2014 Kia Optima recalls and problems

The 2014 Kia Optima has 7 safety recalls and 591 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652, recall 21V-331, recall 20V-519 carry a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
7
Complaints
591
Crashes / fires
20 / 43
Injuries / deaths
22 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2014 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2014 Kia Optima recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-093: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 17, 2022 · 72,848 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.

Recall 21V-331: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported May 10, 2021 · 440,370 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-519: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Aug 27, 2020 · 440,370 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-100: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 21, 2020 · 141,774 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.

Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 19, 2018 · 71,653 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-224: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 31, 2017 · 618,160 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2014 Kia Optima problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine284
Steering97
Unknown or Other89
Electrical System60
Structure48
Fuel/Propulsion System42
Service Brakes25
Vehicle Speed Control21
Power Train20
Exterior Lighting18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
Air Bags16

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 48
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 6
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,875 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2014 Kia Optima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Oct 23, 2026
1. Component or system that failed/malfunctioned & availability for inspection: The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system and the steering column assembly have failed. The vehicle and the defective steering column are fully available for inspection upon request. 2. How safety was put at risk: A known, dealer-diagnosed defective steering column compromises structural steering control. Operating a vehicle with an unresolved steering column defect creates an immediate risk of catastrophic steering failure, locking, or sudden loss of control at high speeds, placing myself, my passengers, and…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 145,848 miles · reported Oct 15, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled and shut off. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure and it was determined that the engine required replacement. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) due to insufficient service records. The manufacturer was…
Parking Brake · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after leaving the vehicle parked for approximately 4 hours, the contact returned to the vehicle and the engine running even though the vehicle was turned off. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the traction control light, ABS, and the parking brake light were illuminated. The contact stopped, parked the vehicle, and restarted the vehicle, attempting to reset the vehicle; however, the lights remained illuminated. While the vehicle was at the residence a family member disconnected the battery and used water on the body of the vehicle…
Steering · at 153,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Engine · reported Oct 5, 2026
I was driving normally on I-76 when suddenly, I couldn’t feel the gas working. Everything was fine with the car until then, but all of a sudden, I saw all the lights on the dashboard. I could slowly smell the smell of flames, and later, it caught fire! I was terrified for my life, and seeing that happen to my first car, which I had only had for three weeks, still haunts me.

Other Kia Optima years

Compare all Kia Optima years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2014 Kia Optima: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-093 (fuel system, gasoline), 21V-331 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-519 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-100 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Kia Optima?

Owners report engine problems most often (284 reports), followed by steering (97). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,875 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.