Total Complaints
51 filings
KIA OPTIMA HYBRID · model year
51 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2014KIAOPTIMA HYBRID carries 51 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries, and 0 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 HYBRID is engine with 16 filings, followed by electrical system (9) and vehicle speed control (4). 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.
NHTSA currently has 38 investigation files overlapping the 2014 OPTIMA HYBRID, 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.
Total Complaints
51 filings
Crashes Reported
12 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM) | 1 |
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with a battery management system (BMS) message displayed. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal, but the pedal became firm, causing the contact to almost crash into another vehicle. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the BMS message and check engine warning was light illuminated. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle needed be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Mileage: 84,000
The contact owns 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the "Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine" message displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. On two occasions, the vehicle shifted to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,997.
Mileage: 58,997
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were notified but refused to help with the issue.
Mileage: 140,000
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the hybrid system malfunctioned. The contact stated that during the failure the vehicle decelerated and lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Error message comes up on the dashboard.
Mileage: 75,000
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated with the "check hybrid battery and check engine" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Mileage: 122,000
ON 6/07/19 WHILE TRAVELLING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELLING ABOUT 65 MPH, THE DASH DISPLAY READ CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, AND SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN STIFFENING, I COASTED FROM THE PASSING LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE AND THEN TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PARK THE CAR. KIA FAILED TO PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SINCE THE CAR HAS OVER 60,000 MILES(ACTUALLY HAS 95,000 MILES), HOWEVER I AM STILL UNDER THE 10YR/100,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP VIA MY INSURANCE COVERAGE. AFTER THE ASSESSMENT I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN MAIN HYBRID FUSE. CHARGED $201.24 TO REPLACE THE FUSE. I PRESENT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY POSSIBLE TO REACH A LANE SHOULDER WITHOUT POSSIBLE HARM OR DEATH. ACCORDING TO KIA'S OWN "TECHNICAL OPERATIONS NOTICE - PS515(REV 2, 02/28/2019" DATED AUGUST 2017), THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS PRO
Mileage: 95,000
ON 6/07/19 WHILE TRAVELLING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELLING ABOUT 65 MPH, THE DASH DISPLAY READ CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, AND SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN STIFFENING, I COASTED FROM THE PASSING LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE AND THEN TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PARK THE CAR. KIA FAILED TO PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SINCE THE CAR HAS OVER 60,000 MILES(ACTUALLY HAS 95,000 MILES), HOWEVER I AM STILL UNDER THE 10YR/100,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP VIA MY INSURANCE COVERAGE. AFTER THE ASSESSMENT I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN MAIN HYBRID FUSE. CHARGED $201.24 TO REPLACE THE FUSE. I PRESENT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY POSSIBLE TO REACH A LANE SHOULDER WITHOUT POSSIBLE HARM OR DEATH. ACCORDING TO KIA'S OWN "TECHNICAL OPERATIONS NOTICE - PS515(REV 2, 02/28/2019" DATED AUGUST 2017), THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS PRO
Mileage: 95,000
ON 6/07/19 WHILE TRAVELLING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELLING ABOUT 65 MPH, THE DASH DISPLAY READ CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, AND SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN STIFFENING, I COASTED FROM THE PASSING LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE AND THEN TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PARK THE CAR. KIA FAILED TO PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SINCE THE CAR HAS OVER 60,000 MILES(ACTUALLY HAS 95,000 MILES), HOWEVER I AM STILL UNDER THE 10YR/100,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP VIA MY INSURANCE COVERAGE. AFTER THE ASSESSMENT I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN MAIN HYBRID FUSE. CHARGED $201.24 TO REPLACE THE FUSE. I PRESENT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY POSSIBLE TO REACH A LANE SHOULDER WITHOUT POSSIBLE HARM OR DEATH. ACCORDING TO KIA'S OWN "TECHNICAL OPERATIONS NOTICE - PS515(REV 2, 02/28/2019" DATED AUGUST 2017), THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS PRO
Mileage: 95,000
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE DASHBOARD READ 'HEV SYSTEM WARNING. PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF VEHICLE.' ENGINE THEN SHUT OFF. AFTER NEARLY BEING HIT BY A SEMI-TRUCK, I COASTED FROM THE CARPOOL TO THE OFF RAMP EXIT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 5-15MPH AND MADE IT HOME SAFELY. I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO THE CITRUS VALLEY MOTORS IN THE CITY OF ONTARIO. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS STATING IT WAS A FUSE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WILL COST ME $686.97. KIA RELEASED INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC STATING THEY KNOW THE 125 FUSE AMP FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEMS WAS THE WRONG SIZE WHICH CAN CAUSE A 'BLOW OUT' TURNING THE ENGINE OFF WHILE DRIVING. KIA STAYED THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE IT WITH THE 150 AMP FUSE IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN THE POWER TO THE ENGINE. I CALLED KIA EXPRESSING MY CONCERN UNDER THE FEDERAL POLICY 'LEMON LAW.' KIA TOLD ME 'YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED BY 3 WEEKS. WE CAN NOT GIVE YOU ASSISTANCE.' MY VEHICLE SITS IN THE SHOP WITH A WRONG SIZE FUSE AND WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE CORRECT SIZE THAT S
