2014 Kia Optima Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 306 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Optima, 52% of all complaints filed for that year, with 30 fires and 11 crashes reported. Two related recalls (17V224000 and 18V907000) cover premature bearing wear and fuel pipe issues tied to prior engine replacements. Median mileage at failure is 86,500.
- Engine complaints
- 306
- 52% of 585
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 30
- Injuries reported
- 12
- Median mileage
- 86,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls suddenly while driving, sometimes followed by smoke or flames from under the hood.
- Black or white smoke comes from the engine area, often accompanied by an oil warning light or a burning smell inside the cabin.
- Knocking or grinding noises precede loss of power, engine failure, or a fire.
- Owners report excessive engine sludge that dealers could not permanently repair.
- Vehicle surges or accelerates unexpectedly at low speed, in one case causing a crash into a wall.
- Fires start in the engine bay while driving or reversing, sometimes forcing occupants to pull over and evacuate.
When 2014 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 15, 2014, latest Sep 15, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2014 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Engine 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 engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 306 engine complaints for the 2014 Optima, which is 52% of the 585 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2014 Kia Optima engine?
- Yes. Recall 17V224000 covers 2011-2014 Optima vehicles for machining errors that can cause premature bearing wear, and recall 18V907000 covers a related fuel pipe inspection for vehicles that already had an engine replacement.
- Do 2014 Optima engine problems cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 30 fire incidents and 11 crashes among the engine complaints for the 2014 Optima.
- At what mileage do 2014 Optima engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 86,500 miles.