2014 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 46 brake complaints for the 2014 Kia Optima, 8% of all complaints for the year, with 8 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries. Median mileage at failure was 90,669. Three related recalls cover brake fluid leaks inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).
- Brakes complaints
- 46
- 8% of 585
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 90,669 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly fails to stop the car or loses effectiveness suddenly during normal driving, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Owners describe the vehicle stalling or lurching unexpectedly while the brake pedal is depressed, in some cases at highway speeds.
- Some drivers report the brake pedal and steering wheel locking up together without warning, causing loss of control.
- Warning lights for traction control, ABS, and brakes reportedly illuminate together, accompanied by shaking or skidding when braking at low speed.
- A few complaints describe smoke or fire originating near the engine compartment shortly after a stall or brake-related warning light event.
- One owner reported the car pulling hard to one side on the interstate, making it difficult to control, especially in wind.
When 2014 Kia Optima brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 9, 2015, latest Feb 9, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2014 Kia Optima
- 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 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.
- NHTSA 20V519000Aug 27, 2020Brakes440,370 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. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
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. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Brakes complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2014 Kia Optima have?
- NHTSA lists 46 brake complaints for the 2014 Optima, which is 8% of the 585 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2014 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Three recalls—20V519000, 21V331000, and 23V652000—address brake fluid leaking inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which can cause an electrical short. All three tell owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2014 Optima?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 90,669 at the time of brake-related failure reports.
- Have the 2014 Optima's brake problems caused crashes or fires?
- Yes. NHTSA records 8 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries among the 46 brake complaints for this model year.
- Is the brake complaint rate worse in 2014 than other Optima years?
- No. The 2014 Optima's brake complaints are 8% of its total complaints, lower than 2012 (11%), 2011 (9%), 2013 (10%), and 2015 (10%), based on NHTSA data.