KIA OPTIMA · model year

2014 KIA OPTIMA

763 NHTSA complaints, 35 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014KIAOPTIMA carries 763 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 35 crashes, 57 fires, 34 injuries, and 3 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 OPTIMA is engine with 269 filings, followed by steering (90) and unknown or other (86). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 38 investigation files overlapping the 2014 OPTIMA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

763
Complaints
35
Crashes
57
Fires
34
Injuries
3
Deaths
2014 KIA OPTIMA — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 KIA OPTIMA. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

763 filings

Crashes Reported

35 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE269
STEERING90
UNKNOWN OR OTHER86
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56
STRUCTURE:BODY48
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM37
SERVICE BRAKES25
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
POWER TRAIN19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC16
AIR BAGS15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11
SUSPENSION10
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY6

Recalls (7)

17V22400031/03/2017

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.

20V51900027/08/2020

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.

23V65200025/09/2023

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

20V10000021/02/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

18V90700019/12/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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 pi

22V09300017/02/2022

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.

21V33100010/05/2021

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.

Recent Complaints

20260209SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and smoke was coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the contact was informed that the recall could not be repaired because other unknown repairs had not performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20260128STEERING

The vehicle is currently experiencing failure consistent with a U.S safety call {Technical Service Bulletin) related to the steering column. A diagnostic scan has confirmed error code C1259 (angle sensor signal error) that match those referenced in the recall documentation. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized Kia dealership in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where we were informed that no recall appears in their system and that the recall “only applies to the mainland United States”. This response is concerning, as Puerto Rico is a US territory, and this defect directly impacts driver safety and vehicle control. Given that this involves steering system failure, I consider this a critical safety concern.

20260118ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car has a engine light on an I was told it has a recall on it It a FUEL SENDING UNIT-N and a FUEL PUMP LOCK RING -N.

20260115STEERING

I am getting a clunking in the steering column.. I feel that my vehicle may be unsafe to drive.. Upon inspection it was brought to my attention that kia had known of a problem with a coupler in the steering that goes bad..they have extended the warranty.. But only for cars purchased in certain states. I feel that this problem should be covered...

20260113ENGINE

Motor blew going down the road.

20260113FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Motor blew going down the road.

20260113VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Motor blew going down the road.

20260113UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Paint defect, this is a well documented issue with the snow white pearl paint color. need to get the vehicle repainted so it looks as good as it drives. there is the bubbling, flaking and in some spots down to the bare metal.

20260102FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V10000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact became aware that the vehicle was out of fuel. The contact added five gallons of fuel, and the vehicle stalled several miles down the road. The vehicle had again run out of fuel. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or inspected. The contact was informed that the fuel leak had nothing to do with the recall. However, the contact was informed that the battery portal was dama

Mileage: 100,000

20260102SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V10000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact became aware that the vehicle was out of fuel. The contact added five gallons of fuel, and the vehicle stalled several miles down the road. The vehicle had again run out of fuel. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or inspected. The contact was informed that the fuel leak had nothing to do with the recall. However, the contact was informed that the battery portal was dama

Mileage: 100,000

20251231VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

20251231AIR BAGS

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

20251231ENGINE

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

20251228ENGINE

The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.

20251228POWER TRAIN

The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.

20251222CrashAIR BAGS

The contact works as an investigator for the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. The contact was investigating a 2014 Kia Optima with a salvaged title and reported that the air bags failed to deploy in a front-end collision. The contact stated that the air bags may have been removed or the air bag sensors were disconnected. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 30-35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No warning light was illuminated. The driver's face struck the steering wheel upon impact. The driver received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where the insurance company investigated the crash, but had not yet deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20251222CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact works as an investigator for the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. The contact was investigating a 2014 Kia Optima with a salvaged title and reported that the air bags failed to deploy in a front-end collision. The contact stated that the air bags may have been removed or the air bag sensors were disconnected. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 30-35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No warning light was illuminated. The driver's face struck the steering wheel upon impact. The driver received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where the insurance company investigated the crash, but had not yet deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20251118UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle

20251113ENGINE

My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (MC-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) What it covered: The recall was for certain 2011-2014 Kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the Oil Pressure Switch (OPS) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle b

20251113ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (MC-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) What it covered: The recall was for certain 2011-2014 Kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the Oil Pressure Switch (OPS) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle b

Compare 2014KIAOPTIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 KIA OPTIMA have?
The 2014 KIA OPTIMA has 763 NHTSA complaints, 35 crashes, 57 fires, 34 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 KIA OPTIMA?
The 2014 KIA OPTIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 KIA OPTIMA?
Yes, the 2014 KIA OPTIMA has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 KIA OPTIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2014 KIA OPTIMA is ENGINE with 269 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2014 KIA OPTIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 KIA OPTIMA has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.