Worst 2014 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2014 Kia Optima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 272 | 7 | 27 | 83,523 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 91 | 1 | — | 51,253 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 56 | 1 | 6 | 72,460 mi | |
| Body Structure | 48 | 1 | 3 | 76,819 mi | |
| Fuel System | 38 | 3 | 7 | 73,088 mi | |
| Brakes | 25 | 6 | 2 | 85,069 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 3 | 1 | 59,410 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 2 | 1 | 81,578 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | — | 1 | 60,488 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 16 | 2 | 2 | 109,553 mi | |
| Airbags | 15 | 5 | — | 71,894 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 11 | 1 | — | 136,578 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | — | — | 15,138 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 6 | — | — | 72,409 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 6 | — | 1 | 86,458 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 6 | — | — | 26,624 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | 37,975 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 5 | — | — | 5,318 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Sump/Tank:Drain Plug | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2014 Kia Optima
7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,515,367 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
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.
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.
Other Kia Optima Years
2014 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Optima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2014 Kia Optima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Optima?
How safe is the 2014 Kia Optima?
Does the 2014 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Optima?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2014 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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