2014 Kia Optima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#5 most-complained of 11 Optima years
The 2014 Kia Optima has 585 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 5th worst of 11 model years. Engine problems dominate at 52% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 86,500 miles, earning it a Caution verdict relative to other Optima years.
- Complaints
- 585
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 20 / 42
- Injuries / deaths
- 22 / 2
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2014 Kia Optima problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine emits black smoke from the exhaust or rear of the vehicle, sometimes accompanied by an illuminated oil warning light.
- Engine catches fire after knocking sounds or smoke appear while driving on the highway.
- Vehicle experiences unintended acceleration or full-throttle surges at low speed, leading to crashes into stationary objects.
- Frontal, side, and rear airbags fail to deploy during moderate-speed collisions.
- Vehicle shuts off without warning while driving, followed by white smoke and an engine fire.
- Brake system causes unexpected lunging or jerking motion 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?
- Compared to other Optima model years, the 2014 ranks 5th worst out of 11 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict. It has 585 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Kia Optima?
- Engine problems account for 52% of complaints (306 of 585), with a median failure mileage of 86,500 miles. NHTSA also lists engine-related recalls tied to bearing wear and fuel hose issues.
- Does the 2014 Kia Optima have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 17V224000 covers premature engine bearing wear from machining errors, and recall 18V907000 covers a fuel pipe inspection after prior engine replacement, both affecting the 2014 Optima.
- How does the 2014 Optima compare to other years?
- The 2014 Optima's Complaint Index of 60 is lower than 2012 (80), 2013 (100), and 2015 (90), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2017-2020, which range from 10 to 40 and rate Good or Best.
- Are there brake recalls on the 2014 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Recalls 20V519000, 21V331000, and 23V652000 address brake fluid leaking inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, which can cause an electrical short.