst of 16 model years. Engine problems dominate at 52% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,500.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #6 of 16 Optima years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 585
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- 3 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 20
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 42
- Injuries
- 22
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 22 / 2
Top 2014 Kia Optima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine306 (52%)
- Steering94 (16%)
- Other88 (15%)
- Electrical System75 (13%)
- Structure & Body53 (9%)
- Fuel System49 (8%)
- Brakes46 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (3%)
- Airbags16 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine oil warning light illuminates followed by black smoke from the exhaust or engine compartment.
- Engine catches fire while driving, sometimes preceded by a knocking sound.
- Excessive engine sludge builds up and dealers report no permanent repair available.
- Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly at what feels like full throttle at low speed, causing a crash.
- Frontal, side, or rear airbags fail to deploy in low-speed or side-impact collisions.
- Vehicle lurches or jerks unexpectedly while braking during low-speed maneuvers like parking.
2014 Kia Optima recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
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.
- NHTSA 22V093000Feb 17, 2022Fuel System72,848 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
- NHTSA 21V331000May 10, 2021Brakes440,370 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
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.
2014 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Kia Optima reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 585 complaints and a complaint index of 67 for the 2014 Optima, giving it a Caution verdict. It ranks 6th worst among 16 model years of the Optima, better than 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016, which are all rated Avoid.
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Optima?
- Engine issues make up 52% of complaints (306 of 585), including reports of stalling, smoke, and fires, with a median failure mileage of 71,500. Steering accounts for 16% of complaints and electrical issues for 13%.
- Does the 2014 Kia Optima have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 17V224000 covers machining errors causing premature engine bearing wear, and recall 18V907000 covers a related fuel pipe inspection. NHTSA lists 42 fire reports for this model year.
- Does the 2014 Kia Optima have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. Recalls 20V100000 and 22V093000 address a low-pressure fuel hose that may deteriorate, crack, or lack heat-protective tape, potentially causing a fuel leak.
- How does the 2014 Optima compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 67, the 2014 Optima ranks better than 2011 through 2016 but worse than 2005-2010, 2017, and 2020, which are rated Good or Best.