Mileage: 87,000
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE DASHBOARD READ 'HEV SYSTEM WARNING. PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF VEHICLE.' ENGINE THEN SHUT OFF. AFTER NEARLY BEING HIT BY A SEMI-TRUCK, I COASTED FROM THE CARPOOL TO THE OFF RAMP EXIT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 5-15MPH AND MADE IT HOME SAFELY. I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO THE CITRUS VALLEY MOTORS IN THE CITY OF ONTARIO. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS STATING IT WAS A FUSE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WILL COST ME $686.97. KIA RELEASED INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC STATING THEY KNOW THE 125 FUSE AMP FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEMS WAS THE WRONG SIZE WHICH CAN CAUSE A 'BLOW OUT' TURNING THE ENGINE OFF WHILE DRIVING. KIA STAYED THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE IT WITH THE 150 AMP FUSE IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN THE POWER TO THE ENGINE. I CALLED KIA EXPRESSING MY CONCERN UNDER THE FEDERAL POLICY 'LEMON LAW.' KIA TOLD ME 'YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED BY 3 WEEKS. WE CAN NOT GIVE YOU ASSISTANCE.' MY VEHICLE SITS IN THE SHOP WITH A WRONG SIZE FUSE AND WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE CORRECT SIZE THAT S
Mileage: 87,000
DRIVING VEH ON HWY AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF COMPLETELY. SCARY!!! AFTER TAKING TO LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEM BEING STUMPED SO MUCH THEY CALLED AND SPOKE TO KIA ENGINEERS,( TECH LINE CASE REF #13028149) I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE PRESSURE SOURCE UNIT. I DID, DID NOT FIX IT. IN FACT WHEN I RETURNED THE PART THEY SAID IT IS NOW NOT WORKING. MECHANIC SUGGESTED A NEW ABS SYSTEM. I ALSO REPLACED THAT.... VEH IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1600 AND CAN STILL NOT OPERATE MY VEH SAFELY. KIA DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER, AND I HAVE SEEN THIS COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE MORE THAN ONCE. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Mileage: 76,000
DRIVING VEH ON HWY AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF COMPLETELY. SCARY!!! AFTER TAKING TO LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEM BEING STUMPED SO MUCH THEY CALLED AND SPOKE TO KIA ENGINEERS,( TECH LINE CASE REF #13028149) I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE PRESSURE SOURCE UNIT. I DID, DID NOT FIX IT. IN FACT WHEN I RETURNED THE PART THEY SAID IT IS NOW NOT WORKING. MECHANIC SUGGESTED A NEW ABS SYSTEM. I ALSO REPLACED THAT.... VEH IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1600 AND CAN STILL NOT OPERATE MY VEH SAFELY. KIA DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER, AND I HAVE SEEN THIS COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE MORE THAN ONCE. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Mileage: 76,000
DRIVING VEH ON HWY AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF COMPLETELY. SCARY!!! AFTER TAKING TO LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEM BEING STUMPED SO MUCH THEY CALLED AND SPOKE TO KIA ENGINEERS,( TECH LINE CASE REF #13028149) I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE PRESSURE SOURCE UNIT. I DID, DID NOT FIX IT. IN FACT WHEN I RETURNED THE PART THEY SAID IT IS NOW NOT WORKING. MECHANIC SUGGESTED A NEW ABS SYSTEM. I ALSO REPLACED THAT.... VEH IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1600 AND CAN STILL NOT OPERATE MY VEH SAFELY. KIA DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER, AND I HAVE SEEN THIS COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE MORE THAN ONCE. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Mileage: 76,000
WHILE I WAS DRIVER ON THE STREET. A WARNING CHECK HEV SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. THEN THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM JUST SHUTDOWN AND I LOST ALL POWER. THE CAR WENT FROM WORKING PERFECT TO COMPLETELY OUT OF POWER IN 30 SECOND.
Mileage: 50,000
DRIVING NORMALLY, HCU ERROR POPPED UP ON NAV DISPLAY AS WELL AS DRIVERS DISPLAY. TOLD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND TURN OFF ENGINE. I WAS TRAVELING ON ONCE HE INTERSTATE, BY THE TIME I GOT INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER. TURNED ON EMERGENCY HAZARD LIGHTS AND AFTER 5 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND BROUGHT IT TO ROCK RIVER KIA IN ROCKDOED, IL. LATER WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND THE HYBRID BATTERY WAS NO LONGER HOLDING A CHARGE. ESTIMATED 14,000 REPAIR COST.
Mileage: 152,238
DRIVING NORMALLY, HCU ERROR POPPED UP ON NAV DISPLAY AS WELL AS DRIVERS DISPLAY. TOLD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND TURN OFF ENGINE. I WAS TRAVELING ON ONCE HE INTERSTATE, BY THE TIME I GOT INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER. TURNED ON EMERGENCY HAZARD LIGHTS AND AFTER 5 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND BROUGHT IT TO ROCK RIVER KIA IN ROCKDOED, IL. LATER WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND THE HYBRID BATTERY WAS NO LONGER HOLDING A CHARGE. ESTIMATED 14,000 REPAIR COST.
Mileage: 152,238
WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR YOU CAN SMELL A RUBBER BURNING SMELL COMIMG FROM THE AIR VENTS. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING IT THE CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN.
Mileage: 40,879
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.