2014 Kia Optima Problems

While driving the engine seized In April 2026 on the interstate. The vehicle started to decelerate while cars where flying on the interstate. The problem has not been fixed. The issue has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings or sighs before the care seized.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used a scanner and retrieved a code for failure with the knock sensor detection system and glow plug relay. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. There was a question about the ownership of the vehicle. The warranty was denied because the vehicle was not being purchased from the dealer. The contact provided the title to show ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the noise and clunk feel when driving over bumps and turns. There has been a campaign/recall for other makes and models. But this car hasn’t been included.

Steering violently shakes at 65 mph. Steering wheel makes a clunking noise when moving side to side.

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,527. However, upon taking the vehicle to the dealer due to excessive oil consumption, the dealer informed the contact that the actual mileage was over 200,000 as per the Carfax report. The seller was contacted but did not provide assistance.

My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.

[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.

High pressure fuel This put me at risk because my car could have caught on fire if that gas leaked in a certain spot under the hood. Independent service center No warning signs. This is the second time, I am paying to get this done. There should be some type of recall on this part.

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.

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 damaged and needed to be repaired before the recall repair was completed. The dealer asked the contact to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Motor blew going down the road.

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

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.

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Vehicles Low-Beam headlights are very poor. Brought for service/adjustments and was advised that they were properly aimed and that nothing more could be done other than installing brighter headlights. While driving at night I need the fog lights or the high-beam lights on for proper visibility which could cause issues for other drivers on the road.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were very dim. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights had to be used while driving in poorly lit areas. The contact had called a local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to check the headlights. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the reflective coating in the headlight assemblies had deteriorated to the point that there was an accumulation of reflective material debris on the headlamp floor and that other reflective material was peeling away from the sides of both headlight assemblies. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the heat of the light bulbs was degrading the reflective material. The headlight assemblies were not replaced. The contact changed the light bulbs and both headlights were still dim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

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

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.

The paint is defective/chipping. Now, rusting has occurred.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, GRAVEL FELL OFF OF A HEAVY TRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED OR INSPECTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,110.

Pep boys told me in Panama City that this is a recall for Kia and it's a safety issue and my steering is loose I'm taking it to Kia on May 28th to get them to fix it

I noticed my oil was not staying in the engine. Oil has been changed but seems not to retain. The car stalled out on February 2nd and would not restart. I believe it is seized. Noticed a very new and recent shake during braking days before it stalled. The fuel seems to show like 42 miles to go until empty but run out , i guess fuel pump or fuel float. Also a fuel smell. Also the digital service option does not work never a check engine light or anything .I've read many things by others who own same vehicle and had same issues. I purchased this car in August/September. I feel the dealer may have known of these issues and still sold the car.Please help me figure out how to address these issues to get it fixed.

I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALER IN ORANGE COUNTY, AND THEY CHARGED ME EXTRA TO RESOLVE THE RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE'S AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE GAS INTAKE IS RIDICULOUS, AND THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER AS IT USED TO.

THE ELECTRIC DRIVERS SEAT HAS FAILED. MOTORS NOT ENGAGED. FUSE LINK OK. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CONTROL PANEL. STILL NO POWER TO SEAT. SEAT IS NOW IN FORWARD POSITION.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Regal Kia (1025 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair which included a system update and while driving 45 MPH after the recall repair, the vehicle experienced inadvertent braking, without another vehicle nearby. The contact coasted the vehicle until the vehicle regained normal acceleration functionality. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance, Traction Control, ABS, and Blind Spot Detection system's warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic linked the failure to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000

TIRE WENT FLAT THEN BLEW OUT AFTER BEING RE-INFLATED BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

Lost power train while driving on the freeway. I put the computer on the car and I got code PO605.

I RECENTLY HAD MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THE TURBO FUEL LINE WHICH WAS A RECALL AND SNAPPED IN MY. THIS WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER EVER SINCE THAT NOW MY TURBO IS NOT WORKING AND I HAVE VERY LITTLE PICKUP WHEN I ACCELERATE. ALSO MY SEATBELT LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON STATING THAT MY SEATBELT IS NOT CONNECTED WHEN IT IS. AND THIS PROBLEM WILL RECOVER FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND HAPPEN AGAIN IN A FEW DAYS